A new GBP 380 million natural gas combined-cycle power station in Hampshire, UK is adopting modular actuation technology from Auma to operate valves vital to the station’s final control processes. Auma’s main contract for this order has been placed by Siemens. Products and services provided by Auma include the SA electric actuator, which is capable of accepting up to 450,000 pounds thrust and of providing an output torque from 7 to 23,600ft-lb. Combined with the Auma Matic integral motor control, the actuator enables automated valves to be integrated into a wide variety of control systems. For this application, the “Matics” have been configured to integrate into a bespoke operating system designed by Siemens for the Marchwood power plant. Additionally, specific educational needs have been met for the station’s engineers through Auma’s bespoke training programme. With a focus on practical guidance, the courses have been tailored to meet the needs of the power station’s staff giving engineers the necessary skills to assess, and address, on-site maintenance requirements. The 842MW Marchwood power facility is due to start commercial operations by the end of 2009.
