The test in Bremerhaven of Foilex TDS 250 screw pump was initiated after experience learned from the "ERIKA" operations outside the coast of France.

The test of August 29 was made in a full scale model of the "NEUWERK" sweep arm collecting area with the tank filled with water and a mixture of oil and bitumen. Before running the test oil mixture was mixed with ice and cooled until it reached approximately a viscosity of 180.000 cSt.

The test went well and proved that the TDS 250 Pump was able to pump the high viscous oil mixture including some wood sticks, ropes and rags. One single stop was caused by a 25x10mm iron flatbar, probably coming with the trucks flatbed when shoveling ice into the oil. Once the iron bar was removed the pump just continued as before.

Foilex submersible TDS 250 Pumps are based on the patented "Twin Disc Screw" technology developed by Foilex in 1990 resulting in up to 70% higher capacity than traditional screw pumps.

The pump design with its 360 ° open inlet area with cutting knives has proven to be extremely efficient when pumping high viscous oils mixed with debris at low rpm.

The successful test resulted in an order for 2 each Foilex TDS 250 Skimmer Pumps for installation in the sweep arms of the multi purpose vessel "NEUWERK" during May 2001.