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Client

Private Client

Year

2024-2025

Location

Hardisty, Alberta

Firewater pond de-icing system.

Project Summary

A large energy company in Hardisty, Alberta, contacted us in 2024 to assess and replace a failing bubbler de-icing system in their firewater pond. Their existing system had been inoperable for years and was causing ongoing operational issues due to freezing in the airlines. Our team completed an on-site assessment to identify the problems with the system, designed a proper replacement, and installed a fully reliable, freeze-resistant de-icing system around the pond's intake pipeline.

Industrial Fire Water Pond De-Icing System

Project Objective & Goals

  • Determine the cause of the existing system's failures.

  • Design a dependable replacement system capable of oeprating through winter without freeze-ups.

  • Reduce operational downtime, maintenance, and system resets.

  • Deliver a solution that meets industrial safety requirements and fits within the client's budget.

Methods 

  • One of our senior consultants performed a complete on-site evaluation to determine why the existing de-icing system was failing.

    • Ice build-up in the airline was deemed the primary cause of system shutdowns due to a lack of insulation and moisture accumulation.​

  • AEC designed a new system using:

    • 4x Mega X2 diffusers​

    • 4x CA-150 compressors (Total system: 2 HP, 31.2 cfm at 0 psi)

    • Custom lengths of self-sinking 5/8" ID airline

    • High-quality insulated airline to extend from the comrpessor building to the pond to eliminate the risk of ice buildup.

      • For added protection, a heavy-duty cover was installed over the line to shield it from the elements.​

  • Installed the system using a small aluminum boat.​

  • Retrieved and removed the old, non-functional system.

Challenges 

  • Design and install a low-maintenance and worry-free de-icer system.

  • Additional site-specific safety training and certifications were required before work could begin.

  • Removing the old system was challenging due to the equipment's size and weight.

  • Working in a lined pond presents challenges, including measures to protect the liner's integrity when performing work on or near it.

  • Liners pose safety challenges, making the surface slippery for workers going up and down.

Timeline

Initial contact and consultation request: Summer 2024

Site Assessment: Summer 2024

Design phase/development of bubbler system and materials list: Winter 2024-Spring 2025

System Installation: Summer 2025

Planned Solutions 

  • Replace the entire system with a properly designed, freeze-resistant bubbling de-icing system.

  • Organize additional workplace training to fulfill site requirements 

  • Use a stable work boat with grappling devices to locate and retrieve the old system with multiple people.

  • Cover all possible edges on the equipment that could possibly harm the liner. Use a safety rope attached to a secure anchor point to allow workers to safely travel up and down the liner.

Results 

  • The new system has been operating without issue.

  • The client has voiced satisfaction and has recommended our services to other companies on the site.

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