Challenge

A consultant, on behalf of a Midwest Naval Center, sought to find a solution to the base’s water needs. The water plant on the base was in need of major repair – the floor of the building was literally falling. Without significant investment, the building would be condemned for civil failure. This plant is used to clarify water that feeds into the boiler heating system. The quality of the water is directly related to the quality of steam that is produced ensuring the heat producing turbines work more efficiently and extend the life cycle of the equipment. The time of the condemnation was in September, and with cold weather quickly approaching, it was necessary that the Center find an immediate solution to its water needs while searching for a long-term solution in the process.  

Solution

Siemens Water Technologies brought in mobile demineralizer (MODI) trailers to meet the immediate need of the Naval center. The mobile trailers allowed the water processing to continue without further disruption to the structural integrity of the building. The MT5500 Mobile DI trailers were chosen because they met the facility’s 500 gpm flow rate requirement. Before water entered the trailers, it was processed through carbon FlexTrex® deionization units for the removal of chlorine to protect the trailers and allow them to run at optimum level. 

The close proximity of the Siemens regeneration facility proved to be a benefit for this customer. A Mobile DI change out could be accommodated every 12-36 hours depending on the facility’s water and heating requirements. Siemens also ensured a constant water flow throughout the system to keep hoses from freezing during the cold winter months. 

The mobile solution was used for four months and during that time a permanent solution was executed by Siemens Water Technologies. The permanent solution used the existing pretreatment system with the addition of two reverse osmosis (RO) units, ideal for producing high water quality. 

Results

The Naval Center received an immediate mobile water response while a permanent solution could be implemented. The local regeneration center kept trailer turn around time minimal, allowing the Center to operate during the cold winter months. The Mobile DI trailers produced high quality water at the required flow rate and made Siemens Water Technologies not only the most efficient solution for the Center, but also the most cost effective.