Published on: April 15, 2025
PROJECT OVERVIEW: Smooth Sailing from Design to Installation
Challenge: Exposed Water Treatment Tank
Solution: Kee Klamp® Engineered Solution
Benefits: Increased Efficiency and Safety
THE CHALLENGE: Uncovered Chlorine Contact Tank
The Coast Guard had an existing guardrail system around a chlorine contact tank. However, they recognized the need for a custom awning to provide shade and regulate the tank’s temperature and UV exposure. In July of 2024, their design team had a clear vision and needed a partner to bring it to life.
Machado Bros, a local construction company deeply rooted in the region, was selected for this work. Their online search for specialized assistance in delivering their bid, led them to connecting with one of our Fall Protection Specialists.
Working closely with Machado Bros and the Coast Guard’s engineering team, our team delivered a comprehensive budget and proposal, utilizing Kee Lite aluminum fittings and pipe, in late August 2024.
THE SOLUTION: Custom Awning Designed & Constructed using Kee Klamp® Fittings
The Coast Guard knew exactly what they needed, and our team was able to successfully translate their vision into a tangible solution. The installation crew was on-site, bringing the design to life just months after the detailed concepts were shared with their General Contractor. The solution and services we provided included:
- Safety First: Prior to work, light poles were disconnected, and temporary plywood decking covered the tank openings. Ladders and manlifts were used for the framing assembly.
- Matching Materials: S80 Aluminum piping with a clear anodized finish was chosen to seamlessly match the existing guardrails.
- Consistent Quality: Fittings and piping were selected to be of equal quality and similar appearance to the existing safety system.
- Integrated Design: The new Kee Klamp® structure was carefully integrated with the existing guardrail, requiring some precise on-site cutting and modification.
THE BENEFITS: A Vision Delivered with Flawless Execution
Temperature and UV light is now controlled. Protecting from UV light generally increases the efficiency of the chlorine contact tank by preventing the unwanted degradation of the disinfectant, ensuring a more consistent and effective chlorine concentration over the contact time.
This project highlights our team’s ability to listen attentively, understand specific requirements, and deliver according to a well-defined plan. Our installation crew understood how tight tolerances of assembly had to be. Any misstep could have led to time-consuming and costly rework. The entire structure was assembled perfectly from start to finish, demonstrating the team’s precision and expertise.
This successful collaboration between Machado Bros and Flexible Lifeline Systems, utilizing the adaptable and durable Kee Klamp® system, has provided the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center with a safe and functional structure that ensures a more controlled environment.
“The project manager and installers on this project were great to work with! We hope to work with Flexible Lifeline Systems again in the future.”
~ Julie from Machado Bros
