Variable Speed Actuators

Control Pressure. Optimise Valve Performance. Protect Critical Assets.

Closed systems operate under constantly changing hydraulic conditions. Fixed-speed actuators react the same way every time - regardless of process demand, valve characteristics, or network behaviour.

AUMA Variable Speed Electric Actuators provide controlled, adaptive valve movement that improves valve performance, enhances process stability, and helps protect critical assets across treatment works and distribution networks.

Applying the benefits of variable speed drives at the valve level delivers operational, energy-efficiency and control advantages, as well as being a valuable tool to mitigate water hammer and reduce burst leakage.

Designed for critical infrastructure. Proven in utility environments.

Optimised valve control and positioning
Reduced start current and lower energy demand
Programmable valve movement profiles
Extended asset life and lower whole-life cost

Talk to our water sector specialists

The Challenge

Dynamic Networks Need Dynamic Assets

Network assets rarely operate under steady-state conditions. Demand fluctuations, pump cycling, storm events, and network zoning all introduce changing pressure and flow characteristics.

Traditional fixed-speed actuators offer limited flexibility to respond to these changing hydraulic conditions. The result can be inconsistent process control, unnecessary mechanical stress, and increased wear across valves and associated infrastructure.

When valve movement cannot be adapted to operating conditions, systems may experience:

Increased pressure transients

Elevated risk of water hammer

Pipe and joint fatigue

Reduced control accuracy

The Solution

Intelligent Variable Speed Control for Modern Networks

AUMA Variable Speed Electric Actuators allow actuator speed and valve movement to be precisely controlled throughout the entire valve stroke.

Rather than operating at a single fixed speed, variable speed control enables:

Soft-start and soft-stop valve operation

Accurate valve positioning with no overrun

Full-speed travel where appropriate for operational efficiency

Speed adjustment based on torque or process feedback

Lower Start Current and Greater Installation Flexibility

Variable speed actuation significantly reduces start current requirements compared with conventional fixed-speed operation.

Benefits include:

Lower energy demand

Reduced electrical infrastructure loading

Improved suitability for solar-powered or off-grid applications

Potentially smaller battery backup systems where standby operation is required

Especially Beneficial for:

Large diameter butterfly valves

Pump isolation valves

Penstocks and sluice gates

Long rising mains and trunk mains

Real-world Advantages that Improve System Performance and Reduce Operating Costs

Improved Process Stability

Smooth and precisely controlled valve movement supports more stable flow regulation and improved process consistency across treatment and distribution systems.

Improved Asset Longevity

Reduced mechanical stress lowers wear on valve seats and stems, gearboxes, pipelines, supports and joints - helping extend service life and improve reliability.

Lower Whole-Life Cost

Reduced mechanical stress lowers wear on valve seats and stems, gearboxes, pipelines, supports and joints - helping extend service life and improve reliability.

Standardisation Across Multiple Application

With true variable speed capability from 6–240 turns per minute (12–120 rpm standard), while maintaining consistent torque regardless of speed, AUMA variable speed actuators provide exceptional flexibility across a wide range of valve types and operating environments.

Water Hammer Protection Still Matters

Managing acceleration and deceleration rates remains an important part of protecting pipelines and infrastructure from pressure surges and transient hydraulic events.

Soft-start and soft-stop functionality can help mitigate the risk of water hammer by reducing rapid pressure changes during valve operation.

Integrated Intelligence for Modern Control Rooms

Every AUMA variable speed actuator is supplied with an integrated actuator control unit (ACU)

Real-time Monitoring

Event logging and diagnostic trending

Non-intrusive parameter setting via infrared interface

Integration with DCS and SCADA systems (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet-based protocols)

Designed for Utility Environments

Network infrastructure demands reliability in challenging conditions
AUMA actuators are engineered for:

IP68 Ingress Protection

Suitable for submersible applications

Corrosion-Resistant Enclosures

Built to withstand harsh environments

Wide Operating Temperature Range

Reliable performance in extreme conditions

Modular Configuration

Flexible torque and speed settings

Reviewing Valve Performance or Planning an Upgrade?

Whether you are:

Replacing fixed-speed actuators
Addressing recurring pressure transient issues
Designing new treatment or pumping infrastructure
Seeking to improve asset resilience within AMP budgets