At Aquatic Control Engineering (ACE), we provide far more than simple land-drainage pumps. Thanks to our partnership with Pentair Fairbanks Nijhuis and FishFlow Innovations, we supply, install and project-manage a complete spectrum of pumping solutions — from compact drainage sets to large-scale flood-defence or water-transfer pumping stations. Whatever your water-management challenge, ACE delivers robust, efficient, eco-conscious pump systems tailored to your needs.
We're the sole UK importer of Pentair Fairbanks Nijhuis' fish-friendly pumps, ideal for cost-effective retrofitting in existing pumping stations.
We're the sole UK importer of Pentair Fairbanks Nijhuis' fish-friendly pumps, ideal for cost-effective retrofitting in existing pumping stations.
These pumps are specifically designed to ensure the safe passage of fish, utilising a screw mechanism that gently transports them.
Harnessing the power of wind, our wind pumps offer sustainable and renewable energy solutions for efficient water pumping.
Very. The pump designs deliver excellent efficiencies, equal or above to non-fish friendly options. Usually operated through variable speed drives ensures optimal efficiency and low running speeds. This improves passage for fish and eels, reduces noise and vibrations, therefore reducing maintenance requirements.
Yes, we can help with your pumping station design! ACE provides expert advice, engineering insights, and tailored recommendations throughout the process. We focus on key aspects like operation and maintenance, inspection, installation, and value for money. Using advanced 3D modelling software, we create accurate visual representations of the final product and apply computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to validate and refine the design before manufacturing.
Fish-friendly screw pumps, like the ACE Archimedes Screw Pumps, are specially designed to prioritise aquatic life. Unlike conventional trough screw pumps, they offer several key advantages. The enclosed drum eliminates leakage paths, ensuring that every drop of water reaching the pump is efficiently delivered to the top. The innovative leading-edge design prevents fish from being struck as they enter the pump, while the absence of pinch points ensures they cannot become trapped during operation. These features make ACE screw pumps a safer and more efficient choice for environments that support fish passage.
ACE’s centrifugal pumps, developed in partnership with Pentair Nijhuis, are specifically designed to protect aquatic life. The pump features a unique impeller with a leading edge that minimises the risk of fish strikes, meeting the NEN8775 standard. Additionally, the pump includes guide vanes to safely direct fish through the system. Independent testing has shown that over 97% of fish and 100% of eel samples pass through the pump without harm. These results have been validated through multiple independent studies, making our pumps an excellent choice for environmentally sensitive applications.
✅ Extensive range of pump types — offering centrifugal, mixed/axial-flow, fish-friendly rotodynamic, screw (Archimedes) and even wind-powered pumps, covering land-drainage, flood defence, water transfer, irrigation, wastewater and more.
✅ Fish- and biodiversity-friendly design — many of our pumps are certified fish/eel safe, combining hydraulic performance with minimum impact on wildlife.
✅ Turnkey service from concept to commissioning — design, supply, install, test, commission and aftercare under one roof. As well as stand-alone pumps, we can deliver complete pumping-station solutions.
✅ Retrofit and upgrade capability — many of our pumps can be installed into existing pumping stations, minimising civil works and reducing disruption.
✅ Energy efficiency & reliability — partnering with world-class manufacturers ensures long service life, high hydraulic efficiency, and reliable operation in demanding environments.
Here are the main pump types ACE offers — each suited to different requirements and project scales:
| Pump Type | Typical Use / Strengths |
|---|---|
| Centrifugal / Rotodynamic Pumps (mixed, radial or axial flow) | Wide range of flow-rates/heads; ideal for flood defence, water-transfer, drainage. Fish-friendly designs available — smooth impeller leading-edge & guide-vanes for safe fish passage. |
| Fish-Friendly Screw (Archimedes) Pumps | Gentle water movement, ideal for fish/eel-sensitive sites, habitat creation, migrating fish passage — or low-lift drainage with biodiversity in mind. |
| Axial / Mixed-Flow / End-Suction / Vertical Turbine Pumps (via Pentair range) | Best where varying head and flow conditions exist, or where compact footprint and reliability are key. |
| Wind-Powered Pumps | Low-carbon, sustainable option for remote or energy-sensitive sites where electricity supply is a challenge. |
| Custom & Bespoke Pumping Stations | Full design-and-build of pumping stations: tailored to project needs (capacity, site constraints, environmental requirements). ACE handles design, manufacture, installation and commissioning. |
Depending on the project, we combine pumps with screens, non-return valves, controls, fish-passage features or full station housings to deliver a complete solution.
Our pumps are used in a wide variety of settings and sectors:
Flood defence pumping stations protecting communities and infrastructure.
Land drainage for agricultural, rural or reclaimed land.
Water-transfer systems for utilities or abstraction.
Wetland creation, habitat restoration, environmental water-level control.
Urban drainage / SUDS (Surface Runoff, Stormwater) systems.
Retrofitting or upgrading existing pump stations — replacing inefficient or fish-unfriendly pumps.
Remote or off-grid pumping using sustainable (wind) power.
Fisheries, habitat-creation or conservation sites needing fish- and eel-safe pumping.
Full project-management & turnkey delivery — from initial concept and design, through manufacture, install and commissioning, to aftercare. We act as both principal contractor and subcontractor for Tier 1 contractors.
Custom design & optimisation — using 3D modelling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to verify performance, hydraulic efficiency and fish-passage safety before manufacture.
Retrofit expertise — we often integrate modern pumps into existing stations with minimal civil-work modifications, reducing cost and downtime.
Quality manufacturing and installation — in partnership with top-class pump manufacturers (Pentair, FishFlow) to ensure reliability, long life, and compliance with environmental standards.
Environmental & biodiversity focus — fish- and eel-friendly designs, careful intake screening, smooth flow paths, and optional renewables (wind) where appropriate.
UK’s broadest pump portfolio — few, if any, UK suppliers can match the diversity and flexibility of our pump options.
Environmental and fish-friendly expertise — essential for flood-defence, habitat, SUDS or fisheries projects where ecology matters.
Turnkey, hassle-free service — we handle design, supply, installation and aftercare, easing burden for clients and contractors.
Flexibility & retrofitting capability — from small drainage redevelopments to major flood-defence schemes, we can adapt.
Technical excellence & global-class partners — using proven pump technology and best-practice engineering.
Ready to discuss your pumping requirement?
Whether you need a single pump, a full pumping-station package, or a retrofit, contact the ACE team today to explore how we can support your project.
+44 (0)1777 249080 info@aquaticcontrol.co.uk
Whatever your enquiry, we have a specialist team of friendly and helpful staff to assist you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us using your preferred method, and we will be happy to help.
