How the Whaley Bridge disaster was prevented
In August there was a recorded 94mm of rain that fell across the UK in the first couple of weeks, 5% higher than the average for the entire month!
The concrete slabs on the overflow spillway that keep the water contained had become dislodged from the sheer amount of water. The Environment Agency issues a ‘danger to life’ warning due to the possibility of the dam collapsing.
During this time the residents of Whaley Bridge had to be evacuated from their homes due to the imminent risk of the Dam failing and severe flooding across the nearby villages.
To keep the reservoir from overflowing and prevent flooding in the nearby villages, the water levels needed to be lowered immediately.
We received a call from one of our partners, Xylem Water Solutions, requesting our Rental Variable Speed Drives to help the emergency services pump the water out of the reservoir.
Our engineers were on site within 4 hours of the call with 5 of our weatherproof variable speed drives. One of our engineers, Luke Doughty, commissioned the drives and the temporary pumps that were running.
Xylem Water Solutions’ rental team, ourselves and all other contractors involved worked closely together to keep the pumps running and to keep the area safe to allow residents back into their homes.
Over the next couple of days, the reservoir levels were drawn down to a safe level, meaning residents were allowed back into their homes. “The quick response by Quantum Controls to provide materials, labour and support at short notice was much appreciated and helped Xylem in what was a unique and high-profile project.” Says Nigel Kenton, Xylem Water Solutions.
As our Rental equipment is designed to be robust and weatherproof, it was the only equipment that could be sited in such a harsh environment.
Our unique rental and on-site services give you round the clock access to over 1500 Drives up to 2MW power rating ensuring a first-time fix for any drive failure. Our engineers can deliver and install a suitable temporary drive, in weatherproof enclosures to your site anywhere in UK within hours.
Get your FREE Drive Guide today! A must have for all engineers, this 128-page Variable Speed Drive gives you …- the knowledge how to size VSD’s to match any application,