Global leader in sustainable chemical solutions, Kemira, has announced that it has successfully completed the first US full-scale trial of its chlorine-free wastewater treatment technology, KemConnect DEX, at Capital Region Water, the advanced wastewater facility serving Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and surrounding municipalities.
The achievement comes just eight months after the core ingredient of DEX received EPA approval for commercial use in the United States.
KemConnect DEX uses performic acid, a fast-acting, eco-friendly alternative to traditional chlorine-based microbial control. A one-month full-scale trial showed that even at low doses, the solution rapidly reduced bacteria levels and auto-degraded into biodegradable compounds with minimal environmental impact.
“Working with performic acid as a new microbial control technology was great all around. This trial showed us that there are legitimate alternatives to chlorine disinfection that do a better job and are safer for the environment,” said Jess Rosentel, Chief Operations Officer at Capital Region Water.
“Capital Region Water worked hand-in-hand with Kemira to take this first step in North America, and we could not be happier with the experience and look forward to continuing to help pave the way.”
The DEX system automates treatment dosing using real-time data, allowing operators to maintain bacterial limits despite fluctuations in flow and water quality. Installed on-site, it modernizes infrastructure without the high costs typically associated with chlorine or UV treatments.
“With the success of this full-scale trial in the US, we’re proving that DEX is the modern treatment system that facilities need to meet increasingly stringent regulations and changing requirements,” said Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, Executive Vice President, Water Solutions at Kemira.
“Performic acid helps operators control bacteria safely and effectively, without relying on chlorine-based chemistry – while our digital platform enables real-time visibility and the flexibility to adapt dosing as needed. This DEX system trial brings us one step closer to achieving more resilient, modern and sustainable water systems across the country.”
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