Behind the process
Thermal hydrolysis uses high pressure steam to break down biosolids before digestion, creating beneficial reuse options such as producing fertilizer-grade material, composting, or land application.
Practices
Markets
Setting a new standard for wastewater treatment
In 2011, the Trinity River Authority of Texas (TRA) commissioned a solids master plan to guide operations across multiple water reclamation facilities, including its largest facility, the Central Regional Wastewater System (CRWS). CRWS serves 1.2 million people across 20 Dallas metroplex communities and the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. We partnered with TRA to design an upgrade using thermal hydrolysis technology to recover valuable resources from biosolids.
Facility capacity
The facility is permitted for a flow of 162 million gallons per day and has traditionally produced lime-stabilized biosolids for land application.
Cutting costs through biosolids reduction
Reducing biosolids volume means fewer truck hauls and major cost savings. TRA projects an 11-year payback on investment and $150 million in savings over 30 years.
Optimizing cooling for year-round efficiency
We advised the CRWS to use a two-stage system that cools from 90°C to 70°C, then blends and cools to 35°C. This design ensures optimal, efficient operation year-round.
These upgrades prepare CRWS to adopt a full suite of net-zero technologies when conditions allow. Together with TRA, we are setting a new standard for water reclamation in Texas. “This project presents the next generation of thermal hydrolysis, enhanced by lessons from our previous experience,” says Loomis.