Southern Water have recently upgraded the Aerator at Powdermill replacing the, manually controlled, diesel compressors with an electric compressor. The new system is fully automatic with a control system fitted to the valve tower (above) which monitors the water temperature and sends radio commands to the compressor (below). The control system is powered by a pair of photo electric panels and has cables with transducers fitted that hang below the water surface. In comparison to the diesels the electric system is almost inaudible, a fact that is greatly appreciated in the bailiff's cottage some two hundred yards away, and the complete absence of fumes is another benefit.

The solar powered sensing and control system fitted to the Valve Tower. The twin photocell arrays can be seen on either side of the radio mast. The temperature transducers monitor the water temperature and send control signals to the air compressor once a certain temperature is reached.

The green building in the foreground houses the electric compressor and control equipment for the aerator. The radio mast, on the right, links the compressor to the sensing equipment located on the Valve Tower. The light green building in the background contains a three phase transformer which powers the compressor. The whole system has proved to be quiet and efficient in operation as well as completely automatic.