RSE have completed the commissioning of the new modular Water Treatment Works (WTW) now in supply at Tomatin. A modular construction approach was carried out in collaboration with ESD to replace the WTW’s dosing system, as the existing chemical dosing assets were approaching the end of their life expectancy.
Women in engineering have been essential to delivering critical infrastructure improvements during the global Covid-19 pandemic, with Tomatin WTW being no exception. A number of women from both RSE and ESD were involved in the successful delivery of the project to ensure works were completed efficiently, despite the setbacks presented by lockdown restrictions.
In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, we hear from two of the women who have contributed their knowledge and expertise to the Tomatin WTW, outlining their roles and involvement with the project.
Katie Mercer, Mechanical Engineer (RSE)
I have worked on the Tomatin project for over two years now during which I have carried out the Mechanical Project Engineer role on behalf of RSE. This has involved designing ancillary systems for the works along with some reactive design work for the main process. During the fabrication and installation phase, I reviewed the 3D model of the building along with fabrication drawings and worked with the production team to address quality issues. I also assisted with delivery of the project to site, reconnection activities, commissioning, and activities to bring the works into supply. I am currently working with Scottish Water and ESD to address the final defects for the project to obtain acceptance.
Gillian Jones, Graduate Process Engineer (ESD)
As a Graduate Process Engineer for ESD, my job involves working in the design stage on water and wastewater projects for Scottish Water. I was recently given the opportunity to work on Tomatin WTW in the commissioning phase of the project. This was a new experience for me, and it involved visiting the Tomatin TTU for a Factory Acceptance Test in the RSE factory in Muir of Ord. This was a great experience and I thoroughly enjoyed observing commissioning tasks and witnessing first-hand the design coming to life. I also completed a TTU design comparison against the P&IDs and highlighted any changes required. Tomatin has been a fantastic project to be involved in and it’s great to see the teams at ESD, RSE and Scottish Water working together to reach an end goal.
ESD Project Manager, Callum Wardrop, commented on the success of the women working collaboratively on the project:
The Tomatin project team included several women leading project activities both during fabrication and on site: including process design, acceptance criteria agreement, health and safety planning and audits, community liaison, and mechanical and electrical activities coordination. Collaboration and close working between ESD, RSE and Scottish Water, where women have also fulfilled key roles including commercial, health and safety, programme sponsor and process science, has been an integral part of the project.
