First Framework Agreement for Valve Actuators

Rotork wins Wessex Water's first framework agreement for valve actuators.

Wessex Water's first formal framework agreement for electric valve actuators has been awarded to Rotork Controls Ltd, in the face of substantial competition from European manufacturers.

The agreement, which will run for three years from the beginning of 2007, encompasses the supply of electric actuators, control systems and associated services including the retrofitting of new actuators on existing valves, service and maintenance.

Rotork is celebrating fifty years in business in 2007 and has been a supplier of valve actuators on water and waste treatment plants now owned by Wessex Water throughout virtually all of its history. Generally, Wessex Water installations now utilise Rotork's latest IQ and IQT 'Pro' intelligent electric actuators, featuring market-leading 'non-intrusive' commissioning and information transfer technologies which  combined with comprehensive data logging abilities  optimise plant performance and facilitate predictive maintenance by recording historical valve operating data.

As a key control element in the automated operation of modern water and waste treatment plants, the Rotork actuator's proven and reliable connectivity with the industry-preferred Profibus open control protocol has also made an important contribution to the framework selection decision. The benefit of Rotork's Profibus Highway Termination Module, enabling actuator disconnection/reconnection without disrupting communication to other devices on the highway, was especially appreciated.

Wessex Water Contracts Manager Russell Day commented: "In addition to a track record of reliability and low cost of ownership, Wessex Water has been impressed by Rotork's performance with after sales service and technical support. Price stability and value for money were also taken into account during our decision process with regard to this important item of equipment for Wessex Water."