
![]() |
Charlotte Stonestreet
Managing Editor |
Home> | DRIVES & MOTORS | >Variable Speed Drives | >Drive keeps sea lions on view |
Editor's Pick
Drive keeps sea lions on view
30 June 2016
Colchester Zoo has avoided 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.”
- Connected Services keeps robots on track
- ABB closes automation skills gap with new robotics education package
- Touchscreen data recorder
- VSD eliminates grinder stoppages
- Drives floor energy costs for high rise
- Group head for oil, gas & petrochemical
- Emergency drive hire
- ABB scoops EFF Future Manufacturing Award
- Power transmission products covered
- PLC-controlled drive systems
- PUMPED UP PERFORMANCE
- SOFT STARTER OR VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE?
- Jeans With Less Energy
- Enhanced to Withstand Tough Environments
- Savings From Improved Torque Ratio & Efficiency
- Modular VSD
- ENERGY SAVING: AN OLD MESSAGE WITH NEW PROMISE
- Updated installation guide for power drive systems
- UK drives manufacturer seals global automation deal
- WEG motors & drives power high-efficiency air blowers