Company Aquacheck Engineering 

University Manchester Metropolitan University

Associate Dario Chiantello

Funding from Innovate UK

Project summary: Using Internet of Things (IoT) technology to transform company from traditional standpipe manufacturer into provider of Smart standpipe technology for improved water management by water companies

The challenge: The design of standard standpipes (a piece of equipment that connects to the water distribution network for a temporary water supply) has remained largely unchanged for decades and its limited functionality (purely mechanical) means that water utility companies could not identify the standpipes’ location nor the volume of water used. 

The solution: Aquacheck, a market leading supplier of standpipes to UK water companies, wanted to create a new Internet of Things (IoT) device – a Smart Standpipe – that could solve these well-known and industry-wide issues through the integration of Advanced Metering Infrastructure. This would allow the water companies to monitor real time data for the location, volume, flow and pressure readings for every standpipe in use. 

As a result of the KTP, Aquacheck has developed not only a state of the art Smart Standpipe (which has resulted in full order books and expansion of the business to markets beyond the UK), but also new capabilities – including Artificial Intelligence and Rapid Prototyping using 3D printing. 

It has also transformed its operational culture, forming a new Research and Development team (headed by the Associate) that includes mechanical, electronic and software design capabilities and is developing new electrochemistry and biotechnology capabilities; and profoundly reshaping the way the company works. 

As well as winning the top award, Best KTP, Aquacheck Engineering was also a finalist in the Engineering Excellence category.