Geotech Visits Kings Bluff

Geotech Environmental Equipment recently had the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive tour and instrument training session at the impressive King's Bluff public utility. This state-of-the-art facility, owned by the Upper Cape Fear River Authority and operated by Brunswick County Public Utilities, plays a critical role in supplying raw water to three treatment facilities over 22 miles away.

The Challenge

Ensuring the consistent quality of raw water sourced from the Lower Cape Fear River is paramount to the efficient operation of the treatment plants. To proactively address potential issues and optimize treatment processes, the facility relies on an inline water quality monitoring system that continuously measures pH, conductivity, turbidity, phycoerythrin (BGA-PE), FDOM, and chlorophyll levels.

Geotech's Role

Our team was invited to assess the performance of the inline water quality instrument and provide expert guidance on maintenance and calibration. The goal was to optimize the instrument's accuracy and reliability, ensuring that the treatment plant receives timely and accurate water quality data.

Tour Highlights

The tour of the King's Bluff facility provided a comprehensive overview of the complex water treatment process. Some of the highlights included:

• Raw Water Intake: We observed the robust intake system, which employs high-pressure air to clear debris and maintain optimal water flow.
• Pumping Station: Three powerful 1500 hp pumps transfer raw water from the intake to large holding vaults for subsequent treatment.
• Backup Power: The facility's impressive generator room, equipped with two locomotive engine-sized generators, provides reliable power in case of outages.

Inline Water Quality Monitoring

The heart of the water quality monitoring system is the inline instrument that continuously measures key parameters. By detecting changes in pH, conductivity, turbidity, and chlorophyll levels, the instrument provides early warning signals of potential water quality issues. This enables the treatment plant to adjust processes accordingly, preventing disruptions in water supply and ensuring the delivery of high-quality treated water.

Maintenance and Calibration

Geotech's experts provided on-site training to the plant operators on proper instrument maintenance and calibration procedures. Regular cleaning, calibration, and preventative maintenance are essential for maintaining the instrument's accuracy and longevity. By following these guidelines, the facility can maximize the instrument's performance and minimize downtime.

Conclusion

The tour of King's Bluff was a valuable opportunity to witness firsthand the complexities involved in raw water intake and treatment. Geotech is proud to support the facility's efforts to ensure reliable and high-quality water supply by providing expert instrument training and maintenance services.

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