Actuators with enhanced functionality

Paul Boughton
Actuators with enhanced functionality have been supplied by AUMA to Yorkshire Water as part of a second phase upgrade of Esholt WwTW. The established manufacturer of modular electric actuators was selected by Morgan Est, who were contracted to Yorkshire Water to source the actuation technology for the scheme.

Auma has already supported the first phase of Esholt’s plant redevelopment with the retrofit of fieldbus enabled modular actuation technology to operate penstocks.

For phase two, the actuator manufacturer has supplied remote mounted, non-intrusive actuators with torque feedback which provides predictive maintenance information. The actuator monitors valve torque and any increase is reported to the control system which enables preventative investigation to avoid valve seizures or failures.

Esholt, which covers 300 hectares, is Yorkshire Water’s largest waste water treatment works. Under the Yorkshire Water Large Schemes Framework, improvements include replacing existing secondary treatment plant with a new activated sludge process.

When operational, the redeveloped plant will have the capacity to treat up to 3,241 litres per second of wastewater and a population equivalent of 750,000 from Bradford and parts of North Leeds. The extensive redevelopment of the plant will also ensure environmental compliance with the Freshwater Fish Directive which comes into force in 2010. The works are due for completion in mid 2009.

For more information, visit www.auma.co.uk

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