TECHNICAL FEATURE
drain TRADER
the treatment of bothwater andwastewater plants are running correctly. The introduction of sensors into these industries can lead to increases in efficiency for the plants, reduction in pollution fromcontaminants orwaste materials, andmore.
Where are the synergies?
There are a number of industrieswhich currently require devices tomeasure and monitorwastewater. For example, semi- conductormanufacturers have to ensure that theirwastewater has no tracemetals in their wastewater. Chemical or pharmaceutical plantsmust ensure no trace chemicals. This also applies to industries such as food and beverage, clothesmanufacturing, and pharmaceutical plants. Any processwhich has water during itsmanufacturing process, cooling and heating process, or similar, and then exits thiswaste to the environment have to ensure that their plant does not contaminate, pollute, or cause damage to this environment. They, therefore, require sensors tomonitor their plants. These same sensors can be used inmunicipalwater and wastewater plants tomonitor contaminants in thewater andwastewater networks.
WhyNow?
Smartmeters for gas and electricity have greatly benefited those industries, reducing contact and allowing themeasurement of more accurate readings. This saves the customermoney as they are paying for utilities they use. Typically,water is notmonitored in thisway. By greatermonitoring of the entire network, it can becomemore efficient. For example, if amunicipalwater companywants to identify the source of a contaminant,
multiple sensors can narrowdown the location. It can also createmore accurate records ofwater use, allowing pressurization ofwater pipes to occurwhen needed, reducing damage fromover pressurizing the system.Water andwastewater companies are adopting these technologies, and therefore it is an exciting area to diversify into.
What parts of thewater and wastewater networks does it apply to?
As there aremany stageswithin thewater and wastewater networks,withmany properties to measure andmonitor. This alsomeans that there aremany points in the systemwhere data needs to be collected and analyzed to ensure the correct treatment and processes are applied. Sensors in theWater and Wastewater Treatment Industries 2020-2030 describes themethods used tomonitor these areas. In general, there are five key areas:
• Storage (e.g. tanks)
• Example properties:Water level, pressure, temperature
• Pipes, Network
• Example properties: pressure, flowspeed, levelmeasurements, leaks
• Pipes, Distribution
• Example properties: pressure, flowspeed, levelmeasurements, leaks
• Treatment - Supplywater
• Example propertiesmeasured: pH, chlorine, pressure, temperature, flow speed, levelmeasurement
• Treatment -Wastewater
• Example propertiesmeasured: Pressure, temperature, flowspeed, level measurements, chemical properties
50 drain TRADER | October 2020 |
www.draintraderltd.com
What about COVID-19?
As an emerging technology, digitizing and adding sensors to the water and wastewater networks may have both benefit and hindrance. Hindrance, as companies may not wish to spend large sums on new sensors, pipes, or technology, and the barriers for entry into the water and wastewater networks is already high.
The benefit of adopting sensors into the networks outweigh these barriers. There is a real need for remote monitoring, it removes the need for maintenance staff to check pipes as regularly, or to collect samples for lab monitoring. It speeds up the identification of pollution events reduces fines incurred by the water companies. It improves efficiency of the treatment plants. It provides a better service for customers. A steep investment, but the dividends pay off for many years to come.
What will I learn from the report?
This report includes market forecasts, player profiles, investments, and comprehensive company lists. This report is an essential read for those looking for a deep understanding of the use of sensors in the water and wastewater industries.
For a complete overview of this industry, please refer to the IDTechEx report, “Sensors in the Water and Wastewater Treatment Industries 2020-2030”. This report falls within the IDTechEx AgriTech portfolio.
IDTechEx guides your strategic business decisions through its Research, Consultancy and Event products, helping you profit from emerging technologies.
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