East Butterwick Pumping Station Modernisation
East Butterwick, a village located on the east bank of the River Trent, relies on a crucial flood protection system to safeguard its community and surrounding farmland. Since the Second World War, an automatically controlled pumping station, managed by the Messingham Internal Drainage Board, has been in place to protect the area from potential flooding.
Originally, the station was equipped with two self-priming diesel-driven pumps. However, by 1981, these pumps had become outdated and required replacement to maintain efficiency and reliability.
Project Phase 1: 1981 Pump Replacement
In 1981, T-T successfully won the bid to replace the old pumps with a modern solution. The company installed new electric motor-driven submersible pumps in an underground chamber. These pumps had a design performance of 900 litres per second at a static head of 4.5 metres and were capable of handling variations in static head between 0 and 7.5 metres.
Project Phase 2: 2004 Pump Replacement & System Upgrade
After 24 years of flawless operation, the Messingham Internal Drainage Board decided to replace the pumps as part of a planned maintenance programme. T-T once again secured the contract, proposing a cost-effective and straightforward approach: replacing the existing units with identical new ones still available in the manufacturer’s product range.
This decision minimised expenses not only in terms of mechanical components but also by eliminating the need for modifications to the pumping station’s pipework and structural elements. Additionally, T-T designed and supplied a replacement motor control centre, ensuring continued efficiency and ease of operation.
As part of the upgrade, an electrically actuated penstock was incorporated to give the Board’s supervisor control over gravity flows from West Common North Drain. This addition provided local farmers with improved irrigation capabilities during dry conditions, further enhancing the system’s functionality.
Outcome & Future Outlook
The success of the East Butterwick Pumping Station project was due to correct design and equipment selection, innovative thinking, and extensive experience in planned maintenance programmes.
With the newly installed pumps and control system, the Messingham Internal Drainage Board, in collaboration with T-T and JBA Consulting, anticipates another 24 years of reliable, trouble-free operation.
This case study highlights the importance of strategic planning, reliable engineering solutions, and long-term cost efficiency in critical flood management infrastructure. Here’s to another successful 24 years of operation!