To support the modernisation and expansion of the wastewater network in the district of Saint-André-Treize-Voies (Montréverd), the Terres de Montaigu urban community chose to replace its outdated lagoon-based treatment system – no longer sufficient in terms of treatment capacity – with a more compact and high-performance phyto-purification plant.
It was within this context that Noria Conception Hydraulique was selected as works contractor, responsible for the installation, commissioning and supervision of a full set of AVK knife gate valves.
Due to the scale of the infrastructure, Noria Conception Hydraulique proposed a fully automated solution to the customer Terres de Montaigu. This decision directly impacted the design and equipment selection, especially the control valves.
A total of 15 AVK knife gate valves (DN200) were supplied through our distributor partner LIBAUD AIZENAY. Installed in a buried concrete chamber weighing over 25 tons, these pneumatic valves were selected for their fast actuation, reliability, and proven durability in handling wastewater – key requirements in sanitation applications.
In specific cases such as flood-prone areas, fully enclosed submersible models can also be supplied.
A renewal project focused on automation
The objective of the project was to replace the previous station with a more compact solution, based on a reed bed filtration process (French constructed wetlands), known for its environmental performance. The selected layout includes two stages of filtration, split into 9 and 6 separate beds. This dense layout requires frequent switching between basins – a process usually carried out manually – which is essential for proper filter aeration.Due to the scale of the infrastructure, Noria Conception Hydraulique proposed a fully automated solution to the customer Terres de Montaigu. This decision directly impacted the design and equipment selection, especially the control valves.
A robust and easy-to-integrate AVK solution
To meet the automation requirements, Noria Conception Hydraulique recommended the use of AVK pneumatic knife gate valves – a choice validated for their reliability, quick operation and robustness.“Full automation is rare on this type of plant. We proposed this option with pneumatic valves during the tender phase. AVK valves seemed the right fit, both for their performance and ease of integration,” explains Cyril COSSAIS, Project Manager at Noria Conception Hydraulique.
A total of 15 AVK knife gate valves (DN200) were supplied through our distributor partner LIBAUD AIZENAY. Installed in a buried concrete chamber weighing over 25 tons, these pneumatic valves were selected for their fast actuation, reliability, and proven durability in handling wastewater – key requirements in sanitation applications.
In specific cases such as flood-prone areas, fully enclosed submersible models can also be supplied.
Easy installation and proven reliability
Cyril COSSAIS from Noria Conception Hydraulique highlighted the simplicity and speed of the installation process:"It’s a straightforward product – in the best sense of the term. Easy to install, reliable, and with minimal adjustments – mostly just the end-of-travel settings. A real time-saver."
Since commissioning in early March 2025, the station has been running without any issues.
According to the customer, the installation is delivering full satisfaction:
"We wanted a reliable automation system to manage the treatment beds efficiently and avoid additional operating costs. Since the station was commissioned, the operator hasn’t reported any issues. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the installed equipment and how easy it is to use,” says Sébastien BOURMAUD, Head of Sanitation for the Terres de Montaigu urban community.
A trusted collaboration
Noria Conception Hydraulique has been working with AVK France for many years, which ensured a seamless collaboration on this project. Thanks to their familiarity with our product ranges, the company was able to propose a tailored technical solution during the bidding phase and carry it through to commissioning. Once again, this installation demonstrates the strength of our collaboration and the adaptability of our solutions to real-world needs.The knife gate valves installed were manufactured by CYL (an AVK subsidiary based in Spain), a specialized production site dedicated to custom-made gate valve solutions. This European manufacturing ensures both responsiveness and high performance.
More projects are already in development with Noria Conception Hydraulique, including the delivery of a DN400 motorized gate valve. A collaboration that’s only set to grow!
