Since being awarded a sole actuator supply framework in October 2019, AUMA Actuators has worked with Anglian Water to develop a new and unique process to service, maintain and replace a range of actuators throughout the region.
The Service Level Agreement (SLA) gives the utility access to a rapid response service with a three-day turnaround to replace both AUMA and other manufacturers’ equipment and even ‘replacement in advance’ for critical actuators.
The key objective from Anglian Water’s perspective was to maximise availability of actuated valve operations. The size and operating parameters of each installation varies and there are, therefore, many possible combinations of actuator, controls and drive coupling, which have to be available at short notice. AUMA Actuators are designed using a modular approach so actuator components can be quickly combined to provide a bespoke actuator assembly constructed to the exact requirements of the application.
Electric actuators for actuators fitted on valves up to 8” and 1,000 Nm torque in standard operational environments are covered by the SLA agreement regardless of manufacturer so long as they are not under that manufacturer’s warranty.
Under the standard SLA, AUMA undertake to receive a faulty unit along with its drive coupling and replace it either from new or from service exchange stock, along with a newly machined drive coupling, within three days. For critical installations, AUMA go one step further and offer a ‘Replacement in Advance’ service, where AUMA provide a complete replacement unit in advance of the return of the faulty one.
To add to the service, AUMA is also providing full training to Anglian Water maintenance staff through their respected AUMA Certified Engineering (ACE) training. ACE is a structured programme that trains Anglian Water technicians to install, operate, maintain and troubleshoot AUMA actuators.
