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Ensuring Operational Continuity at Henry Fork Wastewater Treatment Facility
The Henry Fork Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) plays a vital role in serving the significant and expanding population of Catawba County, including the City of Hickory, Longview, Brookford, and portions of Burke County.
Utilizing a Biological Nutrient Removal process with an activated sludge system, the facility is essential for treating wastewater and removing traditional constituents, as well as nitrogen and phosphorus. Recognizing the need to modernize its operations and bolster its environmental sustainability, the City of Hickory initiated a substantial $35 million upgrade to the facility's solids handling process. A crucial element of this project was securing a dependable and continuous power supply for the new treatment processes. This necessitated the design and installation of a resilient backup power system capable of seamless transition during any utility interruption.
Curtis Power Solutions took a leading role in this critical aspect of the upgrade, partnering with Smart Electric Company, the designated electrical contractor. Leveraging their extensive expertise in power generation solutions, Curtis Power Solutions was instrumental in the selection, supply, and integration of a new mtu 12V4000 DS1500 1500kW custom generator unit. Watch a time-lapse video of the generator setup. The unit is housed within a custom-designed CMCO walk-in enclosure and includes an integrated fuel tank for extended operational autonomy.
Further enhancing the reliability and future scalability of the power infrastructure, Curtis Power Solutions collaborated closely with Smart Electric Company on the installation of paralleling switchgear. This vital component, also housed in a separate CMCO walk-in enclosure, allows for the seamless synchronization and management of power sources, guaranteeing uninterrupted power delivery to the newly implemented treatment processes. These processes included:
- Upgraded Sludge Storage and Pumping Facility
- Revamped Solids Receiving Station
- New Solids Processing Building
- New Dried Product Storage Facility
Results
The successful completion of the Henry Fork WWTF upgrade has yielded significant benefits for the City of Hickory and its surrounding communities. At the heart of this success was the robust and reliable backup power system expertly delivered through the partnership of Curtis Power Solutions and Smart Electric Company. The new mtu generator, along with the paralleling gear, ensures operational continuity for the facility's advanced treatment processes, guaranteeing consistent and effective wastewater treatment even during power outages.
Furthermore, the integration of the Huber dryer system has transformed previously landfilled sludge into a valuable dried fertilizer product, suitable for agricultural applications, promoting environmental sustainability and reducing landfill burden. The upgraded facility now boasts enhanced capabilities, effectively supporting the growing residential community in Catawba County with efficient, scalable, and dependable systems. Curtis Power Solutions' focus on providing a tailored and reliable power solution was a cornerstone of this vital infrastructure project, ensuring the long-term operational stability and environmental responsibility of the Henry Fork WWTF.
