Maximizing Thermal Power Generating Plant Load Factor with Goodwin Submersible Slurry Pumps. The site stands as a behemoth in the thermal power generation sector, with a formidable energy capacity of 3,600MW, making it one of the the largest in Africa. However, this giant grappled with a critical challenge: optimizing its ash disposal rate to maintain…
Enhancing Desilting Efficiency at the Alakananda River Hydro Power Dam with Goodwin ANZE Submersible Slurry Pumps
At this Alakananda hydro power facility, the head of operations noticed that inefficient pump systems were failing to remove accumulated sediments from the desilting chambers. These chambers, which are critical to the filtration and protection of downstream equipment, were gradually becoming less effective.
As a result:
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Sediment-laden water reached the turbines, causing frequent wear and tear.
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Downtime for turbine maintenance increased, reducing power generation output.
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Maintenance costs surged, straining operational budgets.
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Environmental sediment management targets became harder to achieve.
Recognizing the need for a specialized, high-performance solution, the plant leadership turned to Goodwin, a globally respected name in slurry pump technology and desilting applications.
Assessment and Pump Recommendation by Goodwin India
Upon invitation, Goodwin’s engineering team conducted a detailed on-site assessment of the desilting infrastructure. Their analysis revealed that the existing pumps lacked the design strength to handle:
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High sediment concentrations.
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Abrasive and coarse particles.
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Large volumes of water under variable flow conditions.
To address these issues, Goodwin recommended the installation of two 100mm ANZE submersible slurry pumps—specially designed for heavy-duty sediment handling in hydro power facilities.
Key Features of the Goodwin 100 ANZE Submersible Slurry Pump
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Inbuilt agitators to resuspend settled solids, ensuring continuous sediment flow.
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Non-clog impellers for uninterrupted operation, even with high debris loads.
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Twin volute casings to reduce radial loads and extend pump life.
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High solid-handling capacity, ideal for Himalayan sediment conditions.
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Submersible design eliminates the need for extensive above-ground infrastructure.
Installing Goodwin Pumps in Desilting Chambers
After approval from plant leadership and successful procurement, two Goodwin 100 ANZE pumps were installed directly in the desilting chambers. The implementation process included:
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On-site technical support from Goodwin India’s engineers.
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Training for plant operators on pump maintenance and performance optimization.
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Real-time monitoring during initial operation to fine-tune pump positioning and flow parameters.
This collaborative approach ensured that the pumps were deployed effectively and that plant personnel could confidently manage the system moving forward.
"The Goodwin pumps have successfully removed the settled sediments from our desilting chambers, improving the efficiency and reliability of our power house.."
Goodwin Africa’s On-Site Technical Support
A critical aspect of the successful pump implementation was Goodwin Africa’s dedicated technical support team, which:
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Provided on-site assistance during installation and commissioning.
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Conducted operator training to ensure plant personnel could effectively manage and maintain the pumps.
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Performed ongoing monitoring and performance evaluations to optimize system efficiency.
Industry Benchmark: Setting a New Standard for Thermal Power Plants
Following the successful deployment of Goodwin ANZE submersible slurry pumps, the plant achieved a new industry standard for efficiency in ash handling and power generation. The results:
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Increased power generation output with a fully optimized PLF.
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Lower operating costs due to reduced downtime and maintenance expenses.
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Improved environmental compliance and sustainability through better ash management.
The strategic integration of Goodwin Africa’s ANZE submersible slurry pumps at the thermal power plant in Mpumalanga has proven to be a transformational solution. By overcoming sump flooding issues, increasing ash disposal efficiency, and improving PLF, the plant has achieved:
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Higher reliability in power generation.
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Significant cost savings on maintenance and unplanned downtime.
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A safer, more sustainable, and efficient operating environment.
As a result, the Goodwin ANZE pumps have set a new precedent in thermal power plant efficiency, demonstrating the importance of strategic engineering solutions in tackling industry-wide operational challenges.
