Toronto-based CHAR Technologies held its first U.S.-based demonstration of its commercial-scale pilot for high temperature pyrolysis to test and evaluate the effectiveness of the process to destroy PFAS chemicals in biosolids.
The demonstration took place on May 9 at the Water Environment Federation’s Residuals & Biosolids and Innovations in Treatment Technology Conference at Baltimore’s Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Biosolids provider Synagro Technologies Inc. utilized its facility on the property and partnered with CHAR Technologies for the demonstration, along with the Baltimore City Department of Public Works.
CHAR Technologies’ proprietary high-temperature pyrolysis (HTP) technology processes organic material into high-value renewable energy and bioproducts, such as a solid biochar and renewable synthetic gas, or syngas. The HTP system indirectly heats materials in the complete absence of oxygen to stop combustion and odours.
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“This project represents a major step forward in tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time,” announced CHAR Technologies CEO Andrew White.
“We are excited to feature a demonstration of our commercial-scale pilot of CHAR Tech’s pyrolysis process, leading the industry toward sustainable solutions by proactively addressing customers’ future needs,” said Pam Racey, chief commercial officer, Synagro, and the Residuals & Biosolids Conference Co-Chair.
Test data from the demonstration showing pyrolysis PFAS destruction has not yet been made available.
In Canada, the Government of Quebec recently introduced stricter regulations for biosolids to address growing concerns over PFAS contamination, which come into force on November 1, 2025.
