AOX Actuators Power Brazil’s Regional Water Infrastructure Upgrade

Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Expansion and Regional Water Security Project
Facing extreme humidity and high corrosive challenges, a major water treatment plant in Northeastern Brazil chose AOX actuators to power its capacity expansion. This case study explores how our customized M-series and linear actuators improved operational efficiency and water security, providing a maintenance-free solution for critical valve control in tropical climates.

Project Background

As a key player in Latin America's water resource management, Brazil demands high reliability, precision, and durability from its automation equipment.
 
In Northeastern Brazil, a major infrastructure upgrade is underway to expand the capacity of a Water Treatment Plant (WTP/ETA). The project includes new filtration cleaning systems and a sludge treatment plant, aimed at boosting operational efficiency, water security, and public health.
The project faced several challenges in automating its valve systems:
  • High Humidity & Corrosion: Severe environmental conditions requiring robust protection.
  • High Precision: Strict requirements for flow, pressure, and valve position control.
  • Continuous Operation: Minimizing downtime and maintenance costs was critical.
  • Strict Standards: High benchmarks for protection ratings and low failure rates.
After rigorous technical evaluation, AOX Series Electric Actuators were selected as the core automation drive for the plant's critical valves.

Implementation & Partnership

A leading Brazilian automation service provider supplied 50 units of AOX-M series electric actuators. They provided end-to-end technical support, ensuring the system’s stability under complex industrial conditions. The partnership covered the full project lifecycle:

 

  1. Site Investigation: Precise demand analysis for complex conditions.
  2. Customized Solutions: Developing tailored automation frameworks.
  3. Full-Process Support: From equipment selection and budgeting to onsite commissioning.
  4. Operational Monitoring: Ongoing technical services and system health checks.

AOX Automation Solutions

AOX provided a highly customized and stable solution featuring:
  • Intelligent Part-turn Actuators (AOX- M Series):Used for butterfly and ball valves. Supports Modbus and Profibus protocols.
  • IP67/IP68 protection (IP68): designed for tropical climates and high-precision flow regulation.

On-site Performance & Results

  • Enhanced Efficiency: Precise valve control stabilized flow rates, meeting the increased capacity demands.
  • Extreme Durability: Stable operation in high-humidity/corrosive environments significantly reduced failure rates.
  • Smart Integration: Seamless connectivity with PLC/SCADA systems for real-time data feedback and remote diagnostics.
  • Cost Optimization: Modular structures and high-durability designs lowered maintenance frequency and increased the total lifecycle value.
Since installing AOX actuators, our valve control response and stability have improved significantly, providing a solid foundation for the plant's expanded operations.

Project Manager, Brazil WTP