Challenge

Flanders protects itself against flooding with more than 200 pumping stations that bring water to higher levels. Most of these were built in the 1970-80s and are in urgent need of replacement or renovation. A quarter of the pumps are screw pumps, theoretically the most energy-efficient and fish-friendly solution to move water.  

However, fragmented management and insufficient validation in the market have so far hampered the rollout of tubular augers in those renovations. To encourage this anyway, and to gain more knowledge about tubular screw pumps, the Department of Mobility and Public Works, together with the Province of West Flanders and Westkustpolder, want to have a tubular screw pump modelled and tested on a scale model. They then want to install and effectively test the tubular screw jack in an existing screw pumping station. 

Other water authorities are involved as sponsors. Manufacturers optimise the design with CFD modelling and scale models, supported by NeXperta (Concrete and Steel Expertise Department and Flanders Hydraulics). The test results refine the empirical formulas and determine whether tubular screw pumps are a suitable alternative for replacing existing pumps.