All You Need To Know About Wastewater Treatment Pump Control

Wastewater treatment pump control is necessary for plants and stations to run safely and without issues. This means wastewater is carried through each step of treatment without obstacles, no overflow occurs, the equipment remains intact, and energy is used optimally. A mix of old and new transportation automation technology allows today’s pump control to work reliably, stay flexible and oversee control on a real-time basis.

How Pumps Are Controlled in Wastewater Treatment?

Pumps are the main unit found in every wastewater treatment plant and pumping station to transfer water and sludge. It is necessary to control these pumps to provide the appropriate flow, avoid flooding and ensure everything is working safely.

Various Wastewater treatment pump control methods are available.

Most of the time, wastewater pumps are controlled based on the level of the liquid in the tank. Here is the usual process:

Sensors called float switches, electrodes or pressure-bubbler systems are used to keep track of the water level in a wet well or tank. After attaining the specified rise in liquid, the control system begins the pump and when it returns to the lower level, the pump shuts off.
Typically, most treatment plants equip the process with two pumps; one is in service (duty) and the other is kept idle (standby). When the first pump fails or works too slowly, the next pump will automatically function.
Most traditional system pumps run at one fixed speed and switch on or off depending on the tank level.

Using modern strategies for operating pumps

With the growth of technology, we now see advanced techniques being commonly used in robotics that will help in wastewater lift station clog solutions.

Using a VFD, the flow rate of the pumps can change according to the demand at any given time. As a result, there is less damage to the parts, and less electrical power is used.
In this method, you check the tank level as well as the preferred flow rate. When the flow rate varies, the pump speed is changed by the same amount to keep the process on track.
Using PLCs: Automatic control and sensing in modern pump stations rely on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). In case SCADA systems stop working, PLCs will continue operating and carrying out their tasks.
With SCADA, pumps, together with their function and data, are managed remotely from a central system, enabling operators to take efficient action.

Thanks to IoT, the latest pump control panels allow for instant data viewing and control, as well as preventive maintenance and changes from remote sites on the internet.

Important Components of a Pump Control System

Some instruments include instruments such as level transmitters, flow meters, pressure sensors and a variety of others that help the control system remain updated in real-time.

Control Panels provide a space for relays, VFDs, PLCs and HMIs to be used in both local and remote operation.
Alarms alert about anything strange happening with a pump’s operation, while interlocks are designed to stop the pump if its fluid level or equipment is not within healthy conditions.
All pump stations have to be vented properly and also include alarms that will warn if any part of the system fails.

Methods and trends used in today’s learning

Energy Efficiency: VFDs and managing pump sequence arrangements increase energy efficiency and cut down energy-related expenses.
Thanks to having equipment on duty and the availability of standby parts, an industrial application won’t stop even when regular equipment fails or is being maintained.
As the capacity of the plant grows or its needs change, modular systems are simple to expand.
By monitoring data and using analytics, operators in Aviation have the information they need to decide on important tasks and performance.

Remedies for Clogged Wastewater Lift Stations

Moving wastewater from one place to another is made possible in sewage systems by wastewater lift stations solution that help pump the water to different elevations. Due to various types of debris entering the system, they clog regularly. When equipment experiences too many clogs, its maintenance costs rise, its life is reduced, and it can cause environmental issues if handled incorrectly.

Causes That Lead to Clogging

Well, here are some causes of clogging that require a wastewater lift station clog solution: 

Flushable toilet paper and diapers
Fats, oils, and grease is the short way to refer to the substance known as FOG.
The illegal dumping of trash and properties with a lot of coarse particles
Animal wastes and byproducts from factories

How to Stop and Lessen Clogs?

To begin, one must discover where the clogging agents are coming from. Educational programs and easy-to-read labels can cut the number of used wipes, sanitary products and grease put down the wrong drain.

Building a trash can, placing a bar screen or building a weir wall before the water enters the pump system is a good way to avoid clogging.
Agitators and Mixers ensure that solids do not build up and create blockages inside the wet well.
Opting for chopper, slicer or grinder pumps can help to break large particles into smaller pieces so they pass easily through your system. Increasing the pump’s horsepower could be useful, yet it’s rarely a permanent solution.
Grinder vaults are suitable for those facing continual clogging, but you should keep in mind that they are costly and should be installed only when necessary.
Inspections and maintenance must be followed by cleaning so that any concerns at the plant can be detected and resolved early.
Lining pipes and similar structures with such coatings provides them corrosion resistance and more durability, preventing many incidents due to pipe blockage.

Conclusion

Wastewater lift stations are often clogged, but using source control, adding physical barriers, installing better equipment, and regular upkeep will help a lot. AI-based cellular network technology is turning logistics and fleet management into an efficient, safer and open method. Adopting these new transportation automation technology approaches allows utilities and transportation organisations to promise their customers more reliable services.