The three existing Aeration Blowers at the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre in Canberra, ACT, had exceeded their economic life. This critical project required replacing each Blower and all associated equipment to ensure continued efficiency. As an experienced electrical water infrastructure contractor, CE Group was engaged to manage and execute this complex undertaking.

The project unfolded over four distinct construction stages. During each stage, new Blowers were brought online while ensuring that redundancy was maintained and that critical aeration to the treatment plant continued. 

This was a crucial aspect since the treatment plant’s operations could not be compromised. Additionally, CE Group faced multiple challenging system cutovers, including the installation of a new Fibre Optic Termination Cubicle. Throughout these transitions, the team had to work within a stringent 45-minute maximum shutdown period on the Blower System, adding further pressure to the project timeline.

To support the new Blower systems, three new 2500A Switchboards were designed and built by CE Group. These Switchboards were then shipped to Canberra for installation. 

Each Switchboard was fed by a dedicated Transformer through a Resin-Filled 2500A IP-Rated Busduct. The electrical installation required precise planning, especially as some Busduct lengths reached up to 60 metres.

In collaboration with Downer, CE Group handled both the mechanical and electrical installation, ensuring the proper commissioning of the Busduct. The precision with which the team installed the Switchboards and ensured their seamless physical connection to the Busduct was key to the project’s success.

Ultimately, CE Group’s expertise as an electrical water infrastructure contractor allowed the Lower Molonglo facility to continue operating smoothly while undergoing essential upgrades.