A municipal wastewater facility faced persistent maintenance issues with its screw-lift drive system, resulting in frequent breakdowns and continuous repair expenses. Challenge The existing system — relying on pulleys and sheaves — was prone to wear and tear, necessitating frequent repairs and replacements, incurring significant costs and causing constant operational disruptions. BEFORE: Pulleys and Sheaves System AFTER: Modern Direct Drive (MC Series) For the main elevator drive; 125 HP motor with 323,800 lb-in of torque Screw Lifts Solution SEW-EURODRIVE's engineering team worked closely with the wastewater facility to design and implement the direct drive solution, which would eliminate belts and pulleys and create significant system efficiencies. This Retrofit Service addressed the first and critical process in the wastewater treatment flow, where influent water is lifted from its low-level entry to begin the treatment journey. Using MC Series units with a special mounting adapter plate, SEW-EURODRIVE’s solution offered several advantages: Increased Reliability With fewer moving parts and a simplified design, the direct drive solution offered improved reliability and reduced susceptibility to breakdowns. Enhanced Efficiency Customization SEW-EURODRIVE customized the direct drive solution to seamlessly integrate with the existing infrastructure, minimizing installation time and disruptions. Results SEW-EURODRIVE’s direct drive solution yielded significant benefits: Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for frequent replacements of pulleys and sheaves, the plant saved thousands of dollars annually in repair costs. Operational Efficiency: The enhanced reliability andreduced downtime resulted in uninterrupted sewage treatment operations, ensuring consistent service to the community. Long-Term Reliability: The direct drive solution provided long-term reliability, offering peace of mind to plantoperators and management. Improved Sustainability: With reduced energy consumptionand minimized maintenance requirements, the direct drive solution contributed to the plant’s sustainability goals. Project Specs 36 RPM output speed *25% is an estimated figure based on significantly improved efficiencies gained with new gearbox design Join Our Monthly DRIVEN Newsletter: About SEW-EURODRIVE Founded in 1931 in Bruchsal, Germany, SEW-EURODRIVE is a global leader in Industrial Automation, with operations in over 50 countries, 17 manufacturing plants, 92 assembly facilities, and more than 21,000 employees. The company holds over 1,000 patents, continuously driving technological advancements in gearmotors, frequency inverters, servo drives, and Industry 4.0 solutions. SEW-EURODRIVE provides engineered solutions in countless industries, including automotive, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, mining, steel, logistics, energy, and more, providing customized automation solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Despite its global reach, SEW remains family-owned, ensuring long-term vision, strong values, and a commitment to excellence. SEW-EURODRIVE. Driving the World™