Putter steam pumping station

The Zeepolder Arkemheen has existed since 1356 and consists of two parts, the Putter polder with an area of approximately 1500 hectares, and the Nijkerker polder, separated by the Arkervaart. Initially, the water level of the polders was managed using so-called sluices.

In 1874, this free drainage was replaced by pumping using windmills: the Putter and the Nijkerker Windmill. This windmill drainage lasted until 1886 when the Putter steam pumping station, built on the foundations of the demolished windmill, was put into operation. A machinist's house was built at the pumping station. The station operated until 1971, after which a newly built electrically powered screw pumping station took over the drainage.

In 1976, the pumping station was placed on the list of protected national monuments.

After 1972, the pumping station was rented and subsequently purchased in 1980 by the current owners, Willem and Marja van de Klok, with the aim of residence and restoration.

From that moment on, restoration took place, initially step by step, culminating in a rigorous renovation in 2000 with the help of a group of volunteers and support from the Association of Friends of the Nijkerk Steam Pump Station Hertog Reinout, which was successfully completed on June 16, 2006: the pumping station was returned to almost original and working condition.

The original steam pumping station was equipped with a coal-fired single-acting Cornwall boiler, manufactured by Bakker & Rueb from Breda. This boiler was in such poor condition that replacement was necessary due to a dike breach that occurred in 1916, resulting in 60 cm of saltwater in the pumping station. A coal-fired three-acting spark boiler, manufactured in 1949 by Ten Horn in Veendam, was found as a replacement.

The steam engine is a horizontal single-cylinder expansion engine, manufactured by Sepp & Co.- Enschede in 1885 with a power of 18 hp at a speed of 65 rpm. The transmission to the scoop wheel occurs with cast-iron gears.

The scoop wheel is equipped with 20 blades and has a diameter of 6.0 m and a width of 1.10 m. The capacity, at 4.9 revolutions per minute and a maximum lift height of 1.10 m, is 75 m³/min.

Jempy & Fran