24/7 event detection and fully automated process optimization

Background

With growing environmental awareness, compliance requirements for treated wastewater discharges have become progressively more demanding. Thus, there is a need for automated control of all these processes and for them to be developed in the most efficient way possible by analyzing the different externalities that influence the operational, environmental, and energy performance of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).

Challenge

For a municipal WWTP in Portugal, CTGA was commissioned to establish a 24/7 online monitoring system to protect the plant from illegal chemical discharges, while also using the measurement data to fully automate and optimize the complete treatment process and save engergy.

Solution

s::can sensors were installed at multiple locations of the WWTP by CTGA. This made it possible to monitor the complete treatment process from influent to effluent. Three con::cube terminals collect the data from the over 20 probes for more than 70 parameters. The con::cubes are managing the raw wastewater influent, primary settlement, biological
treatment, secondary settlement and treated effluent.

All con::cubes automatically trigger the collection of water samples in case a contamination or an event is detected. An electro valve is wired to the con::cube. When a contamination event is detected, the con::cube sends a signal to the valve to take a sample. Moreover, the collection of samples can be triggered remotely. The measured data for all parameters is accessible remotely via VPN and displayed locally on the con::cubes.

Benefits

The automatic event detection based on pattern and spectral alarms protects the WWTP from illegal discharges. Pattern alarms are based on the combined signals of several sensors. If the measured pattern changes to a state outside the acceptable range an alarm will be triggered. Pattern and spectral alarms take advantage of the huge range of information in spectral data.

s::can’s event detection system continuously analyzes the measured parameters and spectral fingerprint to detect changes in the water composition. Pattern and Spectral alarms can be used to detect deviations from the typical wastewater composition. ana::tool incorporates a simple to use learning system for its alarms that includes user feedback and gradual composition changes (e.g. seasonal variations).

By using the auto-sampler function of the con::cube there is no need for a separate auto-sampler device. The conditions for taking samples can be freely configured. In the case of an alarm, one or multiple valves open and take a sample. It is also possible to set up composite samples with interval control. With the implementation of multi-parametric measurement chains and the application of computational intelligence techniques, CTGA’s SYNAPPS platform is able to provide integrated management of the various wastewater treatment processes, ensuring high environmental, energy, and operational performance.

“We found the s::can instruments easy to work with. s::can’s knowledge and experience in the area helped us to find the most cost-effective monitoring solution for our needs and the pre- and after-sales support has been great.”

Dr. Hugo China, CEO – Centro Tecnológico de Gestão Ambiental, Lda.
Eng.ª Joana Dias – Wastewater Operations Manager Centro Tecnológico de Gestão Ambiental, Lda.

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