Framo to provide 96 pumps for the Norwegian Ocean Technology Center

Statsbygg, the Norwegian Directorate of Public Construction and Property, has awarded Framo the pump systems contract for the Norwegian Ocean Technology Center in Trondheim, Norway.

The Norwegian Ocean Technology Center is currently under construction for the Norwegian University of Science & Technology (NTNU) and SINTE, the Norwegian research organization.

The Framo 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. "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."

The pump system is designed and developed at Alfa Laval-owned Framo's factory in Flatøy outside Bergen. This is part of a series of pumps with high capacity and low lift heights, which were 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,” said Ljones. “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."

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.

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.