Commisioning Update - September 2010

The project has now commenced the commissioning phase of the project cycle. The majority of the civil construction works, mechanical and electrical installations are complete within the treatment building. The mains power supply has been connected and the remaining pipelines are being laid around the external perimeter of the buildings. The concrete structures are tested for water tightness and we can begin to move water through the different areas of the plant.

Initially all channels and tanks are flushed to remove any construction dust or debris. Filter media (sand and anthracite) is loaded into the filters and this is washed repeatedly until clean. All pipelines are pressure tested and flushed with water. All pumps are tested at their designed maximum and minimum flow rates. The emphasis turns towards testing each item of equipment in turn, systematically checking that each process unit is functioning correctly and then we will test the plant elements in automatic mode. On completion, in normal operation the works will be entirely run through computer systems with on site personnel carrying out regular checks and only intervening in exception when problems occur.

All the chemical dosing equipment will be commissioning using water initially to ensure it is working correctly before any actual chemicals are used, again to minimise the risk of working with these substances.

This phase of the project requires careful management to ensure all site personnel and visitors are safe. Permit systems are used for accessing different areas particularly where there is water flowing, electricity or confined spaces. All the treatment works activities are managed by a Commissioning Manager and his team of commissioning engineers. Communication between parties is achieved by using a dedicated channel on the site wide radio system.

Water Treatment Works Update - May 2009

The new treatment building is now taking shape. All of the excavation work and foundations are complete.

Work is concentrating on the reinforced concrete structures which form the different process compartments and storage tanks. These structures require steel fixers, joiners, scaffolders and concrete finishers working in several different working areas. The operatives use two large tower cranes and two additional crawler cranes to lift shutters and equipment from storage areas into the building. Concrete is poured most days on the site and typically this is placed by concrete pumps with extendable arms which can reach long distances into the construction area.

Safety is of paramount importance. Black and Veatch’s approach to safety ensures all workers and visitors to the site wear appropriate personal protective clothing including helmet, hi-visibility vest, safety boots, eye protection and gloves.

Pipeline Route Update - May 2009

Work on the pipeline route has commenced. Initially we will clear topsoil, fence off the working areas and construct haulage roads for appropriate access.

Lengths of pipe will be welded together by a specialist sub contractor local to installation. Then excavators will dig trenches and the pipes will be carefully lowered into place.

The pipes will be laid in different sections between the Glencorse site and the City of Edinburgh. Click here to see the programme showing the intended timing of the pipeline work (pdf) .