Ludwig Weinrich chocolate factory premises from outside

Keeping cool in the face of sweet temptation

For many people, chocolate is more than just one of life’s sweetest temptations. The complex machinery required for the industrial production of this luxury food item also presents engineers with major challenges. In an ever-tightening market, traditional companies in particular, such as the Ludwig Weinrich chocolate factory, need to rise to current economic and ecological challenges. To do this, they need reliable partners.

The project: New pumps for cooling water system

In the complex chocolate manufacturing process, the transport of cooling water to production systems may seem at first glance to be of secondary importance. In fact, it is a crucial aspect of the process. During the different stages of processing, the chocolate mass and other ingredients must be heated and then cooled immediately under controlled conditions. Unless this can be performed reliably, large quantities of chocolate may become unusable and the entire production cycle can come to a standstill.

The customer: Ludwig Weinrich chocolate factory

The Ludwig Weinrich chocolate factory in the town of Herford in East Westphalia, Germany, has been producing chocolate for more than 120 years. A fourth-generation family-run enterprise dedicated to sustainability, it has around 400 employees who work with sophisticated chocolate recipes every day to create perfect moments of indulgence.

System incorporating piping, pumps and valves

Cooling water system with Movitec VF pumps

The challenge: Redundancy and reduced energy costs at one stroke

The Ludwig Weinrich chocolate factory decided to replace its existing error-prone cooling water system, to ensure system availability and smooth manufacturing operations. Since, as in many other branches of industry, the old system was associated with rapidly escalating energy costs, the company also hoped that the new cooling water system would slash energy consumption to a level more appropriate for a modern manufacturing facility.

The solution: Selection of demand-driven pumps

As in many other projects, KSB collaborated with the Wendik Pumpen-Service company based in Herford, Germany. The two companies have a long history of collaboration in installing and maintaining KSB pumps spanning more than 50 years.

After extensive consultation with KSB, the data required for the system was collected internally and evaluated. Wendik Pumpen-Service then used this data for planning the new cooling water system and selecting the pumps. The company opted for the Movitec VF high-pressure centrifugal pump, which, in conjunction with PumpDrive 2, achieves the desired energy savings by delivering performance that constantly adapts to demand. The Bowe & Vaal company installed the piping for the system. Wendik Pumpen-Service installed and successfully commissioned the pumps and is also responsible for servicing 

The installed redundancy means that the Ludwig Weinrich chocolate factory now has process reliability it can depend on. The selection of demand-driven pumps has also delivered incredible energy savings of 75% – a highly effective combination that works.

Piping, valves and Movitec VF pumps equipped with PumpDrive 2

Two Movitec VF pumps equipped with PumpDrive 2

Figures I Data I Facts

Plant: Cooling water system for chocolate production

End user: Ludwig Weinrich chocolate factory

Pumps, frequency inverters, sensors, valves:

  • 2 x Movitec VF 060-01-1 high-pressure centrifugal pumps with PumpDrive 2 (motor-mounted)
  • 2 x SERIE 2000 DN100-PN10/16 swing check valves
  • 8 x BOAX-SF DN100-PN16-EPDM-XU centred-disc butterfly valves
  • 7 x BOAX-SF DN065-PN16-EPDM-XU centred-disc butterfly valves

KSB - one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial valves and pumps

Founded in 1871 in Frankenthal (Germany), KSB has been one of the leading suppliers of pumps and industrial valves for over 150 years. With more than 15,000 employees worldwide and its own sales and marketing, manufacturing facilities and service operations, KSB develops and produces custom-fit pumps for various applications.

As an experienced pump manufacturer, its product portfolio includes building and industrial technology, water transport, wastewater treatment and power plant processes. Thanks to innovative research and development, KSB can meet the most diverse requirements of customers. Benefit from many years of experience and technical expertise as a renowned pump manufacturer.

KSB pump manufacturers: the best solution for your plant
Industrial pumps and valves from KSB cover a wide range of applications and are highly energy-efficient. Products convince with the most innovative technology as well as with systems that have been tried and tested for many years - including the Etanorm water pump. Achieving more than 1.5 million sales worldwide, Etanorm is the most successful standard water pump. With KSB spare parts and services.

KSB ensures the operational reliability of its industrial pumps and valves. The KSB success formula for high-performance pumps lies in the technological strength in hydraulics, materials and automation.

Competent service right from the start
The numerous production facilities ensure that KSB as a pump manufacturer can guarantee customer proximity and first-class service. The experienced specialists are certified to ensure excellent quality and extensive experience. KSB Service takes care of the commissioning, inspection, servicing and maintenance of your pumps, valves and complete systems directly on site.  KSB also provide you with spare parts quickly. This means you get the best service directly from your pump manufacturer.