Smart Sewer Technologies
Smart sewer technologies can be grouped into three main categories:
Asset Management Tools
Wastewater collection and treatment systems include many critical infrastructure assets, including pumps, lift stations, valves, pipes, sewer mains, manholes, and other components. Different software tools can help utilities manage these assets to minimize ownership and operation costs while meeting service needs. Two of the most common examples of asset management software tools are:
- Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMSs). CMMSs allow users to create and track corrective work orders, optimize preventive maintenance schedules, manage maintenance crews and other staff, and prioritize inspections.
- Enterprise asset management (EAM) systems. EAM systems incorporate all the CMMS functions along with capabilities for optimizing the business functions, including capital planning and life-cycle projections.
A CMMS or EAM system can upload and analyze a larger volume of data than can be collected and processed manually, often in real time. This can help operators identify problem areas quicker and address potential clogs, breaks, and other system failures before they cause overflows. Utilities can also use these tools to monitor asset deterioration over time, enabling more preventive maintenance.
System Monitoring and Operations Tools
These tools can make day-to-day system operations and maintenance more informed, efficient, and automated. They include the following types of tools.
Real-Time Continuous Monitoring
This technology uses remote sensors to provide real-time insights into system conditions and operating status. Utilities install sensors throughout the system to collect information on flow, water level, rainfall, and other data. The sensors communicate their data to a central database. Utilities can use these analytics to dial in maintenance intervals, identify potential problem areas quicker, and inform decision-making for capital projects.
Real-Time Decision Support Systems (RTDSS)
RTDSSs combine hardware and software technologies, added to wastewater systems to inform operational decisions. An RTDSS generally consists of:
- Sensors and other devices to measure system information, such as flow and water elevation.
- Wired or wireless networks that transfer the collected data to software tools.
- Software and analytics that process the data received and produce dashboards and actionable information for the system operator.
An RTDSS works with a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which is designed to receive and communicate data and control commands between central and remote locations in real time.
Real-Time Controls (RTCs)
RTCs help utilities control the level of wastewater in a system. Regardless of size or complexity, any RTC system includes:
- Real-time flow or level monitoring devices.
- A computerized system for receiving and analyzing data to inform control decisions.
- Automated controls (e.g., gates, weirs, valves, pumps).
Utilities can strategically install RTCs in one place in response to a specific issue, in a region of a system, or throughout an entire system. A typical RTC is automated with an RTDSS, which helps manage volume and route excess flow to offline overflow tanks, inline storage, or a treatment facility.
System Condition and Capacity Tools
Utilities can use many smart technologies to enhance traditional approaches to system condition and capacity management. A few of these technologies are described below.
Condition Assessment Technologies
These technologies are used for sewer system inspection and can help operators identify defects and failures. Closed-circuit television has long been the industry standard for assessing system conditions and is still very widely used. However, newer tools are also now available that provide more detail and precision. They include digital, electrical, and laser-based scanning.
Condition Assessment Software and Analytic Tools
These tools automate some data collection and evaluation processes to provide more informative outputs. Better outputs can lead to more effective solutions for addressing system issues, such as inflow and infiltration. Condition assessment data and analytics can also be integrated with CMMS or EAM systems to help optimize asset costs and inform capital planning.
Enhanced Capacity and Performance Models
These models use information (e.g., RTC data) on flow dynamics, capacity, condition assessment, and performance to help utilities optimize operations and maintenance for existing infrastructure. Models have become more user-friendly over time. They are also more accurate due to real-time monitoring, improved condition assessment technology, and advanced analytics.