Using the IIoT to improve wastewater treatment

Wastewater management insights

• Water treatment systems already contain a wide variety of sensors and probes for the measurement of parameters and the Internet of Things (IoT) helps collect and gather this data.
• IoT also can help operators can take remedial action before system failure occurs, scheduling maintenance to prevent unplanned downtime.

Water network operators worldwide are under pressure to maintain continuous services to their customers, which as well as potable water supply includes the removal and treatment of wastewater.

The importance of these processes cannot be understated. For example, along with the serious environmental impact of incorrect effluent disposal, the penalty for such an offense includes an unlimited fine and imprisonment.

Until recently, effective water network management has demanded teams of engineers covering multiple sites. Not only did this result in heavy recruitment and training costs, it also meant considerable spending on travel.

Today, however, the way operators manage water networks is changing, courtesy of the integration of cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) technology within their equipment, with the only barrier being a functional Wi-Fi connection.

Water treatment systems already contain a wide variety of sensors and probes for the measurement of parameters such as flow, temperature and pressure, and IoT capability sees these sensors collect data and convey it via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite or wired connection to a gateway server. The data is then aggregated and sent to a cloud platform such as a webpage or app where it can be retrieved on demand via PC, laptop or smart device.

IoT communication can be unidirectional (send data only) or bidirectional (send and receive) depending on the level of control required by the user.

An invaluable role

In wastewater treatment, IoT plays an invaluable role in the measurement of residual chemicals, with the data harvested enabling operators to precisely track water quality and release effluent into waterways with confidence.

Meanwhile, live and historical data on demand allows engineers to continuously monitor consumption and make informed decisions regarding overall plant operation, with bidirectional communication enabling programs to be set and adjusted remotely.

With the ability to identify equipment anomalies immediately, operators can take remedial action before system failure occurs, scheduling maintenance to prevent unplanned downtime and associated costs as part of a proactive asset management plan.

Remote connectivity gives technicians responsible for multiple sites the ability to manage all their installations remotely, significantly reducing the time and environmental impact of travel. As well as allowing water networks to use the carbon reduction to evidence sustainable operations, engineers are able work to a hybrid pattern for improved productivity and a better work/life balance.

The ever-changing technological landscape is seeing the emergence of edge computing – the analysis of data at source. When used in conjunction with device learning and a shared data ecosystem, learning can be pushed from a single device to multiple systems, informing programming adjustments across similar installations locally or nationally.

For the water-treatment industry of the future, edge computing could enable continuous improvement across the network, with learnings automatically implemented on multiple sites for unprecedented operational efficiency.

– This originally appeared on Control Engineering Europe.

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