Anglian pumping station to receive first refurbishment since being built

The refurbish will take place at Kennett pumping station in Cambridgeshire, which was originally built between 1968 and 1972.

It is equipped with a number of high and low voltage pumps which are used to transfer water between the River Ouse and two reservoirs in south Essex via a combination of channels, tunnels and pipelines. During periods of high demand the high voltage, large capacity pumps are used to raise water through nine miles of 1.8m diameter pipeline over an elevation of 88 metres.

ECS, which is a framework contractor for the Environment Agency, has been tasked with removing, refurbishing and reinstalling two of the high voltage pumps which were part of the original installation. While this project is underway the bulk of the pumping requirements will be met by the remaining, more modern, 2,480kW, 1,600l/s, multi-stage pump.

Managed by ECS the project will involve a high capacity mobile crane that will be used to remove the high voltage motors for the first time since they were installed. The inspection and refurbishment of the motors will be carried out by Sulzer, a leading independent maintenance provider for rotating equipment, which has considerable expertise in high voltage equipment.

Once complete the refurbished pumps will once again be able to provide continued, long term service, ensuring the high volume demand is met by the most efficient pumps.