As the age of industrialization churned to life, so did Denver's first glorious park fountain. However, as time passed, the pumps and components driving the electric fountain's youth grew old and antiquated. This spring, the City Park Fountain makes a rejuvenated debut as one of the most magnificent public fountains in the nation-anticipated to be completed in time for the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
In 2006, the City of Denver approved a project to upgrade the pumps in the electric fountain that graces Denver's park and to make other modifications in preparation for the unveiling.
Because the fountain is a historic landmark, the Colorado Historical Society mandated that the fountain be upgraded in original detail-including the placement of some 2,000 nozzles that draw its spray power and provide special effects. GPS was used to locate the nozzles, which had not been upgraded or serviced in more than a decade.
The fountain's pumps-replaced once in 2000-were shut down for several years. The system was recently upgraded and retrofitted so the fountain would be ready for operation.
Putting History Back In Service
The renovation effort began with work on two 6-ft by 8-ft vertically-mounted pumps that were powered by old 125-hp motors.
The pumps are surrounded by packing material that keeps water being pumped from spraying into the atmosphere. However, the same packing was causing water to leak onto the pump house floor, creating the potential for mold growth.
The renovation team's initial job was to install mechanical seals in the existing pumps. After providing crucial parts for the conversion, field service technicians removed the pumps and installed the new systems.
We had to access the pumps through the pump house window. Because the pump house is a historical building, we were observed closely to ensure damage did not occur to the window or building.
After the pump seal upgrade was completed, the pump assembly was transported to another location for installation and pressure testing. No leaks were found. A test run of the first upgraded pump was conducted to evaluate and confirm its performance before beginning work on the second pump upgrade.
Everyone was very pleased to see the fountain shooting water more than 90-ft into the air with only one pump online.
Pumps & Systems, March 2008
