Nouakchott Water Treatment Plant is a water treatment facility in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. Devpan supplied the motor control centres for pumping stations and process equipment, together with main distribution and power factor correction panels.
Electrical Profile of the Project
- LocationNouakchott, Mauritania
- Building typeWater treatment plant
- Installed power≈ 5,000 kVA
- Transformer configuration2 × 2,500 kVA
- Main busbar rated current2 × 4,000 A
- Short-time withstand current (Icw)80 kA / 1 s
- Devpan scopeLow voltage switchboards, engineering and site coordination
- Verification standardIEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2
About the Project
The electrical load of a water treatment plant is dominated by high-power pumps, blowers and mixers, and when they stop, the city’s water supply is directly affected. In Nouakchott, the hot and dusty climate at the edge of the Sahara, coastal humidity and chemical vapours inside the plant create a demanding environment for switchgear. Starting currents of large motors and harmonics from variable-speed drives also degrade power quality and stress protection and compensation equipment.
For a water treatment plant of this scale, the typical solution is a 33 kV medium-voltage supply with approximately 2 × 2,500 kVA transformers and a two-section 2 × 4,000 A main distribution. A short-time withstand of 80 kA / 1 s leaves margin for the high fault levels produced by this transformer capacity. Process MCCs are built to Form 4b and IP54 for safe maintenance in dusty, humid areas, while 2 × 1,250 kVA generators keep critical pumps running during grid outages.
Devpan Scope and Switchboard Architecture
Devpan’s scope covers switchboards across the plant, from the main low-voltage distribution to pump and process motor control.
- Motor control centres (DevControl): Form 4b, IP54 MCCs for raw water, treated water and backwash pumps, blowers and mixers.
- Main distribution boards (DevPanel): typically 2 × 4,000 A, 80 kA / 1 s, with bus coupler and generator transfer.
- Power factor correction (DevComp): automatic stepped compensation with detuning reactors for large motor loads.
- Sub-distribution boards (DevBox): supplies for chemical dosing, laboratory, administration building and lighting.
Technical Configuration
| Installed power | ≈ 5,000 kVA |
|---|---|
| Transformer configuration | 2 × 2,500 kVA |
| Medium voltage level | 33 kV |
| Low voltage / frequency | 400 / 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Main busbar rated current | 2 × 4,000 A |
| Short-time withstand current (Icw) | 80 kA / 1 s |
| Form of internal separation | Form 4b |
| Degree of protection (IP) | IP54 |
| Generator back-up | 2 × 1,250 kVA |
| Verification standard | IEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2 |
Devpan Products Used in This Project
Project-Specific Engineering Topics
Pump starting strategy
Choosing soft starters or variable-speed drives for large pumps limits inrush current and water hammer, protecting both the network and the pipelines.
Corrosive atmosphere
Where chlorine or similar chemical vapours are present, IP54 enclosures, suitable gaskets and finishes and switchroom ventilation are designed together.
Process continuity
Duty and standby pumps are split across two busbar sections, so the plant keeps operating if one section is out of service.
SCADA integration
Motor protection relays and drives in the MCCs communicate with SCADA, allowing remote monitoring of currents, trips and running hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the installed power for a water treatment plant of the scale of Nouakchott?
For a water treatment plant of this scale the installed power is approximately 5,000 kVA, with a typical transformer configuration of 2 × 2,500 kVA. The main busbar is typically 2 × 4,000 A with a short-time withstand of 80 kA / 1 s, supplied at 33 kV and backed by generators of around 2 × 1,250 kVA.
Why is Form 4b preferred for water treatment MCCs?
In Form 4b every motor feeder and its cable terminals sit in a separate compartment, so one pump line can be worked on while the other pumps stay energised and in service.
Why do harmonics matter in a water plant?
Many variable-speed drives inject current harmonics; detuned compensation prevents capacitor overheating and resonance and keeps the power factor stable.
Similar Reference Projects
Ashgabat Gundogar Water Treatment PlantWater treatment plant · Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
EllaLink Data Centre NouadhibouData centre · Nouadhibou, Mauritania
Kiffa SubstationSwitchyard and substation · Kiffa, MauritaniaDo you have a project of a similar scale?
Send us your single-line diagram, your transformer rating or simply your load list. Our engineering team runs the short-circuit and discrimination study and defines the form of separation and busbar cross-section with you.
Request a quotation