AUMA’s advanced SAV variable speed electric actuators have played a central role in a major modernisation project at Thames Water’s Beckton Sewage Treatment Works, delivering smoother operation, reduced mechanical stress and improved long term reliability across 12 large penstocks.
Beckton STW, one of Europe’s largest sewage treatment facilities, required a solution that could integrate sensitively with its existing penstock infrastructure while significantly improving performance. AUMA recommended replacing the site’s ageing single speed actuators with its latest SAV variable speed models, offering precise control and gentle operation for heavy-duty assets.
The variable speed technology allows each actuator to adjust motor speed throughout the opening and closing cycle.
This ensures soft starts and stops, minimising mechanical shock and wear, while still enabling faster travel over long stroke lengths. The result is a more efficient, controlled and durable penstock operation — critical for the plant’s coarse screen outlets.
To further extend service life, every SAV actuator was supplied with an automatic greasing cartridge mounted on the thrust base. A single timed release cartridge lubricates both the rising stem and bearings, ensuring consistent maintenance without manual intervention.
The actuators were delivered with standard parallel controls, 24 V DC commands and 4–20 mA position feedback, and were also equipped with Profibus interfaces for future digital integration without hardware changes.
Following installation and full commissioning, all 12 penstocks are now operating reliably with enhanced control and reduced maintenance demands.
The upgrade ensures Beckton STW is better prepared to meet operational challenges in the years ahead, while demonstrating the value of AUMA’s variable speed technology in complex water sector applications.
AUMA variable speed actuators enhance performance at facility
