TRILITY Operations and Solutions working as one
in the Northern Peninsula Area
Chlorine building Bamaga
Rhys Johnson and Jimmy Lawes on the job
TRILITYnews
Newsletter for TRILITY Group and Joint Venture clients
For more information please contact Adrian Blinman, Manager
Business Growth: Adrian.Blinman@trility.com.au
In early 2019, Operations discussed the option of converting the disinfection
system at the Bamaga Water Treatment Plant in the Northern Peninsula Area
(NPA) from sodium hypochlorite to gaseous chlorine. The conversion offered
the client various benefits and cost savings.
While the benefits for chlorine gas are the reduced by-product formation,
which decreases the potential of Trihalomethanes (THM) formation - resulting
in better disinfection and overall water quality, the overall focus was around
cost reductions and safety-related operational issues faced with sodium
hypochlorite disinfection.
Some of the inherent operational issues experienced with the existing sodium
hypochlorite disinfection were:
•
The availability of supply of sodium hypochlorite (supplied in 1000lt
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) on an overnight ferry from Cairns)
•
The degradation of sodium hypochlorite strength, particularly during
the hot summer months
•
Subsequent constant dosing rate changes required to maintain
consistent disinfection
•
Extensive storage requirements (and subsequent degradation) of
sodium hypochlorite on-site during the wet season; which is typical
during the summer months
The project provides the client with full in house services covering;
•
In-house chlorine training package for all on-site staff
•
Service and maintenance on a six-monthly and annual basis
•
Spare parts management for the chlorine system
•
Off-site technical support when required
The financial evaluation showed a substantial cost saving of over $90k
per year. Sodium hypochlorite conversion to gaseous chlorine presented a
3.5 payback period, including all training requirements and
other on-costs associated with chlorine gas.
Construction and commissioning of the conversion were completed on time
despite procurement constraints outside of TRILITY’s control. We engaged
local contractors for civil works and demolition works, which has resulted in
us having stronger relationships within the community.
An eye for detail was evident throughout the entire project with the
completion of all permits, JSEAs, and demonstration of working safely at
all times, having reported no LTIs for the project’s duration. As part of the
handover to the site operational team, our in-house service team and training
arm conducted a final practical training module providing our operators with
certification in Operate and Control Liquified Chlorine Gas Disinfection.
The overall project has resulted in a robust, cost-effective plant and
improved water quality solution for the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA)
and its communities.