AVK Diaphragm Control Valves fitted with VIDI flow and pressure sensors send alerts to the Operations Team.
Located between Redcar and Middlesbrough, the Wilton Science Park houses companies that work at the cutting edge of the life sciences, sustainable processing and manufacturing technology.
The Challenge
In 2019, a burst water main feeding the Park caused damage running into the hundreds of thousands of pounds. The resulting insurance investigations led to the Wilton Science Park’s insurers insisting that a contingency shut-off valve be installed as part of the reinstatement works. A complicating factor, however, was that the Park’s fire main was also fed by the same water supply and could not be compromised.
Control Valve and Sensors Product Selection
The chosen solution was to fit an AVK Series 879 diaphragm control valve fitted with VIDI flow and pressure sensors. The valve and sensors were, in turn, linked to an AVK UK Smart Water PMD (Pressure Management Device). The valve, sensors and PMD were located in an above-ground housing for ease of access and maintenance.
Instant Flow and Pressure Level Alerts
The PMD and VIDI sensors send alerts to the Wilton Science Park’s operations team when flow and pressure levels breach agreed levels. If there is a leak, the PMD can reduce pressure and alert the operations team who are able to close off the flow from their mobile phones or laptops. This is all achieved via remote communications to the valve. If changes in flow and pressure are due to a fire, the valve remains open.
AVK UK’s Smart Water team explain:
One of AVK’s key promises is that our customers receive solutions to the challenges they face from us and not simply the supply of products. At the Wilton Science Park we delivered
handsomely on this promise. We looked at the complex challenges faced by the Wilton Science Park, identified a solution, worked to deliver a design that was acceptable to all parties, and then implemented it. It was an immensely rewarding project to work on.
Leak Detection
The new arrangement has already shown its worth in normal working conditions. The VIDI sensor detected a change in flow indicating a possible leak on the network. The PMD reduced pressure which saved a significant amount of water whilst the leak was detected and remedial measures taken.
The top image shows the before and after with the valve, sensors and PMD located in an above-ground housing for ease of access and maintenance with the engineering drawings overlaid. The lower image left image shows the AVK Series 879 diaphragm control valve fitted with VIDI flow and pressure sensors, and the right image shows the installation before the housing was fitted.
Training and Support
AVK UK Smart Water Specialist Team were responsible for the planning, specification and commissioning of the new valve configuration. Additionally Specialist Smart Water Team also delivered training to the Wilton Science Park’s operations team to ensure they were able to get the most from the PMD and VIDI sensor technology.
Training on all of AVK's Smart Water products and applications is available on up request. Simply call or email David on the above contact details to book your session.
