How AVK Positioner technology transforms reservoir valve control
United Utilities faced a familiar operational challenge: keeping reservoir water levels precise without compromising safety or placing unnecessary strain on staff. Manual valve adjustments were time‑consuming, inconsistent, and limited the potential for future automation.
Background
At this reservoir, water levels are regulated with an AVK DN150 gate valve that has traditionally been operated manually. Technicians visit the site two to three times per week to make adjustments. A float valve - often used for automatic level control - was deliberately omitted due to health and safety concerns. As a result, the team relies solely on manual intervention to maintain correct water levels.
Challenge
Variability
Without standardised measurement, manual operation led to inconsistencies. Technicians’ interpretations of “half‑turn” or “full‑turn” differed, resulting in uneven valve performance.
Labour Demand
Frequent visits created ongoing workload and raised questions about long‑term efficiency.
Future Constraints
The absence of automation limited opportunities for optimisation and digital transformation.
Solution
Integrating an AVK Positioner into the existing manual valve immediately introduced precision and repeatability. The Positioner logs every valve turn - along with the exact time of adjustment - providing clear, measurable insight into system behaviour.
These data points improve current operational control while building a strong evidence base for installing an automatic actuator in the future. The Positioner supports consistent day‑to‑day performance and offers a clear pathway toward automation, enhanced reliability, and better long‑term decision‑making.
Technical Details
- Valve Type: AVK DN150 gate valve
- Control Method: Manual operation supported by Positioner monitoring
- Data Captured: Valve-turn count and time-stamped activity
- Usage Frequency: 2–3 adjustments per week
- Automation Status: No float valve; actuator installation under evaluation
- Key Benefit: Adjustments are accurate and repeatable, regardless of who performs them
Outcome and Impact
- Consistent Operation: Standardised adjustments eliminate user-dependent variation
- Data-Driven Insight: Reliable records inform future automation planning
- Strategic Value: A cost-efficient upgrade today that unlocks tomorrow’s efficiencies
Conclusion
By adding a Positioner to a manually controlled valve system, United Utilities has improved operational accuracy while laying solid foundations for future automation. This approach blends immediate practicality with long-term strategic vision, demonstrating how small, focused improvements can deliver meaningful operational gains.
Innovation
This project highlights how incremental innovation can set the stage for transformational change. Starting with smart monitoring ensures the infrastructure is prepared for a fully automated, intelligent water management system in the years ahead.
Your Gateway to Smart Water Networks
AVK Positioners give utilities a smart, wireless way to track valve activity across the network. Using NB-IoT or LoRa® to transmit data to cloud platforms or third‑party systems, these battery-powered devices enable real-time operational visibility. When combined with other Smart Water sensors, utilities gain end-to-end insights into pressure, flow, temperature, and water levels—empowering them to boost performance, extend asset life, and make smarter investment decisions.
