Categories: Control & Automation

Variable-speed Drive Helps “Seal” the Deal

Listen to this article

Colchester Zoo avoids disappointing visitors to one of its most popular attractions following the rapid installation of an ABB variable-speed drive (VSD) to replace a failed unit.

Following a power cut, the non-ABB installed drive on the ozone pump in the zoo’s sea lion enclosure reported an under-voltage fault when attempts were made to re-start it.

ABB authorised value provider, Gibbons Engineering Group, received the call from the zoo at 08:00 and had an engineer on site within two hours. After determining that the installed drive was damaged, a replacement 22 kW ABB drive was collected from Gibbons’ stock. Mains and control connections were set up and the pump was operational again by 13:00.

The VSD plays a vital role in keeping the sea lion tank clean and the mammals healthy. Craig Hamnett, electrician for Colchester Zoo, says: “It was important that we get the pump back in operation within 24 hours, otherwise algae would develop in the pool, seriously degrading its clarity. This would have meant disappointing visitors to this popular attraction.”

The ozone pump is one of four pumps operated in the enclosure. Ozone is converted from ordinary oxygen in the ozone generator. The ozone is then pumped into the water by the ozone pump. This kills bacteria and is a vital stage in keeping the enclosure healthy.

The sea lion enclosure, named Playa Patagonia, features a 2.5 million litre water tank complete with an underwater glass tunnel that allows visitors to see the sea lions swimming. The enclosure is currently home to five female Patagonian sea lions but can hold as many as 12.

For more information please contact:

Layla Hewitt
Tel: 01925 741111
layla.hewitt@gb.abb.com
www.abb.co.uk/energy

ABB Drives & Motors

Share
Published by
ABB Drives & Motors

Recent Posts

Why Chemical Firms Are Reducing Toxic Substances

Chemical giants are shedding light on why cutting down on toxic substances is now a…

1 day ago

How AI Is Transforming the Factory Floor

Andrew Sherlock, Director of Data-Driven Manufacturing, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) Artificial intelligence (AI) is…

1 day ago

IChemE Launches Inquiry into UK Chemical Engineering Research

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has announced a significant presidential inquiry into the current…

2 days ago

UK REACH ATRm Progress Met With Caution by Chemical Industry

A Multidisciplinary Approach This research combined numerical analysis with hands-on experimentation. By employing high-speed photography…

2 days ago

Research Finds Cast Iron Water Pipes Can Temporarily Reseal

Recent research has uncovered some exciting news about cast iron pipes—they can actually 'reseal' themselves,…

2 days ago

Reconomy to Open £20m Plastic Recycling Plant in Corby

Reconomy, a global frontrunner in circular economy solutions, has exciting news: their brand, Eurokey, is…

2 days ago