In this exciting phase of the FARA project (Fredrikstad wastewater treatment plant), ELIQUO PMI has reached an important milestone: the lifting into place of the massive Archimedes screws that will play a central role in the plant's operation.

An energy-efficient solution for the future

ELIQUO PMI is responsible for the design and delivery of the process that forms the heart of the new wastewater treatment plant. The Archimedes screw pumps have been chosen to lift the wastewater in the most energy-efficient way possible and will contribute to a significant reduction in energy consumption in the process. The pumps will lift the water a total of 12.5 meters, with a capacity of 3,300 m³/h (917 l/s).

Each pump is equipped with a 220 kW motor, and with a high efficiency that enables it to maintain performance even with varying water flows. A major advantage is also that the pumps are frequency-controlled and can be continuously adjusted according to the incoming water volume, ensuring they always operate optimally – whether under light or heavy loads.

Northern Europe’s longest screw pump

This project sets a new standard for technology and efficiency. The size of the pumps requires them to be assembled on-site at the plant. AF Gruppen will deliver the concrete "pump housing," while ELIQUO PMI will provide the screw mechanism. Together, we will deliver Northern Europe’s longest Archimedes screw pump – an impressive achievement both in size and technological innovation.

Long lifespan and low maintenance needs

Archimedes screws are known for their long lifespan and can operate for over 50 years with very little maintenance. Øyvind Benjaminsen, project manager for the FARA project, is highly satisfied with the choice of technology.

– "One of the major advantages of the Archimedes screws is their impressive lifespan and very low service needs. Once the pumps are installed, they can operate for over 50 years, providing a stable and reliable solution for many years to come. It’s a choice that reduces maintenance costs and ensures that we can meet the future demands for efficient wastewater treatment with minimal environmental impact," says Benjaminsen.

With a low energy consumption, equivalent to about 240 watts per liter of water lifted 12 meters, this solution combines sustainability and efficiency in the best possible way.

The future wastewater treatment plant in Fredrikstad and Hvaler

The FARA project aims to manage wastewater in a much more efficient and sustainable way than before, using modern technologies that reduce CO2 emissions and treat the water more effectively. When the plant is completed, it will not only improve the water quality in the Oslofjord but also contribute to removing both nitrogen and phosphorus from the wastewater through MBBR technology.

Ready for the challenges of the future

With the installation of the Archimedes screws, the FARA project is one step closer to becoming one of the most advanced and sustainable wastewater treatment plants in Norway. ELIQUO PMI and our partners are proud to play a key role in this important environmental project, which will not only ensure cleaner water in the fjord but also help shape the future of wastewater treatment infrastructure.

– "It’s incredibly gratifying to see the project take shape in this way," says Benjaminsen. "With the technology we now have in place, I am confident that the FARA plant will be a leading example of how modern wastewater treatment plants can contribute to both a better environment and higher efficiency," he concludes.