In February 2025, Roomfoss Control Systems were set by South Holland Drainage Board to replace the control system for Sutton Bridge Sluice Gate. This is 1 of 17 sites that are looked after by SHIDB. The sluice plays a key role in preventing flooding with tidal changes, dividing between the river Nene and South Holland main drain. This system uses an upstream gate and a downstream gate separating the river Nene (downstream) from the centre chamber and the centre chamber from the Main Drain (upstream). These gates are moved up and down to allow water into the river Nene at low tide from the main drain (2 Gate Backup).
Roomfoss reviewed the previous system that contained questionable control logic and limited features. A few upgrades that Roomfoss were able to include consisted of a more robust control philosophy, (full auto control), remote control utilising Lee Dickens telemetry system. With such a high-risk application, SHIDB wanted a system they could trust to perform when needed and that is what Roomfoss provided.
During the removal of the previous control panel, Roomfoss designed, built and provided a temporary panel running from a backup generator to allow manual control of the system. This was to ensure that the water could be moved from a to b during the process of installation. An inherited issue with the system involving rollback when the gate was lowered, was resolved by Roomfoss adding a brake to the motors driving the gates allowing for a secure seal between the gates to the riverbed preventing any water returning.
