For the construction of a new ground water filtration system, water supply Company Landeswasserversorgung had recently turned to pneumatic automation technology from Festo for the multi-media and activated carbon filtering basins in the Langenau water treatment plant – saving 10% on investment and operating costs compared to electric automation.
The automation controls the water flow using pneumatic valve actuators and process valves for regulation and shut-off as well as for preventing return flow. The water supply company installed seven open two-tier filters in the new ground water filtration system at the Langenau water treatment plant.
Pneumatics is an uncomplicated technology which is easy to install. Apart from end-position sensing and monitoring the compressed air supply, it doesn’t need to be monitored and checked. It follows the “fit and forget” principle.
Pneumatic actuators have proven to be shock-proof and durable since, in contrast to electric actuators, they are made up of a small number of components and are thus less likely to break down. The low costs mean that it is even worthwhile automating manual process valves at a later date. Specifically when compared to electric drive technology, the consistent use of decentralised automation concepts with valve terminals provides significant cost benefits – in the case of the Langenau water treatment plant, this meant savings of 10%.
