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Bauer BK Series Geared Motors for Wastwater Sedimentation Tank
The Houtrust wastewater treatment plant located in the Netherlands was built in 1967 and
needed to be refurbished to be in line with current environmental regulations. Included in the
maintenance project was the replacement of a geared motor that drives the chainwheel in one of its
sedimentation tanks.
The original geared motor required a high degree of maintenance, demanding the tank’s basin be
emptied twice a year. This resulted in production losses and high maintenance costs. The original
supplier had designed a solution which employed a single-stage bevel gearbox fully submerged
in the water. A tube was used to connect the gearbox to the rest of the power train, positioned
above the water level. The tube connected to a pre-stage gearbox and an overload coupling, with
a 0.55 kW motor driving the application.
Delfluent, the plant operator, contacted Bauer Gear Motor, based on Bauer’s proven track record
of developing geared motors for challenging conditions. Bauer worked closely with its partner Vos
Gekas & Boot (VGB), an expert in rotating equipment and a supplier familiar to the Houtrust facility.
The Bauer solution consisted of a BK70 bevel geared motor capable of operating continuously
underwater. Bauer moved to a multi-stage geared motor from two, single-stage gears. The simplified
solution made future maintenance easier. In addition, by removing the gear, the tube and the
coupling, Bauer reduced the oscillations in the system and provided a more energy-efficient solution.
Specific advantages of the BK series, besides IP protection against dust and water, include simple
and cost-effective installation, high energy efficiency, robustness and durability, low maintenance
requirements and low running costs.
Highlights
- BK Series helical bevel
geared motor
- Hardened wear sleeve
and spray ring ensure
leak-free performance
- Complies with NA and
International standards,
including NEMA, IEC,
CSA, and CE
- Torque rating to
18,500 Nm
- Completely enclosed,
sealed against dust and
moisture
- Corrosion protection
Im2 for submersible
operation
- IP68 Enclosure