ACTUATOR

ADE-WERK have specialised in drive technology and electric linear actuators for almost 50 years, during which a complete range of standard products as well as special designs have been developed, which have been applied in many different industrial sectors.

A milestone in linear actuator development was the introduction of ADE’s special designs for the operation of sluice gates and weirs in shipping canals, since their first installation in 1995. Prior to this most control mechanisms used in this sector were either hydraulic cylinder operated or used conventional screw jacks with lead screw exposed to the elements. Hydraulic cylinders with multiple connections for piping to the motor driven power packs are labour intensive for maintenance and there is frequently the risk of hydraulic fluid leakage. Similarly the exposed threaded bar of screw jacks requires grease lubrication and is at best, protected by a bellows. Using hydraulic cylinders or screw jacks in waterway applications creates the risk of environmental pollution.

Contrast this with a totally enclosed electric linear actuator with specially selected materials of construction, long-life internal mounted screw drive and high specification gear motor drive, which has many fundamental advantages.

		Lubricants cannot leak into the water due to the fully enclosed design and high-grade seals employed.
		The linear push-pull forces are generated electro-mechanically
		Integrated adjustable controls provide for stroke adjustment and control of maximum thrust force to provide precise control of gate motion and firm closure.
		Maintenance costs reduced substantially due to high wearing life of components and long interval lubrication.
		Standardised construction minimises spare part requirements, especially in comparison with hydraulic cylinder actuation.
		High mechanical efficiency drive system combined with power used only when operating (as against hydraulics) means lower energy costs
		Low noise emissions <60dB (A) possible

Over 500 installations have now been supplied proving many times over that ADE’s electric linear actuator designs are easy to install, extremely reliable and very robust, sufficient to satisfy even the most extreme operating conditions (e.g. fully submerged).

The many European references for ADE actuators in this demanding sector are fully documented by the municipal and state authorities responsible for shipping canals and waterways. This includes major shipping canal gates (double gates).

		Gate drives for radial gate, compound gate, wedge roller gate, rotating gate, etc.
		Weir drives for: fish gates, weir plates, etc.
		Bridge drives for: bridge actuation, bridge locking, etc.
		Lock gates for pleasure boats and flap gates
		Barrage drives for flood control gate

Technical personnel with an extensive experience in this sector are available for project planning as well as qualified service engineers.