WESTKALK invests 3 M € in Warstein
WESTKALK Vereinigte Warsteiner Kalksteinindustrie GmbH & Co. KG, Warstein/Germany, is currently investing 3 M € in state-of-the-art electrical engineering at its Warstein site (Figure 1). Transformers, switchgear, switch cabinets, relays and power supplies have been gradually replaced since spring 2025. The project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2026. The work is being carried out by the specialist company Decker from Brilon/Germany.
The reason for this is the ageing switchgear technology from the 1980s. Switches and relays are worn out and cable contacts are brittle. It is becoming increasingly difficult to procure spare parts. The procurement of transformers in particular is taking time: Electrical components are needed everywhere to shape the energy transition, which is reflected in long delivery times. WESTKALK has ordered five new transformers.
WESTKALK’s electricity requirements are considerable. The primary crusher alone requires 400 KW (approximately 600 hp) of power. Added to this are the dust extraction systems and conveyor belts: Everything at WESTKALK is powered by electricity. This requires a voltage of 400 V three-phase current. However, 10,000 V (known as medium voltage) is supplied, which is then stepped down. The company needs its own transformers for this. Suitable housings for this will be delivered shortly, weighing up to 60 t and, due to their extra width of approximately 3 m, can only be transported at night by low-loader.
State-of-the-art technology is being installed. The switches and relays, e. g., are encapsulated with a special protective gas to minimise the arc effect during switching. Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is no longer used for this purpose. Instead, Siemens’ particularly environmentally friendly Clean Air process is employed. This insulating medium consists exclusively of natural components of the ambient air, such as nitrogen or oxygen.
In future, WESTKALK intends to become self-sufficient in terms of its power supply. Approximately 1.5 MW is required on a regular basis. An appropriately sized, environmentally friendly photovoltaic system is in the planning stage. (WESTKALK/Si.)
