The ORCA unit is almost ready!

Work continues in to install the new ORCA Septic System that was donated by EVAC North America in 2014.  Last year we cut the access into the Tank Deck to lower the unit into what was the Evaporator Room.  During the Engineering Week, they started installing the decking and plumbing.

First, the access panel must be lifted up and a ladder put down to access the Evaporator room without using the original ladder access from the 2nd deck level going straight down.

The aluminum ladder shown above greatly improves the safety and time needed to send down supplies.

The original access is narrow and long, this is looking up from the Evaporator room.

This is a picture of Starboard Shaft Alley, the access hatch is on the right covered up by the circulating fan in the picture.  You can see the landing plate in the lower right hand corner for the hatch we created.

A permanent access hatch has been cut out from the Starboard Shaft Alley which is accessed from the Main Engine Room.

Angle iron has been welded in to create the framework for the decking under the unit and for walking around.

Structure for decking is also needed on the shaft alley side of the hatch and also bracing for the hatch cover itself. 

All of our welders were working hard this week.

Capt. Bob Kubota grinds the leftover brackets off of the bulkheads.

James Terry Newton and Dan Cinowalt were the men when it came to welding.  Not only did they work on this project, they stayed during the Deck week to complete as much as possible!

James Terry Newton grinds his welds on the bracing for the decking while Irwin Kuhns stands fire watch for safety.

We'll be using checked plate, or diamond plate aluminum for the decking.

 

It takes all hands to manually lower each plate into the Evaporator room from the Tank Deck. 

 

Although this plate is shiny now, it will soon match the rest of the plate around ship.  Capt. Kubota is seen reflected in the plate.

Everyone worked together to send supplies down.

Safety railing and another ladder are sent down.

Dan Cinowalt welds a pipe in place for the wiring to a panel that will control the system from the Tank Deck.  Dan also worked to install piping running to the unit.   We plan to complete this project before we sail in the Evansville Hadi ShrinersFest 2016 Reenactment on June 25th and June 26th!