Panama’s Chilibre Water Plant Undergoes historic Modernization, Disrupting Service
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A critical phase of upgrades at Panama’s Federico Guardia Conte water treatment plant in Chilibre is underway, promising improved water delivery for the nation but temporarily impacting service for residents. The project, focused on replacing aging infrastructure with modern technology, marks a significant milestone in the plant’s 50-year history.
Decades-Old Systems Replaced with Modern Technology
The Institute of National Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN) is leading the modernization effort, wich includes the complete replacement of all cone and butterfly valves throughout the plant’s pumping stations. This transition from outdated hydraulic systems to more efficient electric mechanisms is designed to enhance control,efficiency,and overall operational safety.According to a company release, the installation of three electric cone valves represents the final step in this crucial valve replacement program.
“This is a historical milestone,” a senior official stated,emphasizing the significance of the upgrades. “for the first time in 50 years, this main line has been intervened as its construction.”
East Hydraulic Ring Interconnection Advances
Parallel to the valve replacements, work is progressing on the interconnection of the East Hydraulic Ring to the plant’s main conduction line.This project, executed by the National Council for Sustainable Development (Conades), aims to further optimize water distribution.Antonio Tercero González,executive secretary of Conades,is personally overseeing the work alongside his technical team.
The interconnection began in the María Henríquez sector of La Cabima, Panama North, where the drinking water conduction and storage project originates. Early stages involved the precise removal of a 2.77-meter section of pipe using automated cutting equipment. Technicians are now assembling a two-meter diameter “T” type pipe made of ductile iron, along with necessary accessories, to complete the connection.
Complex Operation Requires Extensive Safety Measures
The scope of the project necessitates a temporary shutdown of the Chilibre plant, currently scheduled to last until 11:30 PM. IDAAN estimates that the system will return to normal within approximately eight hours after reactivation.
Preparations for the complex operation began at 4:00 AM, with technical personnel meticulously verifying machinery, safety equipment, signage, and protective measures. By 12:30 PM,a pipe nipple weighing approximately 3,000 pounds had been successfully removed using a high-precision hydropneumatic saw.
A comprehensive safety protocol is in place,involving members of the contracting company,IDAAN technical staff,National Police units,and medical assistance services. “The safe development of the day is paramount,” one analyst noted, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts.
Project on Schedule
Why: Panama’s Federico Guardia Conte water treatment plant underwent a historic modernization to replace aging infrastructure and improve water delivery.
Who: The Institute of National Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN) led the valve replacement, while the National Council for Sustainable Development (Conades), under Antonio Tercero González, oversaw the East Hydraulic Ring interconnection.
What: The project involved replacing decades-old hydraulic valves with modern electric mechanisms and interconnecting the East Hydraulic Ring to the plant’s main conduction line.
How: IDAAN replaced cone and butterfly valves using hydropneumatic saws and installed electric mechanisms. Conades removed a section of pipe and assembled a ductile iron “T” type connection. The operation required a temporary plant shutdown and extensive safety measures involving police, medical personnel, and technical staff.
end: As of the report, the project was on schedule, with the valve
