PUMPING STATIONS
Whittlesey and Kingsland
GOOSETREE CORNER WISBECH ROAD RINGS END GUYHIRN WISBECH PE13 4 DG
Electric single Pleuger pump installed 1971 12.6 tons per minute
15kva
Replaced in 2003/2004 with a Flygt CP3170 at a cost of £10,800
Brick pump control building with felt roof 7’ 2” x 7’ 2”
Building showing signs of movement from its concrete base.
Station last painted 1993/94 financial years and within next five years attention will have to be given to replacement of the roof and weedscreen.
Electrical work undertaken October 1998 to install new electrodes and holders, modify panel wiring and re - fix existing mounting plate to new cabinet enclosure.
The outfall discharge pipe fractured near to discharge bay and was repaired during November 1998.
Access is from the main March to Whittlesey Road.
GOOSETREE ESTATE OFF DUNCOMBES ROAD COATES
Electric single Gwynnes installed 1971 25 tons per minute. Serial number C4/76422/1
35kva. 18”/18”/15.25” Allen v/s A/F pump set c/w M & Platt 35B.H.P motor
Diesel W H Allen and Sons Co Ltd installed 1937 30 tons per minute
Engine No K1 / 62138 2 Cylinders 430 revs per min
Bore 200/m/m BHP 40 Stroke 275/m/m
Pump Conqueror size 20 W No P1/62135
Runway Track (12” x 6” RSJ 20’ 6” SPAN) Coubro National Lifting 1939 1 ton
The pump house is of brick and tile construction and was erected in 1936
size 22’ 6” x 18’ 6” height 11’ 6” to eves and 17’4” to apex
The windows have been replaced with double glazed units and the station was painted pre 1992. External work undertaken in 1997 to arrest movement of end wall near concrete cooling tank which measures 9’ 2” x 9’ 2”. The porch entrance has been replaced in 1997.
During 1999 the wooden decking of the diesel pump was repaired and the timber treated with creosote. The exterior brickwork of the station was treated with Thompson weather seal and both the interior and exterior of the station painted. The old iron guttering and down pipes were replaced with new plastic ones.
In 2000 The Bedford Pump Co Ltd refurbished the motor, new bearings, clean and revarnish windings.
Extended length of pump set by 915mm supplied and fitted new shaft, suspension, main motor stool, bearings new fasteners and shot blasted unit at a total cost of £10,811
Weedscreen shot blasted and galvanised by KDS £902.73
Works to diesel bay £2604.90
Automatic weedscreen cleaner installed in 2004 by CW Engineering Ltd £33,146, new palisade fencing and extensive ground works during year 2004/5. (Fence £1732.21- works £2696.15)
Access via grass drove alongside riverbank or from Duncombes Road via a grass track. The grass track runs along side a Board’s drain and has pole restrictions on the other side.
BEGGARS BRIDGE PUMPING STATION MARCH ROAD COATES
Catchment 670 ha PE7 2DH
Electric single Gwynnes pump installed in 1990 48 tons per minute
75kva
Design rate 1/sec 800 motor 46.5kW speed 730 Rpm
Supply 415v / 3ph /50 Hz full load current 116amp
The pump house is of brick and asbestos roof construction 18’ 8” x 16’ 8” h 12’ 9” and has double steel doors at each end. The exterior has been concreted and pebble dashed and was painted in 1996 - inside not painted. New level cabinet installed Nov 1998.
The sheet piles at water level show signs of corrosion.
Access is via a tar mac road from March Road Coates, and the last few yards gravel / plannings surface.
Automatic weedscreen cleaner installed in 2000 by C W Engineering Ltd £24,950. New palisade fencing and ground works undertaken (fence £1,541.21, works£1,193.22)
WYPE PUMPING STATION BENWICK ROAD WHITTLESEY PE7 2HG
Electric single Gwynnes installed in 1957 24 tons per minute
35kva motor 40 Hp 720 rpm
1998 re - site existing control electrodes to prevent shorting to the sump metalwork.
Installation of extra electrode, level sensor and modify panel wiring to give extra low - level control.
Problems with the Electricity supply has arisen because of the drop in the voltage, whereas it use to be in the region of 400 - 415 it is now about 380 volts.
The pump house is of brick and tile construction and was erected in 1957 and has double steel doors. The station shows slight signs of movement.
Size 14’ x 14’ height to eves 12’ apex 17’
Power decking refurbished and weedscreen galvanised by Middle Level 1994/1995 and the Station was repainted.
Brick arch Outfall from Old station is in a dangerous state.
Access is via main Road to Benwick the road frontage has a wire and post fence with gate.
Runway Track (10” x 5” RSJ X 12’ SPAN) Herbert Morris Ltd 1967 3 ton
Manual Travelling Chain Block Herbert Morris 1976 3 ton
In 1999 a Dipper Automatic Weedscreen Cleaner manufactured by Middlemass Lord Ltd was installed. It is of mild steel construction and the design is based on on a radial arm crane. The slewing ring and drive has a track diameter of 473mm -O>D gear diameter of 595mm and is driven by a David Brown geared unit. The grab is similar to the overhead gantry type.
The control system is by Lawtronic Ltd.
The grab has a capacity of 250kg debris load and a 2.5mtr gripper width.
The base foundation was constructed by Drake Towage and rests on 4 piles sunk some 8 metres below ground level.
The weedscreen cleaner and station enclosed by 46 metres of 1.80 metre high galvanised steel palisade fencing.
Whittlesey and Farcet
LORDS PUMPING STATION YAXLEY FEN YAXLEY PE7 3H
Electric single Pleuger installed 1974 25 tons per minute 55kva
Diesel single Gwynnes installed 1940 38 tons per minute
At present the diesel unit is in reasonable condition.
Runway Track (10” x 4.5” RSJ 16’ SPAN Coubro Lifting 1939 1 ton
Runway Track (10” x 4.5” RSJ 16’ SPAN Coubro Lifting 1986 1 ton
The pump house is of brick and tile construction 18’ 6” x 28’ 7” height 11’ 7” eaves 18’ 10” apex with wooden double doors and cast iron guttering. The station shows signs of cracks due to the land shrinking. The cable-housing chamber has fallen from the main building exposing electric cables. The concrete slab over the housing also broken
August 1991 Remove the first, second pipes and existing flexible coupling and inspect and repair (by welding) leaking flange on second pipe and replace pipes with new flange gaskets and new special order Johnson coupling.
The station was painted both internally and externally in 1996. The outer brickwork has been weather sealed. The windows have been bricked up.
Water tank stands on a brick base and measures 8’ 1” x 8’ 1” and depth of 2’. It is in need of replacement.
The underground oil tank was removed during October 1998
The decking to the diesel weedscreen is in a poor condition as is weedscreen, which is corroded.
All areas to water have been guarded.
Access is from Main Road Yaxley along concrete roadway under Railway Bridge to private roadway to Lords Farm where the track is of gravel and plannings. Access may also be obtained along grass riverbank.
CONQUEST PUMPING STATION CONQUEST DROVE
Grid ref TL 217918 FARCET PE7 2DH
Electric Pleuger pump No 1 installed in 1973 25 tons per minute 45 kva
Insulation resistance first noted 2/3/89 (0.1 ohms). Windings down to earth on 500 v Meggar earth leakage trip operational at 300 Ma in 48.3 Ms - Motor runs without any overloading.
The results suggest that there is some ingress of dampness, but the level of fault is insufficient to activate the earth leakage protection in the control cabinet.
Electric pump No2 The Bedford pump Co Ltd replaced in 1995 and refurbishment work undertaken to the steel support frame. Pump model No SB.40.09.06 Serial No PO254/1/1
Submersible 25 tons per minute 45 kva
Serial No P 0254/1 Flow rate 425 l/s Total head 4.8m
Weight pump/ motor 1100kg
Pump motor data : electricity supply 415v, 3ph, 50 Hz
Motor rating 30 kW
Speed 970 rpm
In 2002 The Bedford Pump Co Ltd removed the unit refurbished, motor revarnished at a cost of £6882.14
The station was decorated in 1996 and the exterior weather sealed. New guttering was fixed and repairs to the concrete steps undertaken.
In 1998 the existing level control housing was removed and new electrode holder, heads and probes fitted. SWA cable from level housing to pump house installed. Modifications to existing pump level controls and fitting new sensors to give extra low - level protection.
Control building of brick and felt roof construction 8’ 6” x 10’
level control cabinet 3’ 4” cube concrete chamber 14’ x 5’ 82
In 2001C W Engineering Ltd installed a CW2500 automatic weedscreen cleaner at acost of £33,700. A new palisade fence and extensive ground works were undertaken
Access is from the Main Street in Yaxley down Great Lots Drove and through the farm of Farcet Farms Ltd. The remaining stretch is along the grass track that runs alongside the river
TEBBITTS BRIDGE PUMPING STATION STRAIGHT DROVE FARCET FEN
Electric single Pleuger installed 1974 36 tons per minute 60kva
Provision for additional pump made when station erected. Electric unit with half the total required capacity.
Service report August 1995 - Pumping unit is in fairly good condition although there is signs of very bad wear to the propeller vane tips. Motor - motor windings tested and the installation resistance measured 1000 Megohms, which was acceptable. Stator very corroded all bearings, “o” rings and diaphragm to be replaced. Cable - Cable windings tested recommended that cable be replaced.
Refurbishment and new impeller (unit S331) installed under an Insurance Claim.
Diesel Twin Gwynnes installed 1939 45 tons per minute provide back up service
At present the diesel units are operable but attention is required to the Circulating pump on engine No 2.
Manual Overhead Travelling Crane Vaughn Crane Ltd 1939 3 ton
Crane Gantry Tracks (8” x 4” RSJ X 50’ LONG) 1939 3 ton
2000 Europump Services Ltd installed a Sarlin S3 3510 L version 7 pump, rated at 35kW.
Duty 570l/s @4 metres head
Impeller 3 Channel, adjustable impeller clearance, solids handling 115mm * 140mm
Motor 35kW – 585 RPM – 80 amps – 3/50/400
Cost £52,880
2001 CW 2500 automatic weedscreen cleaner £33,000
The pump house is of brick and tile construction 43’ x 20’ 6” with steel doors. It was decorated internally and externally in 1996 and the outside brickwork was weather sealed.
Water tank stands on brick plinth 8’ x 8
Concrete chamber 9’ 6” x 11’
The level controls are housed in a galvanised cabinet 3’ 4” cube.
The old diesel tank was removed during the 1998 autumn drainwork programme.
The timber outfall has been capped and lined with trench piles and now is in good order.
MANOR FARM PUMPING STATION ALIWAL ROAD WHITTLESEY PE7 2DT
Electric Pump No 1 Gwynnes installed 1965 25 tons per min 45kva
Electric Pump No 2 Gwynnes installed 1965 25 tons per min 45kva
Electric Pump No 3 APE ALLEN LTD 1965 34 tons per min 60kva
flow 570 l/s 450 axial flow pump Rpm 980 power kW 42.15
PTO facility
1994
The complete thrust/shaft assemble was removed: total disintegration of pump thrust bearing, allowing considerable vertical displacement of the rotating assemble, causing damage to the thrust housing, shaft bearing mounting and locking assemblies. The repairs were carried out as part of an Insurance Claim
1997
An inspection of the 18/16” Allen Gwynne pump no C5/53283 revealed that the gland packing at the delivery bend was leaking.
1998
An Automatic Weedscreen Cleaner manufactured by Middlemas Lord was installed
The pump house is of brick and felt roof construction 12’ x 9’ and the station has undergone a major refurbishment following the installation of a Heron weedscreen cleaner in 1998. Palisade fencing has been erected around site, which has been gravelled. The site has been decorated.
The steel framework is showing signs of corrosion and will need major repairs.
Access is via Aliwal Road over the level crossing and concrete bridge. The track to the station has been repaired with plainnings whilst work with the weedscreen cleaner was undertaken.
UNDERWOODS PUMPING STATION UNDERWOODS FARM
Catchment 600 Ha (1600a) OFF RAMSEY ROAD PONDERSBRIDGE
Diesel twin Gwynnes installed 1939 45 tons per minute
The diesel units are operable and repair work to the circulating pumps was completed during 1999. A problem with water leaking into the bore also needs attention.
The suction of the pumps was extended in 1961 to provide a lower minimum pumping level and the plant is in reasonable order.
22” diameter centrifugal pumps driven by two Ruston 9XHR diesel engines.
Manual Overhead Travelling Crane Vaughan Crane Ltd 1939 3 ton
Crane Gantry Tracks (8” x 4” RSJ X 50’ Long) 1939 3 ton
1999
The station up to 1999 had no electricity supply and a generator provided lighting. The Board has since had 3-phase electricity connected at a cost of £21928.
The underground fuel tank has been removed and diesel is supplied to the pumps as and when required.
Access is from Ramsey Road and via Bank Farms farm roadway and formerly along the grassed riverbank. However, by a joint operation with the local farmer a substantial roadway has been constructed over the former grass track.
The exterior of the station was treated with Thompson weather seal and painted. The guttering being replaced with new pvcu and the cooling tank lined with a glass fibre lining. (At a cost of £390)
The weedscreen was removed and repaired by John Goude and galvanised by Clarkesteel of Yaxley. The steel supports and pipework were shot blasted and treated on site by Peterborough Blasting.
The Board installed two submersible electric pumps of 300l/s capacity in the existing sump while retaining both the diesel driven units. Europump Services Ltd, who supply pumps manufactured by Sarlin of Finland offered a volute type pump installed within a vertical discharge column. They allow operation over the required pumping range at low submergence in relation to efficiency and the risk of cavitation/vortexing and the noise and damage which occurs as a result of the latter.
Discharge from the units was via the old diesel outfall bay.
Costings: - 2 No Sarlin Submersible pumps type S2 288 V7 £14000
2 No support tubes, 1000mm diameter, complete with pump support ring closing flange, 400mm discharge flange and support plate £5040
2 No Anti-vortex units £1860
Wall mounted control panel, housing 2 No 28kW star-delta starters and Milltronics level control unit. £7850
Narrow Beam Ultrasonic trasducer head £545
Installation of pumping plant and control gear, including wiring cabling
£7230 total £36525
2005 New CW 5000 automatic weedscreen cleaner £34,500.
Glassmoor and Mereside
RAMSEY MERESIDE PUMPING STATION MERESIDE DROVE RAMSEY PE17 1UE
Catchment area 2437 acres
Electric Allen Gwynnes 21” VSAF pump installed 1972 36 tons per minute 65kva
Provision for installation of second unit made when electric installed in 1972.
The plant was inspected and overhauled in August 1996 at which time the pump had run 9397 hours.
Motor (48 kW LSE) - Overhaul carried out, included cleaning, Stoving and relacquering the windings and replacing bearings.
Pump - Thrust bearings (MJ3) replaced.
Due to corrosion of the mild steel pump shaft, the chrome glazing in the bearing areas were worn and becoming detached, refurbished with stainless steel bushes and existing water lubricated Dyn metal bearings were machined to suit. The impeller and its race were mechanically satisfactory
The pump discharges into a brick chamber 7’ 6” x 11’ 6” with a wooden slatted roof.
Diesel Twin Mirlees Watson installed in 1938 50 tons per minute.
No 1 pump is runnable however their are problems with low compression and wear on the big and little end and also the main bearing.
No 2 pump is in a worse condition as it has a cracked head and problems with the big and little ends.
It seams that it may no longer be a viable proposition to maintain the diesel pumps as major and labour intensive repairs are required. The concrete cooling tank leaks around the joints.
Pump house is of brick, which has been pebble dashed and asbestos roof construction with cast iron guttering. 19’ 0” x 41’ 10”
Diesel tank is on concrete frame and if to be retained will require bunding.
Concrete cooling chamber with wooden cooling tower is in need of attention should the diesel engines remain operative. 9’6” x 9’ 6”
Stores of timber, asbestos, and corrugated iron construction. The condition of the roof is in a poor state.
Open store 19’ x 18’
Store 1 10’ 5” x 18’ with derv tank.
Store 2 10’ 5” x 18’ with 6’ x 11’ extension to house trailer.
Access is from Mereside Drove via a gravel road way partly maintained by the Board and riparian owners.
1999
The Board has installed a submersible Pump set at a cost of £58764 from the Bedford Pump Company Ltd.
Additional pump set £16989 Pipe work, valves, supports etc £11483
Control panel £15411 Installation and commissioning £9631
Extra price bonds £250 Contingency £5000
Design flow rate 650 l/sec Power 54kW Rpm 970
Motor Brook Hansen
2002 C W Engineering Ltd installed a CW2500 automatic weedscreen-cleaning machine. £33,150.
New palisade fencing and groundwork’s were undertaken. The pump house was painted
(fencing £1680.25, works £3526.97)
OLD PLANTATION PUMPING STATION PLANTATION FARM MERESIDE RAMSEY
Diesel single Smithdale engine installed in 1948 40 tons per minute
Manufacture Thos Smithdale & Sons of Acle Norfolk size 18 ton pump 6 cylinder Lister
Although in good condition the unit may only be used when levels prevail. Present levels prevent low-level work.
Brick and slate roof store 9’ 11” x 10’ 10”
Main pump house timber framed with corrugated iron cladding.
New water hoses have been fitted and a general service undertaken in 1998.
The discharge is via a brick arched tunnel.
The Hawthorn Davey pump that was removed from the Woods Pumping Station, Glassmoor Bank is stored at the site. It is in only reasonable order, and is unlikely to be of much use, however it is capable of installation after refurbishment. There is no motive power unit with this plant.
Access is from Mereside Drove and along a grass track. Access may be made to New Plantation along the grass riverbank track.
NEW PLANTATION PUMPING STATION PLANTATION FARM BENWICK PE15 0XX
Electric single Pleuger installed 1972 25 tons per minute 60 kva
running speed 1450 rpm pumping unit type S331/ 1 + U11 - 65 - 4
serial No B3726
Breakdown in 1988 motor windings burnt out - motor bearings renewed
Pump end - Generally in good condition. Seals, seal sleeve and bearings replaced.
Heavy silting that occurs in the pump drain has affected the running of the pump and is a concern that is monitored. During the Easter storms of 1998 running silt was washed through the bank and could have added further concerns to the existing problems.
Brick and felt flat roof construction 8’ 5” x 10’ 1”
1985 – recommissioned, new motor, impeller race sleeve £5125
1988 – Motor windings burnt out – rewound £2882.98
1999
The exterior brickwork of the station has been treated with Thompson weather seal and the interior and exterior of the station has been painted. Replacement guttering has also been fitted.
2004 – Pump bowls in an acceptable condition. New sleeves & bearings. Propeller sharpe edges to be removed. Motor – stator repairs. Rewind. Rotor cleaned. £10242
Other works to accommodate pump lifting etc£2015
Access is from Whittlesey Road Benwick through the County Council’s farm roadway at Plantation farm and then along a grass drove which leads to the riverbank. The Board pays an annual land rent of £5 to Abbots Ripton Farming Company for land adjoining the pumping station os 1868 part being approx 240 Sq Yds.
GLASSMOOR BANK PUMPING STATION GLASSMOOR BANK WHITTLESEY PE7 2LT
Electric single Gwynnes installed in 1962 25 tons per minute 35 kva
40 HP totally enclosed weatherproof squirrel cage motor
U S 720 PRM Weight of pump 2 .3/4 tons
Provision for second unit appears to be available.
Brick and felt flat roof construction 10’ 4” x 7’ 10” h 8’ 5”
The station is contained in its own compound with wire mesh / concrete post fencing.
The guttering and roof will need replacing within the next five years and attention is also required to the concrete.
1999
The Board decided that the felt flat roof needed replacing and a competitive price from Rooftec will see a fibreglass roof with total pvcu replacement to fasica boards and guttering. The Cost being £490 and carries a 25-year guarantee.
2003 George W Lack & Sons Ltd fitted an additional pumping unit:
IDEAL VA-29/1 vertical spindle pump with a steel tube casting/discharge head arrangement and bronze impeller c/w 30kW 415v-3ph-50hz 1000rpm IPSS motor. Estimated duty 440litres per second @4.5metres total generated head. Pump 1 & 2 soft starters/ control panel /generator section and hawker level controls. Mccb Panel boards. £74,700
The civils were undertaken by Pettifer
Connection upgrade 24/7 £11,360.00
CW2500 automatic weedscreen cleaner £32475.works
A new palisade fence and entrance ramp from Glassmoor Bank Road were undertaken. (fence £1654.20, weedscreen £4182, works £3894.46)
WHITTLESEY FIFTH AREA
IRONSIDE PUMPING STATION
Pumps – two 18” Gwynnes axial flow Nos 77835 & 77836
Capacity 15.5 cu.secs @ 10ft T.G.H 710 R.P.M each
Motors – two Brook 30kW 415 volt 50 Hz 3PH 715 R.P.M Nos JI 69D-1 & JI169D-2
Gearboxes – two Newbrook Nos 2240-9-79 & 2158-9-79
Engines Perkins No 1-4108 & No2 4270
Pump Starter Panel British Pleuger
The pumps were installed in 1955 impeller type working on a long shaft up to the motors. The bearings were replaced in 1992. Catchment area 750ha capacity 880 litres/sec
1978 – units modified to operate automatically. New 40hp electric motors with direct drive to pumps. Level control and starting equipment installed. Cost £15,333
The electric motors were rewound and renovated by MLC in 1992.
Jan 2001 Europump Services engineers reported upon pumps and found to be in a fair condition.
2002 - Pump near control panel refurbished – Gearbox also refurbished. New thrust bearing, bottom bearing shaft sleeves, shaft nuts, pump casing fasteners, shaft gland and packing.
Motor – general overhaul new bearings clean and revarnish £7929.85
Rooftec fibreglass roof £1590, general servicing and works including painting £4588.12.
2003 C W Engineering installed new CW2500 automatic weedscreen cleaning unit £34,675.
Extensive ground works were also undertaken and new fencing erected.(fence £1109.15 works £2377.58)
