Testbed - DESMI Headquarters
The DESMI headquarters in Nørresundby, Denmark features testbed facilities for centrifugal and ROTAN pumps, including vibration, noise, and fuel system testing capabilities.
Centrifugal pump test bench
The Centrifugal Pump testbed was established in 1977 and rebuild in 2017. The tests are performed in a "closed loop" system with water from an isolated water reservoir containing 150 thousand litres of water. The system is capable of performing capacity tests as well as tests of noise- and vibration levels on Centrifugal Pumps of all types and sizes. Additionally, flow-tests are performed with ranges from 0-2300 m3/h.
Centrifugal pumps with electric motors are tested from 0-315kW while the facility is also equipped with an area dedicated to testing pumps with diesel-driven motors.
| Flow range: | 3 ~ 2300 m3/h (4 sizes of flow meters; accuracy class of the flowmeters:+/-0.3% (smaller (<3) and larger (>2300) flows up to 3000 m3/h can be meaured if less accuracy is acceptable) |
| Differential pressure: | 3 ~ 200 mLC (0.3 ~15.2 bar) (2 sizes of pressure transmitters;accuracy class of the pressure transmitters:+/-0.5%). Lower values can, however, be measured provided the current flow can be pumped through in the test stand with such low pressure differences - and if normal measurement accuracy is not required. |
| Max. electric power: | 315 kW (4 sizes of current transformers are used for measuring down to the minimum power with the required accuracy). Test with ~500 kW 400 Volt supply to customer's VFD can be arranged - but then the power must be measured manually (with hand instrument or via approx. reading on the VFD's display). For higher power supply to customer VFD a diesel driven generator can be rented. |
| Min. electric power | 1 kW (lower powers can, however, be measured if normal measuring accuracy is not required) |
| NPSHr | NPSHr values below approx. 2 mLC is typically not possible to prove precisely enough due to leaks in the piping system and the method used with throttling on the suction side of the pump. NPSHr testing is only performed on customer's request or by arrangement of the R&D department. |
| Max. torque | 1000 Nm (2 sizes of torque meters are used for measuring down to the minimum torque with the required accuracy. Torque meter is only available for smaller end suction pumps with free shaft end like Modular S, VAC and SA) |
| Max. voltage: | 380V~420V/50Hz or 440V~480V/60Hz, VFD operation is available. (voltage can be increased to 690 Volt via rental of a 400-690 Volt transformer - the sales department must arrange this in advance). |
| Vibration test | Only done on request from customer or the R&D department. |
| Noise test | Only done on request from customer or the R&D department. Noise measurements to be made while the pump is running in guaranteed duty point(s) (flow, head and speed) unless otherwise agreed. Customer to be informed that factory and piping noise might disturb the measurements. The noise is measured 1 meter away from the pump and 1.6 meters above the floor. |
| Pipe connections | Inlet DN20 to DN500, outlet DN15 to DN500 |
| Test medium | Water ~20°C only |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Max. speed: | 3600 rpm (higher rpm can be measured if required) |
| Max. weight: | 5000 kg for pump unit with motor. Forklift truck must be arranged for heavier units. |
ROTAN pump test bench
ROTAN pumps are manufactured in accordance with DESMI's quality management system, which is certified by BVQI in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001
On the ROTAN testbed, the pumps are tested both statically and dynamically. Static pressure testing is conducted to make sure that the pump do not leak and that they can maintain the specified maximum operating pressure. The dynamic test is conducted to ensure that the pump can deliver the specified volume of liquid at the specified pressures.
Furthermore, ROTAN pumps are tested within a number of additional criteria to make sure that the pumps are ready for operation.
Vibration & Fuel System Testing
At DESMI Testbed Headquarters, vibration, noise, and fuel system testing form an integrated part of our validation capabilities for naval and defense-related applications.
Our facilities are designed to assess both individual components and complete systems under controlled and realistic operating conditions. This enables early identification of potential issues related to dynamic behaviour, structural response, and operational stability.
Vibration and Noise Testing
We perform detailed measurement and analysis of vibration and acoustic performance across a wide range of operating scenarios. Instrumentation is applied directly to the equipment under test, allowing precise data acquisition and evaluation.
Testing supports compliance with relevant defense standards, including Def Stan and MIL-STD requirements for vibration and noise. This ensures that equipment is verified against recognised criteria while providing insight into overall system behaviour.
Fuel System Test Capabilities
The test center includes dedicated facilities for fuel system testing, supporting applications such as diesel, lubrication oil, and aviation fuel systems. Systems can be tested as complete installations, enabling validation of flow performance, pressure conditions, and interaction between components.
This setup is particularly relevant for naval fuel handling and aviation support systems, where reliability and system integration are critical.
Integrated Validation Approach
All testing activities are supported by
- advanced measurement and data acquisition systems
- full digital reporting and documentation
- controlled test environments replicating operational conditions
- customer involvement through Factory Acceptance Tests
By combining vibration, noise, and fuel system testing within the same facility, DESMI provides a comprehensive validation environment. This allows potential challenges to be identified and addressed early in the process before installation and operation.
