First phase of the restoration completed!
The first phase of the restoration of the old Wielemans-Ceuppens machines has been successfully completed last week.
During this first phase, we turned our attention to the two Ingersoll Rand compressors, the gas pipes, the bridge crane and the De La Vergne compressor. They all are fully restored!
IngersollRand vertical compressor
The exceptional work of our team of technicians – under the supervision of Dino – allowed us to achieve results beyond our expectations.
Indeed, the work done on the last two machines mentioned is exceptional! Momo, Abdel and Luís completely restored the bridge crane (which is in full working condition!) and brought back both the movement and the glory of the De La Vergne compressor. Great achievement, bearing in mind it was put in motion for the last time more than 100 years ago!
bridge crane after retoration
bridge crane after retoration
De La Vergne compressor
De La Vergne compressor... varnished!
De La Vergne compressor details
Another important result was delivered with the electrical board restoration. Our technicians have cleaned and restored all the external parts of the board, namely the marble panels, the levers and dials.
electrical board after restoration
Procedure
The machines were restored according to our methodology: removal of all non-adherent elements and rust by the means of delicate manual cleaning. After the cleaning, all machines received two layers of a special anti-rust varnish, which was applied with the help of a brush.
Second phase
The works of the second phase of the restoration of the old Wielemans-Ceuppens machines will start in early July. Our team will work on the restoration of the two central machines: the Carels & Frères steam machine and the Sulzer compressor, both from 1905.
In the meantime…
Guido Vanderhulst – our expert in industrial heritage and scientific advisor –has hosted a second guided tour at the machine room on this Thursday March 10th . We will offer you other dates but note that visits during office hours or on Thursday evenings can also be arranged (with the agreement of the BRASS) upon prior reservation at wielemansmachines@gmail.com .
Besides, we will keep publishing content for our loyal readers! Keep in touch!
