Rotork intelligent valve actuation technology is making an essential contribution to a flood defence and water level management upgrade project performed by the UK Environment Agency on the River Avon in the city of Bath. The project has a special significance for Rotork, since its own factory, situated only a few metres from where the new actuator is being installed, is one of the premises safeguarded by the flood defence aspect of the scheme. Level management of the river is as important as flood defence to the built-up areas of Bath, since keeping the river full while it passes through the city avoids the risk of river bank collapse and possible subsidence in nearby historic properties. Level management is achieved by monitoring the river level with ultrasonic sensors installed at strategic points. Data from the level sensors is used to alter the river level by adjusting the position of specially designed vertical and balanced radial sluice gates situated at the river weir location next to the Rotork factory.
The scheme, which was originally built in the 1970s, has been successful in defending against the serious flooding that was once a regular occurrence in the Bath area. It is now being upgraded and equipped with the latest technology sensors and a new Rotork IQ intelligent actuator to ensure the continuation of trouble-free operation with increased precision and accuracy. Under normal circumstances the operation of the sluice gates is fully automatic, the Rotork IQ actuator working in response to telemetric signals received from upstream level sensors to alter the river level. As the river rises, a pre-programmed sequence enables the flow rate restrictions to be gradually removed until, at times of peak flow, the gates are raised completely clear of the water. At all times, data from the system components including position feedback information from the actuator is monitored and regulated remotely from the Environment Agency’s control room in Bridgwater. In addition, the same data is transmitted to the Regional Communications Centre in Exeter, which processes information from more than twenty river gates and sluices throughout South West England. Installation work on the refurbishment scheme at Twerton is being carried out by principal contractor Avonmouth Ship Repairers Ltd, for Halcrow UK Ltd.