Pump drives in a special configuration

Menzel Elektromotoren, a family-run motor manufacturer based in Hennigsdorf near Berlin, has manufactured two pump drives with extra-long piping for water supply in Angola.
The pumps draw water from the Kwanza River and transport it over a distance of 17 km, climbing 135 meters to a water treatment plant just outside the capital, Luanda. The existing pumps are installed inside the pipework and cannot be removed. The operator, therefore, ordered complete pump systems, including drive and connection pipework.
Menzel had previously assisted this customer by supplying replacement motors at short notice. However, in this case, the motor manufacturer also had to tailor-make pump systems that could easily replace the existing structures.
Production of the units took place at Pawils Elektromaschinenbau. The Menzel subsidiary procured pumps of the right performance class, adapted the mechanical interfaces to the installation on site and fitted them with pipes and motors, which were also designed specifically for the application. Each unit is about 12m long. The pump systems have a flow rate of 900m³/min each. The motors have a nominal power of 500kW, an operating voltage of 6000V and a speed of 1475rpm. Initially, two out of three identical pump systems were replaced, while the third ensured the continued operation of the water supply. After successful commissioning, Menzel also expects an order for the third system.