On extremely hot or cold days, the WHR system is supplemented by high-efficiency natural gas boilers and chillers, ensuring reliability and competitive cost.

Photo courtesy Saunders Construction

The project team’s innovation was put to the test via several unexpected challenges. With design of the wet well only 60% complete, the owner advanced the schedule for diverting interceptor flows. The team created a separate wet-well bid package, accelerated its design and released equipment purchases early. As a result, the wet-well work was completed in just three months.

That work included addressing another surprise—inaccurate civil as-builts that necessitated additional structural concrete work for the well. Three separate concrete pours were performed to meet the structural tolerances for supporting flows of 30,000 gallons per day, thus averting a potential weeks-long delay.

Offsite prefabrication helped speed the delivery of 30-in.-dia carbon steel piping, ductwork and equipment.

To reduce installation time, the 5,000-lb pumps were fabricated on skids containing the pump, pipe, fittings and accessories. Five skids, the largest weighing 30,000 lb, were transported to the utility plant, where the final connections were completed.