Hafslund Kraft-Complete Pump Package for Kryss Fossane Pumped-Storage Power Plant

When Fuglesangs supplied a large axially split centrifugal pump to Hafslund Kraft’s facility at Kryss Fossane in 2015, the pump itself was not the only challenge.

The pump was to be installed in an underground facility with extremely restricted access. To complete the delivery, the pump system had to be transported into the mountain and assembled 300 metres inside the facility.

Fuglesangs supplied both the pump and a large check valve with counterweight—and completed the project on schedule and within budget. Following commissioning, the pump ran exceptionally smoothly.

Delivery at a Glance

The Challenge: A Large Pump with Difficult Access

The Kryss Fossane facility placed special demands on both the pump package and the execution of the project.

With a pump weighing almost 30 tonnes, a flow rate of 10,800 m³/h and a motor power of 3.6 MW, this was a substantial installation. The system achieved exceptional efficiency: 97.2% motor efficiency combined with 91% pump efficiency, resulting in an overall efficiency of approximately 88.5%.

The greatest practical challenge, however, was access.

The pump was to be installed 300 metres inside the mountain. Fuglesangs therefore had to plan the delivery so that the equipment could be transported into the facility, handled and assembled at the installation site.

Rather than delivering the pump fully assembled outside the facility, the delivery was adapted to the conditions on site.

The Solution: Assembly Inside the Mountain

Fuglesangs supplied an axially split centrifugal pump together with a large check valve equipped with a counterweight.

Due to the restricted access, the equipment was transported into the underground facility and assembled 300 metres inside the mountain.

This required coordination across pump delivery, transport, handling and installation.

When large pumping systems are installed in existing infrastructure, the pump itself is only one part of the project. Access, transport, assembly, installation and commissioning must be planned as one integrated delivery.

Technical Specifications

The pump was sized for a flow rate of:

10,800 m³/h

at a head of:

100 metres of water column (mWC)

The pump installation included:

• DN1000 connection
• DN800 connection
• 3.6 MW motor
• Total weight of 29.8 tonnes
• Footprint of 6.2 × 2.8 metres
• Correct hydraulic sizing
• Customised design
• Transport and handling planning
• Assembly at the installation site
• Inspection and testing
• Coordination with other equipment
• Thorough commissioning planning

This illustrates the scale of the equipment handled by Fuglesangs during the project.

Delivered on Schedule and Within Budget

Fuglesangs completed the project on schedule and within the agreed budget.

Following commissioning, the pump performed exceptionally well and ran smoothly.

One small but telling detail from the commissioning later became something of a signature for the project: the famous “coin test” was performed by placing a coin upright on the pump—and it remained standing.

Although this is no substitute for technical measurements and documentation, it illustrates how smoothly the pump operated after commissioning.

What Does the Project Demonstrate?

The Kryss Fossane project demonstrates that delivering a large pump involves more than selecting the correct pumping capacity.

For major installations, the entire delivery must be considered:

Pump → transport → access → assembly → installation → commissioning

This is particularly important at existing power plants, underground facilities and other installations where access to the equipment is restricted.

In this project, Fuglesangs supplied both the pump and the check valve while adapting the delivery to the physical conditions at the installation site.

Large Pumps Require More Than the Right Specification

When a pump weighs almost 30 tonnes and must be installed hundreds of metres inside a mountain, project execution becomes critically important.

The right pump must be combined with:

• Correct hydraulic sizing
• Customised design
• Transport and handling planning
• Assembly at the installation site
• Inspection and testing
• Coordination with other equipment
• Thorough commissioning planning

This is also why Fuglesangs does more than simply sell pumps. The company supplies pumping systems, testing, servicing and workshop services, supported by its own workshop and testing facilities in Oslo.

Fuglesangs and Pumping Solutions for the Power Industry

Fuglesangs supplies pumping solutions to the power and energy sector and has extensive experience with large pumps, pumping systems and servicing.

Kryss Fossane is one of several Hafslund Kraft projects for which Fuglesangs has supplied pumping solutions. Fuglesangs has also supplied and installed four high-efficiency submersible pumps, prefabricated pipes and flanges for the drainage system at Solbergfoss. In collaboration with Hafslund Kraft, a solution was developed that improved health and safety conditions during pump maintenance.

In 2019, Fuglesangs assisted in dismantling the pump for an internal inspection. Everything was found to be in excellent condition, and we also carried out scheduled maintenance on the seal. In 2026, we serviced the seal again—not because of any fault, but due to its age.

Do You Have a Demanding Pump Installation?

Are you planning to install a large pump in an existing facility, underground installation or power plant?

Fuglesangs can assist with pump selection, technical specifications, delivery, assembly, testing and servicing.

Contact Fuglesangs to discuss your pumping project.