Custom Sluice Gate Control System for Historic Mill Renovation – Peterborough

As part of a £15 million project to transform a historic mill in Peterborough into a modern residential property, T-T Controls & Automation® was brought on board to automate a key part of the site’s water management: the sluice gate system. The goal was to control the flow of water beneath the house by regulating water levels at the front of the property. T-T worked in close collaboration with SBT Engineering, who handled the hydraulic installation.

The Problem

One of the main challenges was designing a bespoke electrical control system that would fit within a uniquely shaped steel enclosure provided by the client. This enclosure would then be semi-concealed by brickwork to hide the electrical and hydraulic power packs. The system also needed to operate the sluice gate automatically, based on real-time water level readings, while still offering manual control when needed.

The Solution

T-T worked closely with the client to create a tailored control system that met all project requirements. The finished setup includes:

• A high-accuracy radar sensor to continuously monitor water levels.
• A universal transmitter to convert the radar's 4–20mA signal into relay outputs for the control logic.
• A hydraulic motor control interface that raises or lowers the sluice gate according to preset water level thresholds.
• A remote control pendant mounted on the gate frame, allowing users to easily switch between automatic and manual operation.

Before installation, the entire system was fully tested at T-T’s factory to ensure everything worked flawlessly. A T-T engineer then carried out a one-day site visit to install and commission the system, making sure it was configured correctly and ready to go.

What We Delivered

• Radar water level sensor
• Signal conversion via universal transmitter
• Remote control pendant with manual/auto modes
• Bespoke electrical control panel and internal components
• Complete site cabling and electrical installation
• Full system commissioning and technical support

Thanks to this smart, integrated system, the property now enjoys efficient and reliable water level control. The sluice gate operates automatically without the need for constant oversight, but manual operation remains available when necessary. The result is a discreet, effective flood control solution that blends perfectly with the mill’s new residential purpose.

Need a Custom Control System for Your Project?

Whether it’s for heritage sites, flood defence, or industrial infrastructure, T-T Controls & Automation’s® bespoke control solutions are designed to meet the unique demands of any application.

Explore our Custom Control Capabilities and discover how we can bring your project to life.