The need for pace of provide within the water and energy utilities sectors can typically imply that actuator specs are repeated, primarily based on a like-for-like substitute. Likewise, many specifiers could also be unaware of design advances and improvements that, if recognized, would affect product choice.
Colin Borrows is Operations Supervisor at AUMA Actuators Restricted. He explains: “At AUMA we give attention to what our clients want, not what they need. We desire to consider ourselves as options consultants, slightly than product suppliers. We use our inherent information and experience to grasp higher the setting and working circumstances for which a selected product has been chosen.
“As soon as geared up with that information, our engineers are higher positioned to supply recommendation on options that will supply elevated worth returns, or enhanced efficiency traits. A latest instance of how we apply lateral pondering to the wants of our clients is an strategy that we acquired for a vandal proof actuator.
“Firstly, we requested our buyer to make clear what distinctive circumstances meant that they wanted a ‘vandal proof’ answer. As soon as we understood that the actuator was in a often accessed location and sometimes subjected to wreck, we dug somewhat deeper to construct a greater image of the positioning. Our logical answer was to put in considered one of our specialist underwater actuators in an present underground concrete chamber. This meant that the actuator was out of sight and solely accessible to upkeep personnel.”
Actuators and valves are sometimes put in in chambers beneath floor degree when each water provide and sewer pipes are underground. The AUMA SA multi-turn actuator for steady underwater use opens new functions for electrical actuators: for water provide, in hydropower vegetation, in civil engineering constructions for water functions, and for particular underwater functions.
The place excessive water ranges are a everlasting danger, actuators designed for underwater use function reliably even when flooding persists, incorporating a common sealing system, mixed with complete corrosion safety. Double-sealed cable glands on the electrical connection, internal seals – some in pairs – on all housing covers, and a one-piece strong shaft stop the ingress of water.
Colin Borrows continues: “AUMA electrical actuators aren’t solely simple to put in – simply requiring an influence supply and a sign cable – however they’re additionally characterised by low working prices and are just about maintenance-free. AUMA actuators are additionally environmentally pleasant, as no oil is used which may leak and contaminate the water. This turns them into an actual various to hydraulics.”
AUMA’s SA and SAR actuator sorts, in addition to the brand new variable-speed SAV and SARV variations, can be found for steady underwater use in sizes 07.2 to 16.2. As customary, the actuators are certified for as much as 15m head of water, with larger heads of water can be found on request.
All actuator settings together with finish place setting for journey and torque are non-intrusive by way of the AC actuator controls, without having to open the actuator housing. The actuator controls are put in outdoors the flooded space, separate from the valve and actuator. Cable lengths as much as 100 m will be achieved.
AUMA has additionally enhanced its underwater actuators with explosion-proof variations. These actuators are appropriate for steady immersion, significantly extending the scope of software of electrical actuators in water provide techniques, hydropower vegetation, civil engineering constructions for water functions, and particular underwater functions.
SA and SAEx actuators in sizes 07.2 to 16.2 for steady underwater use are certified for as much as 15 m head of water, with larger heads of water accessible on request. Explosion-proof variations meet ATEX necessities.
Colin concludes: “Understanding what a buyer needs to attain is core to with the ability to advise appropriately. 5 minutes invested in a dialog on receipt of an enquiry may end up in appreciable value financial savings and working efficiencies. That’s the AUMA method – specializing in what you want, not what you need.”
