Client: New Plymouth District Council

Duration: 24 months (planned completion in 2025)

Background

New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is adding a single rotary drum thermal dryer at the New Plymouth Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

The purpose of the new facility is to replace/ upgrade the existing thermal dryer facility as it is nearing the end of its operational life.

The thermal dryer facility (TDF) is responsible for drying the biosolids from the WWTP to produce a fertiliser product for the market. The existing TDF remains operational while the new facilities are being constructed to enable the continuous production of the Bio-boost fertiliser.

Downer is working with NPDC to design, install and commission the thermal dryer alongside ancillary equipment and other civil/structural designs necessary for the dryer. The project comprises civil and structural works, involving roading, building erection, mechanical installations, and electrical works.

The project will be delivered through Downer, in partnership with Dialog Fitzroy, Beca and Haarslev.

Delivery Solution

Thermal Dryer Facility

The building, facility, surrounding equipment and silos will span an area of approximately 1600m2. The TDF building includes a single bay structure to accommodate the drying process. A separate control room is to be situated next to the main building. The roof has an elevated penthouse section which houses the explosion-relief hatches on top of the cyclones. A steel frame with precast concrete with sandwich panels will make up the exterior of the building. The eastern corner of the building will have four silos which are located at a certain height to allow for material disposal into trucks.

Outcome

 

This project represents a full-service offering from Downer, comprising our construction and Water Engineering Services teams. The design management function ensures we meet our design obligations and provide value engineering where required. Our project engineers are on site daily working alongside the site supervisors, site engineers and project manager to ensure the project is delivered to specification and a high level of collaboration between the project partners, Downer, NPDC, Beca, Haarslev and others.