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Case Studies

Helotes, TX

The Challenge

Autoflow was tasked with developing a solution for a site which combined strict water quality requirements with flood protection during heavy storm events. The small site required all technology to be combined into a single chamber and function as one system. 

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The Solution

Autoflow designed a compact, fully automated system built around our pre-packaged smart valve technology combined with three large grinder pumps, two inlet riser screens, and a single control panel. The system switches seamlessly between water quality control and water volume control as needed, with redundancy and manual override included.

  • 6” automated valve system with integrated level sensing

  • Three 250 GPM submersible pumps (primary, assist, backup, with alternation of primary)

  • Single PLC-based control panel for complete system

  • Trash screens to protect pumps from debris

  • Float switches + pressure sensor for reliable operation and redundancy

Everything is housed in a single compact underground structure to keep the footprint small.

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​How It Works

  • Stormwater enters the system and begins to fill the pond

  • Once the water reaches a set level, the system starts a 12-hour hold period to meet water quality requirements

  • During this time, the valve stays closed, allowing sediment and pollutants to settle out

  • After the hold period, the valve opens and the system begins controlled drawdown

  • The primary pump turns on first, with a second pump assisting if water levels rise

  • A third pump is available as backup to ensure reliable operation

  • During heavy storms, the system automatically switches to high-flow mode

    • Pumps activate based on float levels

    • Additional capacity prevents the pond from overflowing

    • The system continues operating even if one component fails

  • Once water levels return to normal, the system resets and waits for the next storm event

Wheatridge, CO

The Challenge

The customer needed Autoflow to tie in to existing older infrastructure with new technology that could:

  • Adapt to existing underground infrastructure

  • Monitor inlet and outlet flows in real time to track flow though a municipal pond during rain events

  • Track pond water levels accurately

  • Provide remote access to data

  • Alert operators to changing conditions without manual checks

The goal was simple: eliminate guesswork and make the system easy to monitor from anywhere.

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The Solution

Autoflow designed a compact monitoring system that combined inline sensors, controls, and remote connectivity.

System components:

  • Magnetic flow meters for inlet and outlet pipes

  • Ultrasonic level sensor for pond depth

  • PLC-based control system with integrated modem

  • On-site display screens for real-time readings

  • Weatherproof enclosure for outdoor reliability

The system runs on standard utility power with internal conversion for controls and sensors.​​

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​How It Works​

  • Flow meters measure real-time water flow entering and leaving the pond

  • An ultrasonic sensor continuously tracks pond water level

  • All data is sent to the control system, where it is displayed on local screens at the site and simultaneously sent to Autoflow's remote data dashboard

  • The system logs data over time and allows operators to:

    • View live conditions and daily flows

    • Track historical trends

    • Receive alerts when thresholds are exceeded

The system runs continuously, providing full visibility without requiring site visits

Hillsboro, OR

The Challenge

The customer needed a 12" automated valve system that could:

  • Maintain a consistent permanent pool level

  • Manage groundwater and low-flow conditions

  • Adjust automatically during active rain events

  • Operate in a remote location without utility power

  • Provide visibility and reporting without site visits

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The Solution

Autoflow delivered a standalone, solar-powered control system centered around our automated valve system with an integrated pressure transducer.

System components:

  • 12” automated butterfly valve with integrated level sensing

  • Solar-powered control cabinet with battery backup

  • PLC with programmed control logic

  • Rain gauge for weather-based overrides

  • Cellular modem for remote access and data reporting

The complete system was designed and pre-assembled for remote installation with minimal infrastructure and equipment needed for customer commissioning.

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How It Works

  • An integrated pressure sensor in Autoflow's automated valve assembly continuously monitors pond water levels

  • The system automatically opens or closes the valve to keep water within a customer-defined range

  • During normal conditions:

    • The valve automatically regulates flow to maintain the target pool elevation

  • During rainfall:

    • The rain gauge overrides normal operation logic until the rain event is over

  • The system adjusts valve behavior to handle incoming stormwater

  • All system activity is tracked and sent to a remote dashboard

  • Operators can view live data, trends, and system status

  • The system runs continuously, adjusting in real time without manual input

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