Project Details

CLIENT

NI Water

YEAR

2024

COST

£700,000

CONSULTANT

McAdam Design

Main Contractor:

FME

Civil Contractor:

Lowry Building & Civil Engineering

Supply Chain Partners:

Jacopa, Pronto Automation, M&M Steel Fabrications

OVERVIEW

FME recently completed the successful installation and commissioning of a new Grit Removal Plant at Banbridge Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW). This major infrastructure upgrade was delivered in collaboration with NI Water and its design and construction partners, with the primary aim of protecting downstream assets from abrasive material within the influent.

Grit, gravel, and stones pose a significant risk to key mechanical assets such as FFT (Flow to Full Treatment) pumps, reducing operational efficiency and accelerating wear. This project represents a proactive investment in plant protection and operational longevity.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

  • Remove abrasive grit and gravel from influent to protect downstream mechanical equipment
  • Minimise maintenance and extend lifespan of FFT pumps and associated plant
  • Integrate new Grit Plant infrastructure into existing site layout with minimal disruption
  • Deliver long-term operational improvements through efficient solids removal

SCOPE OF WORKS

The project comprised both extensive civil engineering and full MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation) installation. Key components included:

Civil Construction

  • Deep excavation exceeding 9 metres
  • Construction of lower and upper concrete chambers
  • Formation of through-flow and bypass channels
  • Installation of specially fabricated DN700 pipework to integrate with the existing pipeline

MEICA Installation

  • Grit paddle, motor, gearbox and access walkway
  • Isolation penstocks, GRP flooring, safety handrails
  • Air-lift blower and Grit Classifier
  • Control panel and full electrical wiring and integration

COMMISSIONS AND OUTCOME

Following completion of all installation works, flows were successfully diverted through the new Grit Plant for testing and commissioning. Early operational results have shown excellent grit removal performance, with significant volumes of grit captured — reducing the potential for downstream blockages and mechanical wear.

The system is now fully operational and delivering measurable benefits for plant reliability and long-term asset protection.

OUTCOME

This project was a collaborative success, made possible through close cooperation between:

  • NI Water
  • McAdam Design
  • FME
  • Lowry Building & Civil Engineering

FME would also like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of Jacopa, Pronto Automation, and M&M Steel Fabrications, alongside our dedicated in-house project management team and site staff.