Western Lake Superior Sanitary District
WLSSD – Monitoring System Provides Cost-Saving Data to Extend Asset Life
Syrinix delivers brand new insight and alert reporting for force main wastewater pipelines
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A burst on a wastewater network and the impact of any subsequent pollution is a problem with a significant consequence for both customers and the environment.
In remote areas, these bursts can go undetected for significant time periods and when finally discovered, result in substantial pollution events with heavy costs to clean up.
In response to this, Syrinix developed PIPEMINDER specifically for wastewater force mains, a robust data logger and sensor, plus a series of helpful analytical tools within our cloud platform RADAR which allow for an informed programme of performance management.
How it works
PIPEMINDER is deployed at a pumping station outlet, collecting data at 128 samples per second to provide one-minute summary data. This is sent to RADAR for analysis and to provide an overall aggregated view of how the force main is operating.
The data is then compared against pre-set performance parameters which determine the overall operating state.
It is this analysis that enables the identification of asset issues such as blockages, sticking/passing non-return valves, worn pumps, and burst mains.
A burst alarm
An automated alarm on the identification of a burst main is sent directly to the utility operational control center so a response can be planned and prioritized.
Performance Monitoring
A range of other performance 'alerts' are also available to the utility, that identify a range of inefficiencies within the system, including poor-performing pumps, or non-return valves passing which all result in increased energy costs.
These alerts can be fed to the maintenance team to act upon, in order to keep the system working optimally.
Successful trials of this method of operation have led to a roll-out within 'business as usual' operations within a UK utility with performance monitoring now the primary focus.
Savings realized
In May 2019 early detection of a burst rising main at Anglian Water in the east of England, meant a repair bill of £1,100 as opposed to the £24,000 repair bill received 6 months earlier, prior to the monitoring and the burst alarm implementation.
This allowed Anglian Water to minimize the impact on the environment, whilst lessening customer impact and negating any negative publicity.
Could your utility benefit from increased visibility on rising mains? Talk to us and arrange a conversation
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