Product category:
Process Hardware (Pipes, Nozzles, Heaters, etc)
News Release from: Rotork Controls | Subject: IQ intelligent electric valve actuator
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 05 July 2002
Intelligent valve actuator keeps caves
open
A new Rotork IQ intelligent electric valve actuator now controls an essential water management function at the world famous Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset.
A new Rotork IQ intelligent electric valve actuator now controls an essential water management function at the world famous Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset, enabling the caves to remain open to the public throughout the year in virtually all weather conditions The spectacular caves attract over 200,000 visitors each year, who can see impressive stalagmites, stalactites and other geological features in vast underground chambers that have been carved out over countless centuries by the River Axe
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 21 Aug 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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During times of heavy rainfall, the river level is prone to rise quickly in the caves, jeopardising public access.
To prevent this, the extra water flow is diverted into a man-made overflow channel at the mouth of the cave until the threat of flooding subsides.
Operation of the level control system is fully automatic.
The Rotork IQ actuator operates a 105 x 210cm penstock at the head of the overflow channel, which it moves in the opening or closing direction in response to signals received from high and low level sensors strategically positioned in the river bed.
The new actuator replaces one installed by Rotork over 15 years ago, which was recently destroyed by a freak rock fall.
Roy Fowler, Maintenance Manager for Wookey Hole Caves, explains: "The original Rotork actuator operated reliably throughout its life, which was unfortunately cut short by a large boulder.
We had no hesitation in ordering a new Rotork actuator as a replacement, and we intend to protect this one in a robust steel box - just in case".
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