At Con J. Franke Electric, we are dedicated to delivering innovative and reliable electrical solutions for critical commercial projects. Our work on the Well 22 Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Treatment project in Ceres, California, is a prime example of our expertise and commitment to modernizing vital infrastructure. This project has been a challenging and rewarding endeavor, and one that significantly improves the efficiency and reliability of the City of Ceres’ water treatment operations.
Project Overview
The Well 22 GAC Treatment project is designed to enhance operational efficiency, safety, reliability, and automation for the City of Ceres’ wastewater treatment operations. Over the course of 469 days (about a year and three months), with a total project value of $880,770.00, we are replacing outdated electrical service, including demolition of outdated infrastructure, and installing state-of-the-art service connections. This upgrade meets the facility’s requirement of 480-volt, 3-phase, 4-wire power distribution to support critical operations.
Detailed Electrical Scope
Our electrical scope for this project includes:
Main Service Replacement: We are removing the existing electrical service and installing new, modern components to provide reliable power to essential treatment areas. Electrical improvements are needed for the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) vessel system and sodium hypochlorite enclosure, which require electrical feeds for chemical treatment processes and pump operations.
Key Electrical Equipment Installations:
- One Main Switchboard (MSB) that features utility metering and an 800-amp, 3P main breaker (which is a three-stage circuit breaker with three protection poles)
- One emergency generator (EG1) to provide uninterrupted operation during power outages
- One Moto Control Center (MCC) for equipment operation
- Two Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) – one freestanding at 800 amps and another wall-mounted at 200 amps
- One 300 kilo volt-ampere (kVA) transformer (TX-EDPL) for voltage conversion
- One Distribution Panel (EDLP) equipped with four 200-amp, 3P breakers
- Four Loose Circuit Breakers – two 20 amp, 2P breakers; and two 20 amp, 1P breakers
- One Nitrate Analyzer Control Panel, to house a diaphragm-sealed nitrate analyzer, and provide the necessary wiring, connections, and nameplates for all installed equipment.
Underground Infrastructure: Our team is installing underground conduit raceways along the facility’s perimeter and multiple N30 pull boxes to protect connectors and controls from environmental factors and ensure efficient cable management.
Additional Upgrades: Electrical feeds for chemical enclosures, nitrate analyzers, and dosing systems, ensuring proper treatment processes and reliable power distribution. We are also installing a new gate operator and access control system, integrating security features into the facility’s electrical network.
Our Team and Collaborators
Our project is driven by a talented team, including Project Manager Antonio Zuniga and Foreman Adam Mehring, supported by over 25 Con J. Franke Electric team members—from estimators and pre-fab crews to accounting and administrative staff.
In addition, we have partnered with three specialized subcontractors to execute aspects of underground conduit installation, panel integration, and control system calibration.
This collaborative effort has been key to managing the complexities of integrating modern electrical equipment and infrastructure into an existing operational facility. Our collaborations helped efficiently manage adjustments to scope, design, and execution along the way.
Overcoming Challenges with Innovation
One of the primary challenges during this project was the long lead times associated with the electrical equipment. The delays with the critical components threatened to impact our schedule, but our team responded with proactive problem-solving. Thanks to our collaborators, we successfully navigated the challenges by engineering tailored solutions for the issues presented in the field, which has been instrumental in keeping our project on track.
Positive Community Impact
One of the most fulfilling aspects of the Well 22 GAC Treatment project is knowing our significant contribution to improving the City of Ceres’ water treatment infrastructure. Upgrading the facility’s critical power distribution infrastructure and backup systems improves operational efficiency and reliability and also reinforces the city’s commitment to sustainable and resilient public utilities.
The integration of the new emergency generator (EG1) ensures continuous operation, even during power outages, increasing system resilience, which is a critical benefit for a facility that supports essential water treatment processes. It’s rewarding to contribute to a project that meets technical goals while providing lasting benefits to those who depend on this infrastructure.
At Con J. Franke Electric, we are proud to be at the forefront of projects that make a tangible difference in our communities. The challenges we encounter on this project only underscore our ability to adapt and innovate, ensuring that our engineering solutions provide lasting value. It’s projects like these that reaffirm our commitment to excellence and demonstrate the critical role our expertise plays in enhancing vital engineering infrastructure for the greater good.
