UCC’s Underwater Teamwork Rejuvenates Traveling Water Screens Along Ohio River

Clear water, smooth operations. That’s what Underwater Construction Corporation (UCC) and Evoqua Water Technologies (EWT) deliver when it comes to industrial water intake systems. UCC is the only U.S. diving contractor certified to service, install, and perform preventive maintenance on all Evoqua Thru Flow traveling water screen (TWS) intake product lines, including brands like Envirex and USFilter. Together we performed dozens of intake infrastructure projects in 2023.

Recently, our two teams collaborated again to replace six aging traveling water screens at a major industrial production site in Southern Indiana along the Ohio River. In industrial water intake systems such as this, traveling water screens play a critical role, constantly filtering out debris like leaves, sticks and even fish from rushing water. Without properly functioning traveling water screens, debris could clog pumps, damage equipment and compromise vital processes.

Initial inspections revealed a significant challenge: the Ohio River had accumulated hundreds of cubic yards of debris and sedimentation. UCC employed diver-assisted dredging and meticulously removed the obstructed materials from the intake bays.

Following the comprehensive dredging, the thorough post-inspection by the divers revealed critical areas for repair and replacement of the upstream trash rack, known as “Grizzly bars”, vital for filtering larger debris. With the riverbed cleared and the Grizzly bars repaired, UCC and EWT transitioned to the installation of the new traveling water screens. Once each was positioned, final testing followed to ensure the traveling water screens functioned at peak efficiency.

“The UCC and EWT team’s installation of the new traveling water screens was a complete success,” said Nick Stathakis, UCC Midwest Regional Sales Manager. “Completed with zero safety incidents, the new infrastructure was installed on time and on budget. This seamless operation demonstrates our commitment to minimizing downtime, prioritizing safety, and ensuring a smooth transition of new infrastructure for our client.”

Our team understands the intricate complexities of traveling water screens and their role in ensuring a steady flow of clean water for facilities around the world. We proudly serve a wide variety of industries with assets utilizing traveling water screens, including:

• Power Generation – whether fueled by coal, gas or nuclear energy, power plants rely on clean water for cooling and other crucial processes.

• Water Utilities – traveling water screens act as giant sieves, capturing large particles likes leaves and branches before water undergoes further purification stages.

• Power and Gas Transmission Services – traveling water screens act as a first line of defense, filtering out unwanted debris before it can contaminate sensitive equipment or products.

• Industrial Facilities – countless industrial processes, such as chemical services, mining, pipelines, and pulp and paper services, require clean water. Without it, inefficiencies, contaminated products and even shutdowns can occur, making traveling water screens a vital resource against costly disruptions.

If you require continuous clean water flow in your operation, our team is ready to help. Reach out today to discuss how UCC’s work with traveling water screens can keep your processes running smoothly.

Since 1969, Underwater Construction Corporation has expertly performed water intake maintenance and construction services for major processing sites throughout the United States.  Our experts have the knowledge and skill to keep your vital water intake systems running optimally and can help you determine the best services to help you meet your project goals.

If you have questions regarding our services for traveling water screens, fill out the form on this page or contact us at any one of our numerous locations.

Evoqua, Envirex and USFilter are trademarks of Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, its subsidiaries or affiliates in some countries. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.