Supply and Installation of Instrumentation for MCERTS Inlet Waste Water Treatment Monitoring

Abstract

RS Hydro was asked to provide a solution for the MCERTS certified flow monitoring of a large Inlet to a waste water treatment site in Northampton. The existing flow measurement was calculated by a Parshall fume and ultrasonic level sensor. Due to age and wear and tear this flume had started to warped and was consequently providing in accurate flow data. With the inlet to works measured 3.6m in width replacing this damaged flume would cost in excess of 200,000 pounds.

The clients scope of works was to provide, an MCERTS certified flow monitoring solution with data provide locally and on a Scada network. The flow meters needed to be mounted so there was no requirement to work over the inlet channel.

Industry

UK Water Industry - East of England

Equipment Used

Three ISCO Laserflows with remote Ultrasonic level sensors, Signature flow meter with 4-20mA output and relay cards and a bespoke swing arm mounting frame.

Background

Following a site survey from one of our skilled Sales Manager's a project folder was opened on RS Hydro's ID System. Here, images, measurements and diagrams were uploaded along with a proposal for the project. Our team of Flow Engineers reviewed the uploaded data and made recommendations, in particular how the flow meters would be mounted. The client had requested a solution where the installation of the flow meter and the minimal maintenance of the flow meter required no working over the live inlet channel. A design for a bespoke swing arm was subsequently drawn by our CAD design team and this alone with the instrumentation proposal were provided to the client.

With the cost of this proposal way out weighing that of replacing the flume the project was awarded to RS Hydro.

The clients civils team installed a concrete base to the design specification provide by RSH design team. This was to mount the instrument kiosk housing to the Signature Flow meter and the support leg for the instrument mounting swing arm. This swing arm ensured that at no time did any personnel have to work over the live works inIet.

With the swing arm installed the engineers could mount the Laserflows and run the cables back to the instrument kiosk and Signature flow meter. This was all completed in the safe area next to the Inlet.

With the system live data was uploaded to the network and the works was provided with an exact volume coming through the inlet.

General Product Information

The LaserFlow velocity sensor remotely measures flow in open channels with non-contact Laser Doppler Velocity technology and non-contact Ultrasonic Level technology. The sensor uses advanced technology to measure velocity with a laser beam at single or multiple points below the surface of the wastewater stream. (Patented) The sensor uses an ultrasonic level sensor to measure the level and determines a sub-surface point to measure velocity. The sensor then focuses its laser beam at this point and measures the frequency shift of the returned light. The LaserFlow is ideal for a broad range of wastewater monitoring applications. It is compatible with both the Teledyne Isco Signature Flow Meter and the Teledyne Isco 2160 LaserFlow Module, depending on the type of installation. During submerged conditions, flow measurement continues without interruption with optional continuous wave Doppler Ultrasonic Area Velocity technology. With its specially designed mounting bracket in place, the LaserFlow can be deployed and removed from street level. This avoids the risk and expense of confined space entry. A variety of communication options enable programming and data retrieval from a remote location. Information about data quality can be recorded and transmitted with the flow data. Additionally, built-in diagnostic tools simplify installation, maintenance, and advanced communication options reduce site visits.