Operational PONDUS system helps Pennsylvania utility increase renewable natural gas production, improve dewatering performance and optimize existing treatment infrastructure.
KENOSHA, Wis. (September 2, 2026) – Centrisys/CNP, a leading North American manufacturer of decanter centrifuges and advanced biosolids treatment technologies, announced the successful startup and operation of its PONDUS® Thermal Hydrolysis Process (TCHP) at Capital Region Water's Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWTF) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. As part of the utility's Energy Recovery Improvement Project, the system is helping increase renewable natural gas (RNG) production, improve biosolids dewatering performance and maximize the capacity of existing anaerobic digesters while supporting Capital Region Water's long-term sustainability and energy recovery goals.
Serving approximately 300,000 people throughout the Harrisburg region, Capital Region Water implemented the PONDUS system to strengthen its renewable energy strategy by increasing biogas production for conversion into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas. The upgraded process allows the utility to generate additional revenue through both renewable energy credits and natural gas sales while improving the efficiency of its biosolids management program.
"Capital Region Water had a clear vision of transforming wastewater solids into a valuable renewable energy resource while reducing operating costs," said Gerhard Forstner, president of CNP. "PONDUS helps accomplish both objectives by increasing biogas production, improving dewaterability and enabling the utility to maximize its existing digester infrastructure through a simple, operator-friendly process."
Prior to the upgrade, Capital Region Water faced challenges with poor dewatering performance, resulting in lower cake solids and higher biosolids disposal costs. Since startup, the facility has experienced approximately 30 percent higher biogas production than observed prior to installation while significantly improving dewatering performance, helping reduce the volume of biosolids requiring transport and disposal. The enhanced process also provides additional digester capacity, allowing the utility to better utilize existing assets while supporting future operational flexibility.
Unlike conventional thermal hydrolysis systems, the PONDUS process operates at atmospheric pressure without requiring pressure vessels or complex steam systems. Its compact footprint enabled the system to integrate within Capital Region Water's existing facility while providing a simpler solution for plant operators to maintain and operate.
Forstner added, "One of Capital Region Water's priorities was implementing technology that could be readily operated and maintained by its existing staff. PONDUS delivers the proven benefits of thermal hydrolysis through a straightforward design that minimizes operational complexity while maximizing long-term value."
The project was developed in collaboration with engineering firm Arcadis, whose design incorporated the PONDUS process to support the facility's renewable energy and biosolids management objectives. Brown and Caldwell served as program manager and McCossin as general contractor. Throughout startup and commissioning, the Centrisys/CNP team worked closely with Capital Region Water's operators to optimize system performance and ensure a smooth transition to full operation.
"Working alongside the Capital Region Water team throughout commissioning has been extremely rewarding," added Forstner. "Their commitment to innovation, combined with the strong collaboration among the utility, Arcadis, B&C, McCossin and our team, has resulted in a system that is already delivering meaningful operational improvements. We're proud to support Capital Region Water as it continues advancing one of the region's most forward-looking energy recovery programs."
“PONDUS TCHP has been quick and easy to start-up,” added Raymond Hoke, CRWRF’s Operations Supervisor. “We immediately saw a significant increase in biogas production after starting up the PONDUS system. The increase in biogas production and generation of revenue from the sale of the gas will be a huge benefit to the taxpayers of Harrisburg.”
Capital Region Water's PONDUS installation represents one of the most advanced thermal hydrolysis process installations in the United States and demonstrates how utilities can leverage innovative biosolids technologies to increase renewable energy production, reduce disposal costs and improve the performance of existing treatment infrastructure without adding unnecessary operational complexity.