Project in Brief
- Project Name: Arlington, Texas Biofilter Re-bed
- Location: Arlington, TX
- Installation Date: April 2022
- Source of Odors: Old biofilter bed media
- System Type: Biofilter
- Media Type: Enhanced Cell-Max™
- Airflow: 87,000 scfm total; 21,750 cfm per biofilter cell
- Biofilter Size: 90′ × 56′ — Depth: 4′–6′
- H2S Removal Efficiency: >97%
The Situation
The four biofilter wood chip media beds at the Arlington, Texas wastewater treatment plant had reached the end of their lifecycle and were no longer effectively reducing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels. To address this, GES Biotek evaluated the project requirements and recommended their Enhanced Cell-Max™ media for the re-bedding project.
The Solution
The project involved a complete replacement of the media across all four biofilter cells. The old media was removed, and the biofilters were thoroughly cleaned. Repairs and modifications were made to the Bactee air distribution floors within each biofilter, ensuring optimal performance. Fresh Enhanced Cell-Max™ media was then installed and tested using smoke testing to confirm proper airflow distribution.
In total, 90,000 cubic feet of Enhanced Cell-Max™ media were installed, with each of the four 90′ × 56′ biofilter cells filled to a depth of 4–6 feet. The media is designed to treat up to 87,000 scfm (21,750 scfm per cell), achieving an anticipated H2S removal efficiency exceeding 97%.
The Enhanced Cell-Max™ media was shipped in 50-cubic-foot super sacks, with ten flatbed truck loads required for each biofilter cell.
Post-installation Smoke testing validated the performance of the air distribution system, ensuring uniform air permeation and consistent odor control across the entire biofilter system.
Product Features
Enhanced Cell-Max™ is an engineered inorganic substrate designed to maximize surface area, supporting the growth of a diverse ecosystem of odor-controlling microorganisms. It incorporates a proprietary blend of nutrients, adsorbents, minerals, and food sources to enhance biological performance.
The substrate is crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled materials, highlighting its advanced green technology credentials. It is rigid, lightweight, and highly resistant to degradation, even in environments with low pH and high sulfuric acid concentrations. Manufactured entirely in the United States, Enhanced Cell-Max™ combines superior quality with a commitment to sustainability.
Additional Case Studies
Biofilter Media Upgrade, Temecula, CA
Enhanced Cell-Max™, Crater-Max®
A media upgrade prevented large amounts of hydrogen sulfide from exiting the plant’s two biofilters
Eastern Municipal Water District, San Jacinto, CA
Enhanced Cell-Max™, Crater-Max®
GES Biotek installed a dual-media ecosystem to properly distribute the foul air and remove all complex odors and VOCs.
Woodlands Pump Station, Cary, NC
Enhanced Cell-Max™
GES Biotek manufactures engineered nutrient-rich open-cell substrate from recycled glass material that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Hono’uli’uli WWTP, Honolulu, HI
Enhanced Cell-Max™
Three biofilters required outfitting with a complete odor control system, including all media, equipment and accessories.