INSTRUMENTATION
Sensors enhance wastewater treatment process
Monitoring, measurement and tracking technologies drive greater efficiencies in the wastewater treatment process.
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ylem, a global water technology solutions company, believes that the combination of digital technologies and modern best practices provides exciting possibilities for treatment facilities. “This is an inspiring time for treatment plants. New technologies do not have to replace the current features or equipment but can be used to improve the whole treatment cycle,” explains Chetan Mistry, strategy and marketing manager: Africa, Xylem. Mistry believes that this can be done by focusing on five elements: •B etter tracking and measurement – Sensors in a treatment facility will monitor effluent flow and maintenance requirements. Operators and managers can access this information via
dashboards and alerts. Sensors are a feasible and cost-effective solution, with a two- to three-year payback on the investment. • More visibility and control – Operators and managers can also remotely access information obtained from sensors via their smartphone. Furthermore, they can also change schedules as well as start/stop pumps when they are not on-site. • Optimisation through analytics and data – By leveraging artificial intelligence as well as data and analytics, one can predict upstream events through past and current data analytics. • Improved maintenance – Tracking and monitoring pumps and pipes via sensors can prevent breakdowns and the clogging up of pipes. Modern pumps provide sensor data for maintenance and control. Pumps fitted with sensors make maintenance contracts far simpler and more effective. • New sanitation technologies – Ozone and UV sanitation are effective water
treatment techniques for site cleaning and other ad hoc applications. “When searching for any inefficiencies in the wastewater treatment process, one needs to first create greater visibility. Use our sensors and start collecting data, then use our dashboards and data analytics capabilities to help your decision-making. Start on a specific part of your treatment facility and use your successes there to motivate other improvements. There are many promising ways to drive greater efficiencies,” explains Mistry.
Chetan Mistry, strategy and marketing manager: Africa, Xylem
M A R/ A P R 2021
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