A case study about the extraordinary situation when a lunchtime jog turned into a master class in jack repair at the Mülifeld water pumping station in Switzerland.
In industrial maintenance, we often find that the key to success is not always long-term planning, but rather quick response, technical expertise, and the right tools.
This is exactly what happened at the Mülifeld water pumping station in Switzerland when a high-performance screw pump that had been in operation for 50 years needed a bearing replacement – and what started as a random event quickly turned into a precisely executed intervention.
POV: A half-century-old pump in need of new bearings
At the Mülifeld facility, a nearly 9-ton Archimedean screw pump plays a key role in regional water management. Its main bearing – an SKF 24148 CC/W33 spherical roller bearing – had been in service for over 50 years. While impressive, such longevity eventually reaches its limit. A replacement was due.
The client had made efforts to prepare, even fabricating a custom rig for handling the large bearing. However, they lacked the specialized tools and experience needed for precision heating and installation of such a heavy-duty component.
An unexpected encounter: when expertise literally runs by
During one of their regular midday runs, a group of Simatec employees spotted activity at the Mülifeld station – the bearing lay on the grass beside the towering screw pump. A quick conversation revealed the client’s intentions and challenges.
Just 15 minutes later, the Simatec team had returned to headquarters and began planning an on-site intervention. What began as a coincidence quickly evolved into a demonstration of professional field support.
The intervention – tools, technology, and teamwork
Three key simatec solutions were deployed to ensure the bearing installation was performed with maximum efficiency, precision, and safety.
1. Simatherm IH 125 induction heater
The bearing was evenly heated to 140 °C using the Simatherm IH 125, designed for components weighing up to 160 kg. Induction heating allowed for stress-free, precise thermal expansion, enabling the bearing to slide onto the shaft without the use of force.
Benefits:
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Focused, energy-efficient heating only on the component
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No open flame or oil bath – safer and cleaner
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Minimal shaft stress and no deformation
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Controlled and repeatable process
2. Simatool BHT – Bearing Handling Tool
Handling a 79 kg spherical roller bearing is no small feat. The Simatool BHT made it possible to lift, position and align the hot bearing safely and accurately – all without the need for a crane.
Benefits:
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One-person operation
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Reduces risk of accidents and misalignment
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Ergonomic and stable
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Easy to assemble and reuse
3. World of Maintenance App – digital process control
Using the simatec World of Maintenance app, the heating cycle was monitored and controlled directly from a smartphone. This brought full traceability and documentation to the process – an essential step toward modern, digitalized maintenance.
Benefits:
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Real-time data and process control
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Automatic documentation for audits or training
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Reduced operator error
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Seamless integration into maintenance workflows
On-site training – sharing knowledge in the field
Beyond simply delivering the service, the simatec team provided on-site training. The client was actively involved throughout the installation, learning first-hand how to use simatec tools for future bearing replacements. This practical, experience-based knowledge transfer proved to be just as valuable as the tools themselves.
Case study conclusion: when readiness meets opportunity
A spontaneous conversation during a lunch break jog evolved into a successful field installation and training session. Thanks to professional tools, deep technical knowledge, and a proactive mindset, simatec turned a moment of opportunity into a real-world success.
“Fast, simple, safe, and highly professional – we are very satisfied.”
– feedback from the customer on site
This case study highlights the true value of being close to the customer, reacting quickly, and providing full-service support – from tools to training. Simatherm, Simatool, and World of Maintenance came together to demonstrate how modern maintenance should be done: safe, efficient, and future-ready.
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