Solution to 'dry bedding' at UK water treatment plants
October 2004Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Infrastructure
When Rotork Gears company Exeeco were asked by United Utilities to solve a 'dry bedding' sand filter problem at water treatment works serving the north west of England, it was able to submit a suitable solution with Rotork Skilmatic actuators.
The problem was recognised after several power failures had led to 'dry bedding' in filter beds, caused by delayed closing of outlet valves, jeopardising the quality of the water reaching the reservoirs. It was decided that the process needed to detect a power failure in order to put the treatment plant inlet and outlet valves on 'standby' until the backup generators cut in. On some of the pumping stations an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) was the obvious solution, but this was deemed to be too costly and required too much maintenance to be seen as the universal solution.
These drawbacks could be overcome using Rotork Skilmatic failsafe electric actuators. The Skilmatic actuator is a totally self-contained failsafe electrohydraulic design capable of continuous modulation duty and failsafe action on loss of signal or power supply. On power failure the Skilmatic actuator is programmed to automatically go into standby mode for a predetermined time, after which, if the back-up generator has not started, it prevents the filter from running dry by closing the outlet valve be means of its integral spring return mechanism. This successful solution saves the expense of installing separate pneumatic systems or back-up batteries.
Carl Tetlow, United Utilities project engineer explained: "We approached Rotork Exeeco as our actuation specialists to design a specific solution for this problem. Their specialist knowledge of actuators and applications provided us with an excellent technical and economical solution that addressed all our concerns. We were delighted with the support we received throughout the contract and would have no hesitation in considering this product to extend the scope to other treatment plants in the North West." Rotork Exeeco sales director Ian Elliott adds: "We were pleased with our solution to this project as it has avoided the customer incurring the large expense of installing UPS or battery back-up systems, which were the customary failsafe systems until we devised our simple but effective alternative."
Drone flies in and swaps its own battery in 25 seconds
Editor's Choice News & Events Infrastructure Products & Solutions
Local enterprise-class drone consultants can now supply SA organisations that need remote aerial operations with in-house drone and dock solutions that enable 25-second automated battery swapping.
Read more...Finding footing with footage Axis Communications SA
Surveillance Infrastructure
Storage is a strategic consideration for critical infrastructure security, and operators must consider how to meet their storage requirements without getting stuck in a quagmire of constantly having to buy more capacity.
Read more...Connecting security operations from gate to control room
Integrated Solutions Infrastructure
Most private security companies already have plenty of technology in place. The problem is that those systems often produce separate records, making it harder to piece together what happened across a shift or incident.
Read more...Enabling smarter and safer residential estates Impro Technologies
Access Control & Identity Management Infrastructure Residential Estate (Industry)
Modern estates must manage residents, visitors, contractors, domestic workers, delivery personnel, security staff, and service providers, often across multiple access points and facilities. Traditional systems are increasingly unable to provide the visibility, accountability, and operational efficiency required.
Read more...Security works better when it starts with the building
Facilities & Building Management Infrastructure
If the project team has already determined where services will run, how people will move through the building, and where access points will sit, the security specialist is working within decisions that have already been made.
Read more...Bi-SAER partnership powers fluid solutions across key industrial sectors Bearings International
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Bearings International entered the local pumps market in 2025 through an exclusive distribution agreement with Italian manufacturer SAER, bringing a range of centrifugal, multistage and submersible pump solutions to South African mining, municipal, agricultural and industrial sectors.
Read more...Integrating the industry
News & Events Infrastructure
With private security, neighbourhood watches, CCTV, drones, control rooms and community safety networks expanding across the country, the next frontier may not be more technology, but connecting what already exists.
Read more...Industrial valve solutions Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
BMG’s Fluid Technology division supplies and supports an extensive range of components for fluid technology systems. These include valves, hydraulic hoses and fittings, accumulators, cylinders, heat exchangers, hydraulic motors and hydraulic plumbing, as well as pumps and reservoir accessories.
Read more...Submersible pump protection ifm - South Africa
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
With ifm’s remote monitoring solution you can visualise the condition of your submersible pumps and diagnose issues before they become serious problems.
Read more...Electrically operated, energy-efficient double diaphragm pumps
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
BMG has introduced the EVO 210 series electric double diaphragm pump range, offering a quieter, more energy-efficient alternative to conventional air-operated diaphragm pumps for chemical processing, mining, wastewater treatment and general manufacturing applications.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version