WD Power landed in Madagascar

WD Power worked all over Africa, but apart from some prospects, never had to the opportunity to do work in Madagascar. This gap was filled in Dec 2016 when we were asked to assist Henry Fraise Fils & Co (HFF) with a maintenance issue on a hydro turbine. HFF operates two vertical Frances turbines of 3 MW each, supplied by Hydro Power Plant (France). Bernard and Brian travelled to Madagascar and visited the plant where detailed vibration measurements were recorded and alignment checks were done for the client. A full report was compiled and a couple of recommendations were given to the client.

The turbines are installed at the Tsiazompaniry (TSZ) station. Water is supplied from the Tsiazompaniry dam through a canal to a forebay and through a penstock to the two turbines. These Vertical Frances turbine runners have a diameter of 1380 mm and runs at 375 rpm. The rated head is 31m with a flow of 10 m³/s. The plant operates since 2010 and is well maintained. The HFF staff looked well after us on this remote location and we left site with a positive impression of the utility.