Challenge: Exact replication of a 50-year-old pump motor
The existing pump motor, installed in 1974 and manufactured by Garbe/Lahmeyer, was a cornerstone in the plant’s cooling tower system. Although still operational, the aging motor required a proactive replacement to prevent unscheduled downtime and costly interruptions. Our customer encountered significant difficulties sourcing a suitable standard motor on the market that could meet the exacting mechanical dimensions, electrical characteristics, and installation conditions of the highly specialized pump system. The original motor’s flange mounting, terminal box position, instrumentation, and cooling method had to be exactly replicated to avoid expensive modifications to the plant infrastructure. Additionally, the replacement needed to achieve higher efficiency and comply with current standards while ensuring a straightforward, rapid commissioning process to maintain continuous power plant operations.
Solution: Customized vertical motor commissioned on site
Menzel Elektromotoren approached the challenge by designing a vertical squirrel cage motor in frame size 630, meticulously adapting it to the original motor’s footprint and operational requirements. This bespoke motor featured the same main connection dimensions, terminal box location, and instrumentation layout as the 1974 Garbe/Lahmeyer motor, which significantly minimized modifications on-site. The motor’s cooling method was configured as IC 01, providing through-ventilation optimized for the cooling tower’s pump application, while the protection rating of IP 23 ensured durability in the industrial environment. With a rated power of 1.650 kW, operating at a synchronized speed of 490 min⁻¹ and a nominal voltage of 6.000 V MENZEL’s solution delivered superior electrical performance and increased efficiency compared to the original motor. The customer-supplied coupling half was installed directly by MENZEL during manufacturing, streamlining installation and significantly reducing commissioning time on-site. Having successfully supplied a similar motor to this customer in 2013, Menzel leveraged its deep application expertise and flexible manufacturing capabilities to guarantee a drop-in replacement solution that ensured operational continuity without long plant outages or complex infrastructure adaptations.
Technical Data
- Motor Type: MEBKSD630-12
- Rated Power: 1.650 kW
- Rated Voltage: 6.000 V
- Frequency: 50 Hz
- Rated Speed: 490 min⁻¹
- Number of Poles: 12
- Frame Type: IM 3011 (IM V1)
- Protection Class: IP 23
- Cooling Type: IC 01
- Weight: 10.800 kg




Our Expertise: Your Advantage
This project clearly demonstrates how MENZEL’s in-depth expertise in retrofitting and custom motor engineering translates directly into tangible benefits for your operation. By delivering a motor precisely adapted to your existing mechanical interfaces and electrical requirements, Menzel eliminates the need for costly plant modifications and extended downtime. Our ability to incorporate customer-supplied components during factory assembly ensures a faster and more reliable commissioning process. Furthermore, MENZEL’s commitment to enhancing efficiency while conforming to the latest standards means you receive a motor that not only replaces your legacy equipment but also improves your plant’s operational performance. For you, this means secure, efficient power generation supported by a trusted partner who understands the complexities of maintaining critical infrastructure.
If you are facing the challenge of replacing legacy motors or need a custom-configured solution that fits seamlessly into your existing equipment, speak directly with our engineers. Menzel Elektromotoren is ready to develop a tailored motor solution that ensures your plant’s reliability and efficiency without compromise.



