Boat 3 Installation Complete
Last week a team from Smiths Cranes, Engineering North Canterbury and WIL completed the installation of the new boat (aka Boat 3) at the Browns Rock intake. As previously reported, Boat 3 is a replacement for the original boat that was in service for nearly 20 years. In 2012/2013 a second boat was installed at the intake, this incorporated a number of improvements. Boat 3 boasts further improvement including:
- Hinge strengthening modifications
- Changes to the lobster back detail so this mechanism works more effectively and less maintenance
- Modifications to make both boats interchangeable, this wasn’t possible in the past due to slight differences in the design detail between boat 1 and 2
- Emergency filling port to mitigate the risk of damage due to uneven water balance, this modification will allow a quicker return to normal operation following a flood event
Additional work over the next few months will include:
- Install a generator for 100% automated backup power supply
- Improvements to the water gauging site to eliminate the issues that periodically occurred during restrictions last season
- Increasing capacity to the screens washing system to reduce wear and tear on the boats structures in the long term
Old Tunnel Intake
WIL has recognised the importance of this infrastructure as an important backup supply to the Scheme. Over the past three years we have worked with Waimakariri District Council (WDC) to make the following improvements:
- Upgrade the power supply to solar battery operation including inverter backup
- Walkway and platform upgrade
- Rock scaling, stabilisation and fencing upgrades to make entry to the site safe
