Wastewater pump stations play a crucial role in managing the flow of wastewater and sometimes stormwater to storage basins and treatment plants. However, pump stations are often challenging to manage efficiently due to several factors, including their geographic distance, insufficient operational data and real-time monitoring, and fragmented data storage. This lack of insight makes it more challenging to perform necessary preventative maintenance and avoid potential failures. However, the advent of digital technologies offers transformative potential for these facilities. With a comprehensive digital approach, operators can gain a new level of control over pumps and pump stations that can have a transformative impact on not only these assets but also other infrastructure and even wastewater treatment outcomes.
Connectivity And Data Acquisition
The journey towards a digitally enhanced pump station involves several stages, each bringing incremental improvements. The exact starting point depends on how the utility currently collects data and what kind of data it receives. For example, some utilities may monitor pumps through SCADA systems, while others collect and store data at the pump station itself, only receiving alerts when one or more conditions have reached a critical level. Others might require manual inspections due to the absence of connectivity.
In many cases, the first step involves updating controllers and establishing connectivity through built-in modems. These modems facilitate the transmission of secure and accurate data from the pump stations to central systems, enabling remote monitoring. This allows pump stations to transmit operational data, setting the stage for further digital integration.
These connections can be established with any pump, regardless of type or even age. Gateways and other upgrades can be applied to most pumps to enable them to deliver the required outputs to broader platforms and systems, which can then be used to get a network-wide view.
Once connectivity is established, the next step is to visualize the data on a single platform. Tools like Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua provide a comprehensive view of the entire network of pumping stations, rather than isolated station views. This holistic perspective allows utility managers to assess the health and performance of all stations simultaneously, offering insights into performance efficiencies and potential issues.
Analytics And Predictive Maintenance
By integrating a larger array of data sets, utilities can employ advanced analytics and ultimately predictive maintenance. This requires instrumentation to measure metrics such as pump vibration, temperature, and energy consumption. Analytic software can determine trends and identify patterns that indicate maintenance issues or potential failures. For instance, unusual vibration patterns or temperature spikes can signal emerging issues, allowing operators to proactively intervene. This reduces downtime and prevents catastrophic failures, enhancing the overall reliability of the pump stations.
These predictions combine the utility’s incoming data with a deep industry knowledge and internal data sets – in other words, the software does not require a training period before operators can receive accurate analyses.
From the predictions, operators can receive specific action recommendations. This includes instructions for maintenance personnel, such as checking for blockages or inspecting bearings based on signs of possible overheating. Such targeted recommendations streamline maintenance efforts, eliminating guesswork, and improving both system and manpower efficiency.
Achieving Holistic Management
The ultimate goal of digital transformation is to achieve holistic management that not only addresses current operational needs but also anticipates future challenges. This involves integrating various data sources and contextual information, such as weather forecasts, to make informed decisions. For example, knowing that a storm is approaching can help prioritize maintenance at vulnerable stations to prevent overflows or other issues. This proactive approach to risk management ensures the resilience of the wastewater infrastructure under varying conditions.
By connecting key pump stations in a wastewater network – starting with those that eat up the most time and money — utilities can modify and make adjustments during both high and low periods to maintain steady flow rates into treatment plants. This helps operators at the plant control treatment processes and improves treatment outcomes.
Implementing In Stages
One of the greatest obstacles to undergoing the digital journey for any wastewater utility is the misconception that it requires a single, substantial investment. In reality, a utility can begin to incorporate additional sensors, increase connectivity, and apply analytics in stages as budgets allow. Each technology application individually brings value and offers operators the chance to get accustomed to them before moving on to the next stage in the journey.
The digital transformation of wastewater utility pump stations is not just a technological upgrade; it represents a shift towards more efficient and reliable wastewater management. At the same time, the increased use of technology allows utilities to attract younger workers who are passionate about leveraging digital tools as well as serving their community. By embracing this journey, utilities can significantly enhance their operational capabilities and move their infrastructure and operations into the modern age.
