JPS Industries was contracted by a Louisiana pulp and paper facility to perform confined space diving services and remove accumulated fines from a critical river intake system. The buildup was restricting water flow and impacting the facility’s ability to maintain consistent operations.

Fines accumulation within the river intake created a number of operational risks, including:

• Reduced water intake flow to the plant
• Potential blockage of intake structures
• Increased strain on pumps and downstream systems
• Risk of production interruptions

The work required specialized confined-space diving in a high-risk environment with limited access.

JPS deployed a highly experienced five-man dive team equipped to safely execute confined-space operations and efficiently remove material from the intake system.

The approach included:

• Confined space dive procedures with full safety protocols
• Use of a hydraulic pump system for high-efficiency fines removal
• Strategic positioning within the intake to maximize material extraction
• Continuous monitoring to ensure safe and controlled operations

JPS successfully removed accumulated fines from the river intake, restoring proper flow and improving overall system reliability.

Outcomes included:

• Improved water intake flow and consistency
• Reduced risk of blockages and system strain
• Enhanced operational reliability for the facility
• Safe execution of a complex confined-space dive project

River intake systems are critical to plant operations, and even minor buildup can lead to major disruptions. This project highlights JPS’s ability to execute complex, high-risk dive operations while delivering fast, effective results.