Rotork actuators specified for critical valve duties on Royal Navy frigates

Royal Navy warships are being equipped with the latest Rotork intelligent electric valve actuators for rapid reaction fire protection duties.

The Rotork IQTPro actuators have been specified to replace existing pneumatic equipment on butterfly valves in sprinkler systems on Royal Navy Type 23 frigates. The Rotork actuators will be remotely controlled and operate from a secure 115V ac power supply, facilitating an immediate response to potential fire or explosion hazards. In addition to increasing the integrity of the system, the switch to electrical actuation reduces the ship’s company’s service and maintenance workload and eliminates the current need for back-up air cylinders.

Rotork IQTPro actuators feature a double-sealed IP68 watertight and temporarily submersible (7 metres for 72 hours) enclosure for maximum, maintenance-free reliability in challenging environments. Data loggers in every actuator record a commissioning log and historical record of subsequent valve operations, including valve torque profiles. This information can be downloaded and analysed on a PC running Rotork IQ-Insight software to identify any future potential problems, enabling maintenance, if required, to be organised with maximum efficiency.

They have also successfully undergone seismic testing to establish resistance to explosion-related shock treatment.

Sixty-nine IQTPro actuators have been ordered for the upgrades by the Ministry of Defence. Installation will be carried out during the vessels’ dockyard refit programmes.

Rotork Controls Ltd, Tel: +44 1225 733200
Website: www.rotork.com

Published: 31st March 2010