ENERGY SAVINGS AT COOLING PLANT PUMPING STATIONS DIRECTLY ENABLED BY HYDROMAT EQUIPMENT, IVANEC, CROATIA

Despite COVID-19 and other challenges, Hydromat continues to lead in industrial innovation. Hydromat specialists successfully commissioned two new pumping stations at the BASF Antwerp facility—the world’s largest chemical complex. Each station operates at 5 MW capacity and is equipped with Hydromat’s hydraulic automated surge suppression units designed to protect main cooling pumps and installations from water hammer damage.

BASF’s Modernization Program

As previously reported, BASF Antwerp is systematically modernizing its existing facilities section by section while constructing new installations to increase cooling capacity and overall plant efficiency. This ambitious upgrade program represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in European industrial cooling systems.

Breaking into the German Market: A Rare Achievement

Given the critical importance of equipment and technology at BASF chemical plants, selling to German clients—especially established German companies—is notoriously difficult, particularly when offering complete system solutions. Yet Hydromat’s innovative concept succeeded where many have failed. Anyone who has attempted to sell proprietary equipment to German energy sector clients understands the magnitude of this achievement.

This breakthrough allows us to confidently state that for effective water hammer protection in pumping stations and maximizing operational efficiency, HYDROMAT from Croatia offers the world’s best solutions. We’re experiencing a surge in inquiries from all corners of the globe—this is HYDROMAT EXCELLENCE in action.

Quantified Energy Savings: €1.5-2 Million Annually

The results speak for themselves. German engineering consultants have calculated that beyond providing significantly superior protection functionality, installing Hydromat equipment across just 10 pumping stations will generate annual savings of €1.5 to 2 million in direct operational electrical energy consumption.

Technical Innovation Meets Economic Performance

This BASF Antwerp cooling plant project demonstrates how advanced hydraulic surge suppression technology delivers dual benefits:

1. Enhanced Protection: Superior water hammer mitigation protects expensive pump equipment and prevents costly downtime
2. Energy Efficiency: Substantial reduction in electrical energy consumption through optimized hydraulic performance

The system’s automated hydraulic damping units actively manage pressure transients while minimizing energy losses—a combination that traditional protection systems cannot match.

Global Recognition for Croatian Engineering

Hydromat’s success at the world’s largest chemical complex validates our position as a global leader in industrial pumping station solutions. The fact that a Croatian company has become the preferred supplier for such critical infrastructure at BASF Antwerp—traditionally a stronghold of German engineering firms—speaks volumes about the technical superiority and reliability of our solutions.

Sustainable Industry Leadership

This installation represents more than a commercial success; it’s a testament to how innovative Croatian engineering contributes to global industrial sustainability. By reducing energy consumption while enhancing operational safety, Hydromat’s technology supports the chemical industry’s transition toward more efficient and environmentally responsible operations.

As industrial facilities worldwide seek to optimize energy usage and reduce operational costs, Hydromat’s proven track record at facilities like BASF Antwerp positions us as the partner of choice for mission-critical cooling and pumping applications.