Location: Bishops Green, South of England
Project Value: £32,252.00
Client: Tier 1 Construction Company
PROJECT OVERVIEW: A FOUNDATION FOR MODERN WATER TREATMENT
JHT Engineering, believe in solving complex problems with innovative, bespoke solutions. This principle was perfectly embodied in a recent collaboration with a leading Tier 1 construction company at a critical Water Treatment Facility. The £32,252.00 project showcases the power of precision engineering in modernising vital infrastructure within the water treatment sector. JHT Engineering mission was to revitalise key operational areas, enhancing safety, efficiency, and compliance.
THE CHALLENGE: AGEING INFRASTRUCTURE MEETS EVOLVING NEEDS
The facility is a cornerstone of the South of England’s water network. However, it was grappling with several pressing operational challenges:
- Deteriorated Borehole Flooring: Existing flooring had reached the end of its lifespan, posing significant safety hazards and maintenance difficulties.
- New Filtration System Integration: The installation of state-of-the-art Amazon filters necessitated secure and precise pipe supports.
- Urgent Access Requirements: A safe and efficient maintenance platform was critically needed to access and service the new Amazon filters.
All proposed solutions had to seamlessly integrate with the existing infrastructure, rigorously adhere to industry safety regulations, and be implemented with minimal disruption to ongoing water treatment operations.
JHT ENGINEERING’S SOLUTION: METICULOUS DESIGN & ADAPTIVE EXECUTION
JHT Engineering embraced these challenges with a commitment to meticulous planning and innovative execution, ensuring a long-lasting and impactful transformation.
1. Durable Flooring Replacement: The unsafe borehole flooring was replaced with robust, open-mesh industrial flooring. Fabricated and installed to endure the site’s demanding conditions, this new flooring not only eliminated safety concerns but also provided a durable foundation for future operations.
2. Precision Pipe Supports: To support the new filtration systems, JHT Engineering designed and installed bespoke steel pipe supports. These were engineered for unmatched stability and operational reliability, precisely accommodating the intricate layout of the plant’s existing pipework.
3. Custom Maintenance Platform: A Highlight of Innovation The centrepiece of the project was the design and installation of a custom maintenance platform, vital for safe operator access and efficient servicing of the Amazon filters. The design process was highly iterative and responsive to the unique constraints of the site:
- Initial Design Adjustments: A comprehensive site survey identified the need to adjust the platform’s height, ensuring that handrails would not obstruct the swing lids of the filters.
- Staircase Redesign: A previously unseen rising pipe required a complete redesign of the staircase. Our solution involved a clever wraparound platform and an external staircase, ensuring optimal and unobstructed access.
- Handrail Innovation: Recognising the impracticality of internal handrails, we developed a fully compliant perimeter handrail system, guaranteeing operator safety without impeding filter functionality.
“From designing durable open mesh flooring to secure pipe supports, every element was tailored to enhance safety, reliability and long-term performance. The custom maintenance platform was particularly rewarding to develop, requiring iterative adjustments to fit the site’s constraints while ensuring operator safety and accessibility. It’s always exciting to see thoughtful design elements and engineering come together to solve real-world challenges.”– Lead Engineer, JHT Engineering
Throughout the project, the JHT Engineering team demonstrated unwavering adaptability. For instance, when initial proposals for vertical ladders were rejected due to safety concerns, the company proactively increased the platform height and incorporated a safer, compliant staircase. This flexibility ensured the final design met both the client’s operational requirements and stringent regulatory standards.
The culmination of this adaptive design was the installation of bespoke flooring panels and a seamlessly integrated, wrap-around platform, precisely supported by beams positioned between filters and pipework. These components, fabricated with the highest standards of engineering excellence, provided a secure and ergonomic solution for the facility.
DELIVERING TANGIBLE RESULTS
The successful completion of the Bishops Green project represents a significant achievement in the partnership between the Tier 1 Construction Company and JHT Engineering. Key outcomes include:
- Enhanced Safety: The new flooring and custom maintenance platform have drastically improved safety for site personnel, significantly reducing risks during essential maintenance activities.
- Optimised Efficiency: Secure pipe supports and improved access to the filtration system have streamlined daily operations and maintenance protocols.
- Guaranteed Compliance: The entire project rigorously adhered to all relevant industry safety standards, ensuring long-term operational reliability and peace of mind.
The Bishops Green Water Treatment Works project stands as a prime example of how bespoke engineering can effectively resolve complex challenges in critical infrastructure. By combining innovative design, precision manufacturing, and seamless integration, JHT Engineering delivered enhanced functionality and unparalleled safety, underscoring the vital importance of tailored solutions in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.
