Water and Wastewater Use Cases
Explore use cases tailored for the Water and Wastewater industry
Wastewater
Biogas storage facility
Water and Wastewater
The methane gas extracted from the digestion tank is temporarily stored in a gas reservoir. Depending on the design of the gas storage facility, either a flexible diaphragm of plastic or a floating roof is used for volume equalization. The gas volume and gas pressure are measured continuously to ensure reliable and safe operation.
Chemical tanks
Water and Wastewater
Through the addition of chemicals, phosphates in the wastewater are precipitated out, for example in primary sedimentation, in aeration systems or in special precipitation and secondary clarifiers. Precipitants like ferric chloride bind the phosphate chemically and deposit it in the sludge. In the storage tanks for these chemicals, a level measurement and point level detection system is deployed for continuous inventory control and optimal dosage.
Coarse and fine screens
Water and Wastewater
Mechanical cleaning removes entrained floating matter with screens or sieves. This protects the downstream process stages from buildup, clogging and abrasion. Solids with diameters greater than 25 mm are trapped in the coarse screens, compressed in a press and then disposed of. Finer secondary screens remove smaller residual materials. Measurement of the difference in water level between the front and the back of the screen determines the degree of contamination and initiates the cleaning of the screen when necessary.
Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)
Water and Wastewater
Large Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) protect the wastewater treatment plant from a capacity overload during heavy rain. The precipitation is temporarily stored and then delivered to the treatment plant at a reduced rate. If the stormwater basin cannot hold the accumulating quantities of water, part of it is discharged. Due to legal requirements, such operational events and discharged water quantities must be measured and documented. A level sensor provides the required measurement data.
Conditioning
Water and Wastewater
The applied chemicals and precipitants are suitably conditioned to ensure that they reach the wastewater in an optimal, low concentration. They are metered out according to the degree of pollution and mixed with the wastewater. Continuous level measurement is employed to ensure optimal metering control.
Container
Water and Wastewater
After coarse/fine screening, sorted solids such as waste, plastics, sand and sludge are transported to special containers via conveyor belt. Reliable level measurement enables automatic notification to change over these containers.
Digester
Water and Wastewater
The organic components of sewage sludge are decomposed under anaerobic conditions in heated, closed digestion tanks. In the process, combustible gases such as methane are released from the sludge. These are collected in a biogas tank and then converted into electricity and heat in cogeneration (CHP) plants. A level sensor controls the filling of the digester. To ensure that no foam gets into the gas system along with the collected gas, a point level sensor is used for monitoring.
Fuel tank
Water and Wastewater
Backup generators are a common safeguard at lift stations to maintain operation during power outages. Day tanks at each lift station and a main tank at the plant are used to store the fuel. To make sure there is sufficient fuel when needed, the level in the tanks is continuously measured.
Gas pipeline
Water and Wastewater
The biogas generated from sewage sludge is used for environmentally friendly production of heat and electricity. It is transported to the storage tanks through a gas pipeline.
Gauge station
Water and Wastewater
Accurate monitoring of the river level is an important prerequisite to be able to react quickly and correctly in the event of a flood. Data recording and transmission via radio link is the optimal solution for getting level information on rivers in remote areas without power.
Grit trap
Water and Wastewater
Through circulation and aeration of the wastewater, mineral substances such as grit and sand settle to the bottom of the settling basin. Point level detection of settled sand under water prevents equipment malfunction and damage and controls the cleaning cycle in the grit trap.
Grit washer
Water and Wastewater
Before the settled out sand can be used as recycled material, it is cleansed of organic matter in the sand washing plant. The washed sand is then dewatered in a screw press and discharged into a storage vessel. The discharge of the washed sand is controlled by a pressure transmitter.
Gullies
Water and Wastewater
Buildup and deposits accumulate in gullies and raise the water level there. Since this can lead to blockages, gullies must be cleaned regularly. Reliable level measurement ensures that blockages are recognized quickly. The level data is transmitted wirelessly to the control centre. This makes certain that gully cleaning is carried out as required.
Inlet channel
Water and Wastewater
Sewage and rainwater are often transported to the treatment plant in open collection channels or flumes. The flow rate is measured at various points in these channels. Measurement of the water flow at the inlet and outlet of the treatment plant is the basis for the calculation of tariffs and operating costs.
Lime silo
Water and Wastewater
In the nitrogen and phosphorus removal stage, lime is used to stabilize the pH value. Stored in silos, the lime is added to the wastewater as a solid or as an aqueous suspension. The silo content is measured by a radar sensor and a point level sensor detects the maximum level and transmits a full signal.
Mixing and equalization ponds
Water and Wastewater
These open pools even out peak loads and strong volume fluctuations. During periods of decreased load, the wastewater is pumped from the buffer pool into downstream biological treatment basins. A level sensor monitors and controls the pumps and cleaning units in the buffer pool.
Process water tank
Water and Wastewater
The process water is collected in tanks or open basins. Pressure pumps deliver the water for cleaning and rinsing purposes to various locations in the wastewater treatment plant. To ensure an optimal supply of water, the level in the process water tank is measured continuously.
Pump room
Water and Wastewater
To protect the process pumps, any leakage water, e.g. arising from a faulty pump seal, is detected and an alarm triggered. The pressure in the pipe is measured directly at the pump and displayed in the control system of the WWTP. Any malfunctions are detected quickly.
Pumping station
Water and Wastewater
Wastewater from households and businesses, together with surface water, is carried to the wastewater treatment plant via an extensive sewer network. If the natural gradient is not steep enough, numerous pumping stations are required to create a sufficient height difference. The level measurement in the inlet shaft is used for cost-effective control of the pumps.
Receiving watercourse
Water and Wastewater
After the wastewater has been treated, it is discharged into bodies of water through a drainage system. The local municiple water organisation requires measurement of the amount of wastewater being discharged into the receiving watercourse in order to determine how it affects the water quality downstream.
Sewage screw lifting station
Water and Wastewater
The heavily soiled, greasy wastewater from households and commercial enterprises flows into the sewage lifting station. The dirty water and floating debris contained therein are raised to a higher level with screw pumps and then flow into the treatment plant along a natural downward gradient. Level measurement in the inlet shaft controls the cost-effective use of the pumps.
Sewer network
Water and Wastewater
Wastewater from households and industrial operations is carried through a sewerage system to the clarification plant. In large sewer systems, the water levels are monitored at key points in the network. Level measurement in the sewer allows an accurate assessment of the degree of utilization of the conduit system.
Sludge dewatering
Water and Wastewater
The digested sludge is dewatered prior to drying in centrifuges or filter presses. The sludge liquor thus obtained passes through the cleaning process of the WWTP once again. A level detector controls the pumps in the filter water tank to prevent overfilling. The discharge of the dewatered sludge is controlled by a point level sensor.
Sludge drying
Water and Wastewater
Through drying, the weight and volume of the sludge is further reduced. In the thermal drying unit, which is equipped with a belt drier and a hot (+80 to +130 °C) air stream, water is removed from the sludge through evaporation. The continuous monitoring of belt loading is done by means of radiometric, i.e. radiation-based, measurement - this technique allows optimal, cost-effective dryer control.
Sludge granulate silo
Water and Wastewater
After thermal drying, the sludge is stored in silos for further use. The granulated product is deposed of in landfills, used in agriculture or burned for energy generation. The level measurement and point level detection ensure that the container volume is optimally utilized.
Sludge receiving station
Water and Wastewater
Sewage sludge from small decentralized sewage treatment plants or sewer cleaning operations is delivered in special vehicles. It is collected in a receiving tank and then gradually fed into the main sewage treatment plant for processing. Continuous level measurement determines the content of the receiving tank and controls the input to the plant.
Sludge storage tank
Water and Wastewater
The digested sewage sludge is pumped into a sludge storage tank. This tank serves as an intermediate storage facility before the sludge is fed to the centrifuge or pressed for mechanical dewatering. To ensure optimal feeding, the sludge volume is monitored by a level measuring instrument.
Sludge thickening tank
Water and Wastewater
Before the sludge enters the digestion tower, it is stored in large vessels. During storage, the sludge is dewatered and thickened sometimes scrapers and agitators are used to accelerate the process.
Stormwater retention basin
Water and Wastewater
In case of heavy precipitation, excess rainwater is temporarily stored in open, artificial reservoirs. The water reservoir buffers the drainage and the water is pre-cleaned through natural settlement. Continuous level data are the basis for calculating the flow through the sewer system and thus protecting against flooding.
Vacuum sewerage system
Water and Wastewater
When new building zones are opened up, it is often quite expensive to build a sewerage network with the necessary downward slope. In such cases, a vacuum sewerage network offers an interesting alternative to traditional sewer systems. The wastewater is transported to the pumping station under vacuum, which allows significantly smaller pipes to be used and stretches of upward slope spanned. A central vacuum pumping unit conveys the wastewater from households via a central sewage discharge into the public sewer system. To effectively control the system the level in the vacuum tank must be continuously monitored.
Drinking Water
Bank filtration
Water and Wastewater
Water obtained from wells adjacent to lakes and rivers is called bank filtration. The flowing water constantly seeps through the riverbed and mixes with the ground water. The level of water must be constantly monitored for an optimum extraction of water. The pump pressure is also monitored in the delivery line.
Chemical tank
Water and Wastewater
Chemical tanks guarantee the supply of raw materials for ongoing processes. The plant operator needs exact level readings from the containers at all times to be able to ensure punctual replenishment. An additional level switch protects against overfilling.
Deep well
Water and Wastewater
Ground water from deep wells is pumped to the surface with the help of submersible pumps. It must be ensured, however, that the amount of water extracted is balanced to the amount that seeps back in. Reliable, maintenance-free level measurement is necessary for smooth operation of the well.
Drinking water pipeline
Water and Wastewater
To transport drinking water even to the remotest drinking water storage facilities, pumping stations generate the required water pressure, which is constantly monitored by a pressure transmitter. A level switch serves as dry run protection for the pumps.
Elevated storage tanks
Water and Wastewater
Elevated water tanks are reservoirs located at high places that act as a buffer during periods of peak demand. They compensate for delivery fluctuations and enable efficient plant operation. Reliable level measurement is therefore indispensable.
Evaporation chamber
Water and Wastewater
In thermal seawater desalination, the drinking water is produced in multi-stage evaporation processes. By connecting the various stages in series with ever lower temperatures, the system’s coefficient of performance is significantly increased and its overall efficiency enhanced. Reliable monitoring of the pressures and levels in the various stages is an important prerequisite for optimal operation of the plant.
Filter monitoring
Water and Wastewater
The raw water is pumped from the lake into a tank. It is then filtered via a drum filter. In this process the water is separated and purified from any suspended matter and coarse impurities. An electronic differential pressure measuring instrument monitors the level of contamination of the filter. Cleaning of the filter is automatically triggered as soon as the threshold contamination is exceeded.
Flotation
Water and Wastewater
To filter suspended matter out of the water, precipitants are added to the water. When small air bubbles are injected into the liquid, suspended matter is bound to the rising bubbles and drawn off at the water surface. In order to achieve the best possible bubble formation, the pressure in the air supply is regulated to stay within narrow limits. Reliable and accurate level measurement is necessary to achieve efficient removal of the suspended matter.
Gauging station
Water and Wastewater
Precise monitoring of the river level is an important requirement for sustainable extraction of river water for use as drinking water. The measurement sites are often in exposed locations and sensors are subjected to all weathers and surface conditions.
Gravel bed filter
Water and Wastewater
The suspended matter is filtered out of the water via the sand and gravel filled filter tank. Pressure is applied to pump water through the filter bed. Dirt particles are retained in the filter material. The electronic differential pressure measurement monitors the level of contamination in the filter. As soon as the threshold contamination is exceeded, an automatic cleaning cycle of the filter is triggered.
Intermediate bulk containers
Water and Wastewater
In many processes, small amounts of various additives are required to improve the properties of certain end products. The media are supplied in small, transportable containers. Level measurement ensures the supply for the ongoing processes.
Mineralisation tank
Water and Wastewater
Various methods are used to replenish the demineralised water with the minerals required in healthy drinking water. One method is to pass the water through a container filled with limestone, enriching it with mineral substances. The filling of the container is monitored with the help of a point level switch.
Osmosis filter
Water and Wastewater
Sea water is pressed through a semi-permeable membrane under high pressure. The semi-permeable membrane allows only water molecules to seep through. Salts, bacteria and viruses are retained in the filter. The finished product is almost the same as distilled water. A differential pressure measurement is needed to monitor the level of contamination across the filter.
Ozone gas collection pipe
Water and Wastewater
Ozone is used for the disinfection of drinking water. It is produced from oxygen in a hyperbaric reactor by means of electrical energy. The gas produced then flows into the ozone gas collection pipe. Reliable pressure measurement is mandatory in order to keep the pressure in the pipeline constant and monitor the process integrity.
Pure water tank
Water and Wastewater
Pure water tanks are important storage facilities for periods of peak demand. They compensate for delivery fluctuations and enable efficient plant operation. The pure water tank is therefore not only a means of storage, it also serves as an equalizing tank. Reliable level measurement is therefore essential.
Reverse osmosis
Water and Wastewater
The seawater is forced through a semi-permeable diaphragm under high pressure. Only pure water molecules can pass through. Salts, bacteria and viruses are retained in the filter. The resulting water is almost like distilled water. Differential pressure measurement monitors the level of contamination of the filter.
Seawater extraction
Water and Wastewater
The seawater is fed into large buffer basins for further processing, sometimes these can be several hundred metres from the coast. Level measurement in the basins controls the extraction pumps and thus enables reliable operation of the plant.
Storage tank for flocculant
Water and Wastewater
The finest impurities in the water are bound together through flocculation. This allows the coagulated materials to be removed from the water by sedimentation or filtration. The flocculant required for such operation is stored in a reserve tank. A continuous level measurement ensures a sufficient supply of flocculants. The point level detection serves as overflow protection in the tank.
Surge tank
Water and Wastewater
In the central drinking water supply system, air-bladder chambers are used to compensate for pressure fluctuations in the supply line. They are used primarily to stabilize smaller water networks, where, for economic reasons, a water tower is not an option. A pressure transmitter is deployed to monitor the tank and control the pumps. A low level switch detects the minimum water level in the tank and thus prevents air from entering the water supply network.
Ultrafiltration
Water and Wastewater
During seawater desalination, substances often have to be removed or separated from each other. One method for separation or precipitation is filtration. Superior product quality results only when the filter functions properly. For that reason it must be ensured at all times that the filter is performing adequately. This requires continuous monitoring of the filter.
Water source
Water and Wastewater
Spring water originates from surface water, which passes down through layers of porous rock on its way down into the earth. It then flows horizontally along a layer of clay or rock and thus forms a spring. To obtain drinking water, the spring is impounded in some type of structure and protected against contamination. The spring water flows into a settling pond and then into a reservoir. A reliable level measurement is critical in ensuring a sufficient supply of drinking water.
Water storage tanks
Water and Wastewater
Water storage tanks are especially important in times of peak demand. They compensate for delivery fluctuations and enable efficient plant operation. The water storage tanks are therefore not just storage tanks, they also serve as equalising tanks. Reliable level and point level measurement are thus indispensable here.
Water supply dam
Water and Wastewater
To operate drinking water storage reliably, precise information about the water level of the inflow as well as the dam itself is required. The level of water in the dam can be continuously monitored by a hydrostatic level measurement. Since infrastructure at these remote sites at the dam wall, is often lacking, wireless mobile data transmission units are often used for sending the measured values.
Water tower
Water and Wastewater
Water towers are used as storage facilities for drinking water and as pressure balancing tanks in the network of water supply pipelines. In order to keep the water level and thus the network pressure constant, the level in the water tower needs to be constantly maintained. The level of water is monitored by a pressure transmitter.
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