Until a few years ago, tubular casing pumps, used for example for flood protection, were usually lubricated with grease in locks and sewage treatment plants. A technology known as “loss lubrication” which always releases grease, albeit in small amounts. Unfortunately, this grease contributes to water pollution, which is why this type of lubrication is now to be abolished in flood protection. For pumps in operation, however, there is a non-compliance permit that is acceptable from an environmental point of view, given the very small amounts of contamination, usually less than 1 kg per year.
When renovating or overhauling such pumps, of which there are dozens along the Rhine alone, they should be brought up to date with the latest technical standards – for this type of pump this means switching to so-called “medium lubrication”.
Medium lubrication means that the pump is no longer lubricated with grease, but instead with the same liquid that it transports. In most cases with water, because the majority of these pumps are used to pump just that.
This type of lubrication has been possible for a number of years because special composites for the bearings allow water to be used for lubrication. FLUIDSERV is, in turn, familiar with these technologies and is able to bring existing pumping systems up to date without having to purchase new pumps. A fact that customers like the Bergisch-Rheinische Wasserverband, appreciate just as much as our environment. Another contribution by ROBUR to support ecological change.
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