Combining data with expertise to arrive at optimal emergency plan

In a world that is constantly changing, it is of great importance to move with it and think ahead. They know that even at Vanderkamp Pumps. "In our country, some 90% of all water levels are regulated. A strong asset, but it also makes us vulnerable the moment a pumping system breaks down," says Boris Cornelissen, Project Manager at Vanderkamp Pumps. "This makes it all the more important to think ahead and make well-prepared plans so that you can proceed smartly, quickly and efficiently in case of emergencies," adds his colleague Menno van Veen, Systems Engineer at Vanderkamp Pumps.

Eefde lock

Vanderkamp's modular temporary pumping installations are often deployed at crucial points, such as at the lock in Eefde. If the water in the IJssel sinks too far, the existing pumping station no longer functions and a temporary pumping installation must take over its function to pump the water from the IJssel into the Twente Canal. Van Veen: "In Eefde we have done that several times in recent years. Using six pumps, a corresponding capacity of 11 m3/s was provided. Each pump has a capacity of 450 kW and is electrically controlled and monitored." 

Exceptional situation

Van Veen explains that in 2022, the situation at Eefde lock was completely exceptional: "Due to the enormous prolonged drought, it was necessary to place four more pumps in one of the lock chambers, because at that time the capacity could not be reached. The additional pumps (they did run on generators) provided an additional increase in capacity of about 8 m3/s, depending on the water level. It is the largest temporary water supply so far due to persistent drought in the Netherlands and has been there for three months." 

Sustainable Emergency Plan

"Rijkswaterstaat asked us to lay down a plan for the future, because you just know it will be needed more often," Cornelissen says. "We started collecting data from the installations and used a drone to gather geographical data: the pumping station and its surroundings were scanned in. Van den Herik, jointly responsible for the maintenance of the waterways, also made sonar data of the soil profile available to us for the purpose of this issue. All this valuable information was plotted in 3D, into a Digital Twin of the lock. We combined our many years of expertise in various projects in the Twente and Overijssel Delta, among others, with that information, thus fully optimizing the layout as a plan. When choosing the type and number of pumps, we always strive for a solution that is as optimal as possible, also in terms of sustainability. This means that we preferably use electrically driven pumps, run pumps at their optimal operating point and make optimal use of existing electrical installations. The emergency plan also contains the packing lists for each transport to optimize logistical movements and the daily schedule is already known. This allows us to switch quickly, smartly and efficiently once it is necessary. That also benefits sustainability." From April 1 to October 1, Vanderkamp is on standby with a basic set on call for the first 11 m3/s. The water forecast at Lobith is closely monitored for this purpose.

Remotely calculate, influence and monitor

"Both before and during a project, we can calculate, influence and monitor remotely," says Van Veen. "By digitizing everything beforehand, we can optimize a project where everything can be adjusted and controlled remotely. The customer can see everything on the dashboard of our portal and also control it if desired. At Eefde lock we log all the data, at the request of the Department of Public Works, because they can use that data (such as capacity) to deal with water boards that have an obligation to deliver. We can also anticipate here the number of ships going through the lock. In this case, that is very project-specific and based on the demand of the lock operator, but maintaining the water level can also be set up fully automatically," Van Veen emphasizes.

Vanderkamp has the expertise to gather data, combine it with its years of experience to advise and lay down a sustainable contingency plan. "Over the entire term of a job, that's where you get the most benefit," according to Cornelissen. "That way we can be of great significance to our clients and parties like the Department of Public Works and Water Boards."