Updated spray aerator for Carpentersville, Ill. water supply includes Easi-Span building

June 28, 2016
The new system replaced one that was constructed in the 1960s.

MIDLAND, VA, June 28, 2016 -- Buildings often are looked at for what they contain, not for what they are. This spring, an Easi-Span Building became a spray aerator for the residents of Carpentersville, Ill. This new system replaced one that was constructed in the 1960s and improved over the years but had reached the end of its useful life. The Carpentersville's water treatment system consists of aeration, filtration, ion exchange softening, chlorination and fluoridation.

"The upgraded aerator has two parts -- the internal items that distribute the water so it can absorb oxygen from the air and the exterior structure that encloses internal items and protects the sanitary condition of the water inside. So the Easi-Span Building does not enclose or house the aerator; it is an integral part of the aerator," explains Harry D. Harman P.E., senior project manager with Crystal Lake, Ill.-based Baxter & Woodman Inc., the project engineer.

The Easi-Span Building was manufactured by an Easi-Set Worldwide licensed producer -- McCann Concrete Products Inc., Dorsey, Ill. McCann Concrete Products is one of 70 licensed producers of Easi-Set products in 10 countries. The producers, who work directly with customers, are trained in their own facilities to manufacture their specific licensed products. McCann Concrete Products worked with Baxter & Woodman and general contractor Boller Construction, Waukegan Ill., to bring Carpentersville this up-to-date technology.

"The existing aerator was installed in the 1960s and could no longer be maintained," Harman says. "Also, the aerator did not have the capacity to meet the needs of the village. Spray aerators for iron removal are a relatively easy design but not commonly thought of first by most engineers. The design criteria of common aerators is complicated. The design criteria for a spray aerator is simple, lower profile and easy to control."

The previous aerator was constructed of redwood with metal siding. Although the siding lasted, the interior redwood structure had begun to deteriorate. The village wanted a replacement structure that was strong and long lasting. A precast concrete building provided the right characteristics -- a long lifespan, low maintenance, appealing appearance, cost competitiveness and ease of installation.

A 20' x 20' x 8' Easi-Span Building was selected. Easi-Span Buildings are the largest clear span all-concrete building system on the market, in addition to being the only expandable concrete building system. The aerator building has a simple broom finish texture on the exterior with a white exterior concrete stain to match existing buildings onsite. The roof consists of 2 Easi-Span Building roof panels. Customization is an option for every Easi-Set Building, and this one required specific features. The structure was fitted with 12 24"x12" air exhaust openings, four 24"x24" air inlet openings and one 24" x 36" steel entry hatch. McCann Concrete Products also was able to cast an exterior flashing reglet in the lower wall section, saving the contractor significant time and labor.

The original aerator sat on top of a detention tank, and the new aerator had to be in the same location. The Easi-Span Building was placed on top of the existing concrete foundation, approximately 20' tall. Mark Melvin, vice president of McCann Concrete Products, notes the contractor's crew installed this building in just one day.

"The project required locating and casting precise openings for existing equipment that remained in place during installation," says Chris Reese, an engineering manager for Easi-Set Buildings. "The south wall panel had to be walked in and set around an existing 20" aerator inlet."

Now that this upgraded system includes a long-lasting building, the village can continue to supply quality water to its residents for years to come while serving as a modern example to other communities.

Easi-Set Worldwide, a wholly owned subsidiary of Smith Midland Corp. (Del.), a public company, licenses the production and sale of Easi-Set products and provides diversification opportunities to the precast industry worldwide. Easi-Set's pre-engineered buildings are designed to provide durability, convenience and long-lasting security under a variety of applications. These maintenance-free structures are available through licensed precast concrete manufacturers across North America. Each producer manufactures Easi-Set's buildings with the patented post-tensioned roof and floor system to guarantee a weatherproof structure. For more information about Easi-Set Worldwide or licensing opportunities, contact Easi-Set by calling 800-547-4045 or visiting www.easiset.com

McCann Concrete Products has more than 40 years of experience in the residential, commercial, and transportation markets. McCann Concrete Products is a family-owned business that can supply standard products for much construction needs, as well as one-of-a-kind structures. Visit www.mccannconcreteproducts.com or call 618-377-3888 for more information.

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