Sew-Eurodrive, a global leader in drive technology and gear unit manufacturing, has officially introduced its new X.e agitator gear units to the UK market. Engineered specifically for stirring and mixing applications, the innovative solution is already making an impact, with Northumbrian Water placing the first UK order to support its ongoing wastewater treatment upgrades.
Designed for durability and efficiency, the X.e agitator features a reinforced housing that can handle higher radial loads and an integrated foot design with multiple reinforced mounting holes for robust installation. The units are tailored for demanding environments across various industries, including water and wastewater treatment, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals.
Purpose-Built for Performance and Reliability
Part of the broader X.e series of gear units and gear motors, the new agitator units are developed with a fail-safe design that includes a horizontal housing split and a drywell to prevent oil leakage. An integrated oil pump ensures consistent lubrication to all gears and bearings, enhancing long-term reliability.
Sew-Eurodrive also employed advanced engineering techniques during the design phase, including a ‘digital twin’ approach. This method uses virtual simulations and finite element analysis (FEA) to test how the gear units will perform under operational stress — allowing engineers to validate the design before building physical prototypes.
First UK Order to Modernise Aging Infrastructure
Northumbrian Water will be the first UK utility to install the X.e agitator, replacing legacy double reduction worm and wheel gearboxes dating back to the 1970s. The upgrade aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce maintenance downtime.
“We are excited to have placed the first UK order for the X.e agitator, helping to replace some of our older industrial gears,” said a spokesperson for Northumbrian Water. “With a big emphasis on increasing our operational efficiency, the fail-safe design of the agitators means a vastly reduced risk of oil leaks, meaning less downtime and a better service for our customers.”
Supporting Advanced Water Treatment
Richard Greenwood, UK Sales Manager for Industrial Gears at Sew-Eurodrive UK, highlighted the benefits the X.e agitators will bring to water treatment operations. “We are pleased to be partnering with Northumbrian Water on their treatment process upgrade project, where our X.e agitators are being used to reduce the amount of suspended solids in the wastewater through flocculation clarification,” Greenwood said.
He added, “With our digital twin approach, we can simulate real-world conditions using FEA, allowing us to offer precise, cost-effective solutions. For customers like Northumbrian Water, we can select from eight unit sizes to ensure the gear unit is perfectly matched to the specific mixing application.”
The launch of the X.e agitator reinforces Sew-Eurodrive’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, tailored solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and sustainability across key industrial sectors.