A British manufacturer is urging the water industry to consider alternative actuator technologies as it continues to develop innovations which offer compelling competition to the traditionally used electric actuators or conventional hydraulic systems.
After securing high-value, water industry contracts for customers including utility giants Thames Water, specialist hydraulic manufacturer Advanced Actuators is targeting the global water industry with established technology which challenges conventional hydraulics and the habitual use of electric actuators.
With more than 50 years of experience in the design and manufacture of hydraulic actuators, the business has previously seen its products used extensively in mining, oil and gas and power but has been adapting its technology for use in the control of water flow with completed contracts that include actuators that generate 320,000kg force to operate penstocks for the water and wastewater treatment market.
Managing director of Advanced Actuators, Chris Woodhead, explains: “We have been servicing the water treatment industry for many years on projects worth many millions of pounds but the market is changing in the way water and specifically waste water is processed. The days of just dumping wastewater into rivers and the sea are fast disappearing and processes need putting in place to cater for this change.
“The technology developed by our engineers uses the benefits of hydraulic, such as modulating controls with little or no wear, built in fail close feature and adjustable speeds to provide state of the art water control. This has demonstrated clear and tangible benefits in the control of water flow without the limitations associated with traditional electric actuators.
“The Advanced actuator is a fully self-contained, sealed unit which prevents contamination getting in and any oil leaking out. It is compatible with biodegradable oil so they pose little risk to the environment, making it ideal for the water industry.”
Advanced Actuators will also be offering both installation and after sales services as it positions itself as a total solutions provider for the water treatment and waste water industry.
Chris adds: “For decades, electric actuators have been the go-to product for engineers and consultants in the water industry. But with today’s technological advances, hydraulic actuators are increasingly being recognised as the smarter option, offering reliability, flexibility and ease of use which bring major labour and cost savings. That’s why we’re urging people to consider whether their equipment is the right fit for the project and whether it is time to explore other technologies which may be better suited to the job.”
Advanced Actuators has clients in the oil and gas, bulk handling, power, water and nuclear sectors such as Shell, Petronas, EDF Energy and BP, supplying standard and bespoke hydraulic engineering and servicing across the globe, including Europe, India the Middle and Far East.