Reliable Pumping. Significant Savings.

LSM hose pump delivers reliable and efficient performance at a German biogas plant – reducing maintenance, saving time and lowering energy consumption.

In the heart of the Lüneburg Heath in northern Germany, Christian Cordes and his son Thore run a traditional family farm covering 370 hectares. Alongside agriculture, forestry and livestock production, the family has been operating a biogas plant since 2006.

With an installed electrical capacity of 500 kW, the plant processes a mixture of slurry, rye, maize and landscape management material. For around five years, an LSM hose pump has been an integral part of the operation – proving to be a highly reliable and cost-effective solution.

Reliable operation with minimal maintenance

The pump's primary task is to continuously transfer the mixed substrate from the mixing tank to the main fermenter. This involves pumping approximately 275 m³ of substrate every day. The mixture contains both liquid and solid materials, including around 25 tonnes of maize per day.

Despite these demanding operating conditions, the pump has delivered excellent availability. According to the Cordes family, there have been no breakdowns since installation.

Maintenance is equally straightforward. The hose only needs to be replaced once a year, while the hard plastic rollers are replaced approximately every three years. This significantly reduces maintenance requirements, downtime and operating costs.

An investment that pays for itself

Switching to hose pump technology has generated estimated annual savings of around €10,000, according to Christian Cordes. With an initial investment of approximately €32,000, the pump has offered an attractive return on investment.

The pump is also designed to operate well below its maximum capacity. With an installed motor power of 11 kW and an operating frequency of 40 Hz, it runs at approximately two-thirds of its maximum capacity. This ensures smooth, efficient operation while helping to keep electricity consumption low.

A robust solution for the future of biogas

For Christian and Thore Cordes, there is no doubt that the LSM hose pump will remain an essential part of their biogas operation. Its combination of operational reliability, simple maintenance and low running costs makes it a valuable asset in their daily production.

The family also sees promising opportunities for the future of biogas. As the demand for decarbonisation and renewable fuels continues to grow, biogas could play an increasingly important role – particularly in the production of bio-LNG for heavy-duty transport, including trucks and ships.

With its proven reliability and efficient performance, the LSM hose pump is ready to support the next generation of sustainable biogas production.

PROJECT FACTS

• Customer: Christian and Thore Cordes

• Location: Undeloh, Lüneburg Heath, Germany

• Application: Biogas production

• Plant capacity: 500 kW electrical output

• Pump type: LSM hose pump

• Pumped medium: Mixed substrate consisting of slurry, solid manure, rye, maize and landscape management material

• Daily pumping volume: Approx. 275 m³

• Daily maize volume: Approx. 25 tonnes

• Installed motor power: 11 kW

• Operating frequency: 40 Hz

• Estimated annual savings: Approx. €10,000

• Maintenance intervals: Annual hose replacement; plastic rollers replaced approximately every three years