Watech Services Inc. sent three divers and the full complement of environmental diving equipment to Bandirma, Turkey. Our forces were mobilized on behalf of GTI (Geomembrane Technologies Inc.) to complete inspection and maintenance work on an anaerobic digester operated by Mauri Maya. Mauri Maya is a part of the international A.B. Mauri Corporation, producing baked goods and baking ingredients. The facilities outside of Istanbul, Turkey produces primarily yeast and serves Africa, Turkey, and the Middle East.
Our firm has extensive experience working with ADI Systems and their subsidiary GTI (Geomembrane Technologies Inc.) to maintain and repair various anaerobic digesters in P.E.I., Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, New York, California, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Colorado, Minnesota, Australia and Columbia. Digesters in general, and the Mauri Maya digester in particular, present some unique challenges for underwater maintenance and inspection teams.
Weather conditions including high humidity and temperatures up to 40C combined with digester temperatures above 30C were cause for serious concern and caution regarding the safety, well-being, and efficiency of the crew. Our primary method to control the heat hazard was to equip our team with RPCM (Renewable Phase Change Material) Cooling Vests, which are capable of maintaining a comfortable 15C for two hours and used by the U.S. Military and Police Forces. The vests, combined with frequent breaks, plenty of hydration, ice packs, minimization of heavy exertion, and vigilance for signs of heat stress allowed our team to complete this unique inspection and maintenance project.
The digester environment provides zero visibility, hampers movement, and can be extremely fatiguing. Using techniques which we have tested and refined during previous anaerobic digester projects, the dive team was able to complete the required tasks.
