Project Spotlight: AEP - Smith Mountain Hydro Dam Unit 5 Rehabilitation

American Electric Power (AEP) contracted Marine Solutions to provide a floating platform, steel repairs, high pressure cleaning and inspections to the Head Gate Roller track guides and intake structures. ​In order to provide these services, we assembled an 80’ x 60’ x 5’ tall barge platform to include a 40-ton crane, two decompression chambers and 5120 compressors, dive bell, LARS system for placing the bell in the water, mixed gas diving spread, and of course a LARGE assortment of tools and supplies required to complete the project. This is the first mixed gas project Marine Solutions has been awarded. The project includes performing dives up to 200 feet deep. When diving to depths for long periods of time over 150 deep, mixed gas is typically required. The term mixed gas is used to represent a breathing mixture of helium and oxygen or Heliox. The use of mixed gas or Heliox requires a lot of additional equipment, training, and experience. Our first mixed gas dive to 198 feet was completed on May 15th and all went as planned. 

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