Statsbygg has awarded Framo the development contract for pump systems for the Norwegian Ocean Technology Center, which is currently under construction for NTNU and SINTEF in Trondheim. The delivery includes 96 pumps that will pump huge amounts of water to create ocean currents in the basin at the research facility.
"This is the largest single installation we have ever delivered in terms of pump quantity," said sales manager Terje Ljones of Framo Aquaculture.
The basin at the research facility is 60 meters long, 50 meters wide, and 12 meters deep, making it possible to test technology and large, complex structures under realistic conditions. The goal is to develop and test new technology related to the ocean, increase the safety and efficiency of existing technology, and strengthen Norway's position as a leading ocean technology nation.
Enormous amounts of water
The hydrodynamic laboratories at the center are used to simulate realistic conditions at sea to test, develop, secure, and improve installations such as offshore structures, ships, fish farms, and ocean wind turbines before they are put into use.
"Our system will pump enormous amounts of water to simulate ocean currents together with realistic waves. The capacity is 225 cubic meters per second, equivalent to 810,000 cubic meters per hour. That's approximately double the normal flow rate of the Nidelven River in Trondheim. That says something about the capacity," said Ljones.
From left to right, Øyvind Hellan, Research Director, SINTEF Ocean, Kjersti Skjelle Paulsen, Project Manager, Statsbygg, Terje Ljones, Sales Manager, Framo Aquaculture. Photo: Framo.
Great flexibility
The pump system is designed and developed at Framo's factory on Flatøy outside Bergen. This is part of a series of pumps with high capacity and low lift heights, which are initially developed to serve aquaculture facilities with fish in closed or semi-closed systems. The energy-optimized pumps will be installed in return channels in the pool wall, with individual speed control that provides great flexibility to vary the flow rate at different depths. The order also includes water straighteners in front and behind the pump, frequency converters, installation equipment, and a control system that will be integrated with the plant's main control.
"This is the first contract for the new pump model SX1000, a permanent magnet motor-driven pump based on the pump systems we have designed and developed for the aquaculture industry since 2018. The pumps have a proprietary motor and propeller blades. The fact that we are now delivering a large series also means that we can invest more in our factories, optimize production, and increase our delivery rate. With this delivery, we prove that this technology is also well-suited and competitive in other segments besides aquaculture. Statsbygg's choice of Framo is also a great recognition and an excellent reference for us as a supplier," says Ljones.
Illustration of the new ocean basin. 3D illustration, Statsbygg/LINK Arkitektur.
Stay updated
Contact form
Get the latest news and product information in your inbox.
Thank you for contacting us
We will get back to you as soon as possible