AUMA - Support for Mission Critical Scheme

Published: 2nd March 2012 | Issue 20

The Venetian lagoon scheme

In one of AUMA’s most prestigious flood defence projects, and the largest order to date for its Generation .2 product series, almost a thousand modular electric actuators are being installed in a major scheme to protect the Venetian Lagoon in Italy. The high technology structure, known as Mose, is in an advanced stage of implementation.

Forming part of a major plan for the physical and environmental restoration of Venice’s entire Lagoon basin, Mose links the defence of the City with the architectural heritage of historic buildings and the Lagoon’s ecosystem. Protection from high waters, and recovery of the Lagoon’s resources, are incorporated into the scheme. The measures to safeguard the Lagoon are being implemented as part of an integrated and systemic programme by the Consorzio Venezia Nuova, on behalf of the Italian State (Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport - Venice Water Authority).

Mobile barriers are being constructed to defend the Lagoon area, its inhabitants, towns, cities and historic/ artistic/environmental heritage from high water. AUMA Generation .2 AUMATIC actuators were chosen by ITALVALV to aid automation of the dam’s barrier gates. The actuation technology was integrated by ITALVAV into its emergency system which operates high performance control ball, butterfly and globe valves, required for on-off and modulating services.

Key reasons cited for selection of AUMA’s adaptable valve automation products included zone 2 explosion protection, required to protect against methane gas leaks. Reliability of performance is ensured with plug housing incorporating fail safe technology within the power supply and feedback system. And, as a result of using AUMA’s new generation products, full flexibility of control is afforded with redundant Profibus DP communication, in combination with conventional and analogue (4-20 mA) controls.

A total of 981 AUMA actuator and gearbox combinations are being installed as part of the Mose scheme over an 18 month period.

AUMA Actuators Ltd
Tel: 01275 871141
Website: www.auma.com

AUMA Actuators Ltd