Pulsar’s non-invasive flow monitor Flow Pulse is aiding Compliance and Asset Management throughout the Region; monitoring flow rates within critical Sewage Pumping Stations (SPS). Flow Pulse is installed at a fraction of the equivalent Magflow meter cost without process interruption.
Flow Pulse transmits ultrasound through the pipe wall which is then refracted in all directions as the sound passes into the liquid. The ultrasound is reflected off the particles and is then received by Flow Pulse.
Measurement of flow within SPS provides vital information for both management and regulators. Total throughput can be monitored, but more importantly flow can be compared with other data from the SPS control system to determine the relative performance of the pumps so, for example, maintenance can be planned and efficiencies maximised. Pumped volumes also warn of upstream or downstream emergencies such as a blocked or burst main. In addition, important information can be provided to regulators such as the EA, for example to confirm that pumps were performing during extreme storm conditions.
A UK Water Company, DCWW, identified the requirement for around 250 monitoring points across their network of SPS. 250 Magflow meters would have been extremely expensive to implement, taking into consideration the cost of the instruments, the tankering and logistics during the process interruption involved and the direct cost of installation.
The DCWW Innovation Team approached Pulsar Process Measurement for a solution. Pulsar had been developing Flow Pulse, a new concept that uses advanced digital Refracted Spread Spectrum Analysis (RSSA) within a clamp-on, non-invasive flow monitor. DCWW saw the potential of the technology and worked closely with Pulsar’s R&D team to provide trial sites along with invaluable detailed feedback and support that allowed Pulsar to complete product development quickly and effectively.
Pulsar’s Flow Pulse has a minimal installation cost, only requiring a simple screwdriver to mount, and there is no interruption to the process. DCWW estimate that they will see a resulting saving compared to Magflow meters of AED 250k over the full project, an average of AED34k installation. Flow Pulse has also found favour in other Water companies, with over 1,000 now having been installed in the UK. For further details see the attached, Pulsar-FlowPulse-Analysis
Installation on Sewage Tank
Flow Pulse was awarded Innovation of the Year in 2014 by the Institute of Water (UK). Pulsar are investing a lot of money into Research and Development to help innovation in the water industry, and this award confirms their commitment in providing innovative solutions to meet the challenges of AMP 6 and beyond.
For more details on the Flow Pulse and full Flow range click here.