Grit Washer and Bar Screen Protection Case Study
Fiberglass Enclosures for Wastewater Equipment Protection
At the Village of Williamsburg, OH Wastewater Treatment Plant, Shelter Works provided two fiberglass shelters to protect critical grit washing and mechanical bar screen equipment. These units keep the plant's wastewater treatment process efficient by shielding equipment from environmental hazards and ensuring safety and access for personnel.
The Grit Washer Enclosure
The grit washer, essential for removing abrasive particles like sand and gravel, protects downstream equipment from damage and reduces maintenance needs. The custom-designed fiberglass shelter for this unit measures 8' x 18' x 8' and accommodates unique site requirements.
The enclosure features a custom door flange extending 10 inches below the base flange to fit the bi-level concrete foundation. The lower point of entry allows personnel access to the equipment at the lower elevation without requiring stairs. This lower-level access is crucial because the grit washer operates below the primary slab level, and the shelter’s custom design aligns perfectly with this foundation notch, creating a seamless integration. A second door on the opposite wall provides access to the higher-level equipment, supporting smooth maintenance and operational flow.
The Bar Screen Enclosure
Mechanical bar screens filter out large debris early in the treatment process, preventing clogs and mechanical issues in downstream equipment. To house this equipment, Shelter Works designed an 11'-6" x 12'-6" x 8' enclosure tailored to the site’s existing bi-level concrete slab, which varies in height by 17.5 inches.
This enclosure includes a 6-foot double door raised 17.5 inches to match the slab’s higher elevation, simplifying equipment access. The raised door provides safe, easy entry for operators while protecting sensitive equipment from environmental exposure and physical damage. Both enclosures were equipped with explosion-proof electrical packages, ensuring safety in an environment where hazardous gases can be present.
Fiberglass for Wastewater Environments
Fiberglass shelters provide unmatched resistance to corrosion and degradation, making them ideal for harsh wastewater environments where chemicals and moisture are prevalent. Unlike metal or wood, fiberglass does not rust, warp, or corrode, reducing maintenance requirements and ensuring longevity. Furthermore, fiberglass offers the ability to increase thermal insulation as needed, keeping internal temperatures stable, which is important for equipment operation and reliability.
Custom Engineering with Fiberglass
Shelter Works creates each fiberglass enclosure to meet customer specifications, making it a highly adaptable solution for unique site needs. Fiberglass’s lightweight, moldable qualities enable Shelter Works to produce customized sizes, door placements, and wall heights without sacrificing structural integrity.
Shelter Works delivered both shelters factory-wired and customized to meet all local regulations, including PE stamps and Ohio State labels. Chuck Berry, Project Manager at Layne Heavy Civil, Inc., noted the ease of installation, crediting a collaborative design process with engineers at Burgess & Niple and Shelter Works. Both shelters were installed in hours using standard construction equipment, with no need for costly field modifications.
This successful installation demonstrates the value of fiberglass for specialized wastewater treatment applications—offering durability, custom-fit solutions, and efficient, cost-effective installation.