Poo Plant Diary: Day 2

Day two at the poo plant was a bit more interesting.  

Of course we had our usual breaks every two hours and then an ice cream break, but I actually participated in dirty work today.  I assisted in the inspection and repair of a part covered in poo.  We replaced some parts and tightened others.  I was the "gopher" for tools and holding the ladder.  I had to get some wrenches twice since they were dropped into the aeration basin we were working in.  I even used a pipe wrench, twice!   

After lunch, a low pressure alarm for the plant water system buzzed.  I threw on my hard hat* and safety glasses and followed the operator in charge of me, Brian.   We went to the site of the water tank and checked all the pumps.  We radioed the boss.  He radioed the construction boss.  They radioed us.  No one hit a pipe and no one knew where the water was going.  After running all around looking for water, we found out two tanks were being filled by the construction crew.  They talked about telling us, but didn't think it would impact the system.  We reset everything that needed to be and what do you know it was time for the daily meeting.  Nothing was discussed that I can repeat here, and certainly nothing useful was done here. 

For the last half hour of the day, I took a nice walk around the plant.  I looked at the new parts of the plant (Not online), since they contrast the old plant so well.  I walked through each area and each building trying to trace the water or other products as they go through the system.  I got to know her a little more, since it will be my home for a while.

Tomorrow, I have SCADA training.  This is the computer control system that the plant will use to monitor the plant.  It would have helped us today in identifying where the water was going.  Most of these guys have never seen it.  I can't wait to be involved in the start-up as it happens.

*Since the plant is being completely upgraded, the entire area is a construction zone.  We are required to wear hardhats, safety glasses, and yellow vests during this.