Sewerage | Wastewater | Monitoring | Flow

Accurate flow measurement in the wastewater network and sewer

State-of-the-art sensors and data loggers provide you with accurate, real-time data for flow measurement in wastewater and sewerage networks. Optimise your system performance, prevent overloads and ensure the smooth operation of your infrastructure – efficiently and reliably. Respond to problems early and maximise the efficiency of your sewer monitoring.

What exactly is accurate flow measurement?

Sewer flow measurement is the accurate and reliable measurement of the volume and velocity of wastewater flowing through sewers. This involves the use of sophisticated flow sensors and data loggers capable of recording data continuously in real time, even under difficult conditions such as fluctuating flow velocities or extreme weather conditions.

Overall, accurate flow measurement provides a better understanding and management of wastewater systems, resulting in improved environmental monitoring and long-term cost savings.

Why measure flow rate?

Flood and backwater prevention

Accurate measurement of wastewater flow allows early detection of overloading in the sewer system. Measures can then be taken to prevent flooding or backwater, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and the environment.

Optimising wastewater treatment controls

Precise flow measurement provides accurate data on the amount of wastewater entering the treatment plant. This enables optimum control of the treatment processes, reducing energy consumption and the use of chemicals.

Detecting leaks and illegal discharges early

Accurate flow data can identify anomalies in flow behaviour that indicate leaks or unauthorised discharges. This helps to quickly identify and rectify such problems before more serious damage occurs.

Regulatory compliance

Many countries have strict regulations for monitoring and reporting wastewater flows. Accurate measurement ensures that all legal requirements are met, which is essential for environmental compliance.

Efficient planning and use of resources

By accurately measuring wastewater volumes, the capacity of the sewer system can be better utilised and maintenance can be planned more efficiently. This results in long-term cost savings and better use of existing resources.

Monitoring and protecting the environment

Accurate flow measurement helps to better control the environmental impact of wastewater systems. This includes protecting rivers, lakes and oceans from overloading with untreated wastewater, which is critical to maintaining water quality.

Sewer applications

Storm water overflow: Measurement of the flow rate to prevent overloading of the sewerage system during heavy rainfall.
Wastewater treatment plant influent: Monitoring the amount of wastewater entering the treatment plant in order to adjust the treatment processes accordingly.
Monitoring of sewage pumping stations: Ensuring that pumps in pumping stations are working properly and that there are no overloads or underloads.
Leak monitoring: Identification of leaks or unauthorised discharges into the sewerage system.

Use case:
Sewer flow measurement

Continuous measurement of: altitude via pressure or radar sensor, speed via radar sensor, temperature via pressure sensor
Early detection of critical situations such as backwater
Automatic alarm in case of unexpected overflow or blockage
Immediate response with a 10-second measurement interval and up to 10 years of lifetime
High data quality with time stamp, therefore no data gaps
Automated data processing and regular email reporting
Maintenance concept optimised for service cycles to minimise journeys

Technologies for accurate flow measurement

Ultrasonic flowmeters: These devices use sound waves to measure flow velocity. They offer high accuracy and are ideal for applications where direct contact with the medium should be avoided.
Magnetic-inductive flowmeters: Based on Faraday’s law, these devices measure flow velocity by generating a voltage in a magnetic field. They are particularly reliable in a wide range of wastewater conditions and are insensitive to solids.
Radar flowmeters: Radar flowmeters use microwaves to measure flow velocity at the water surface. This technology enables non-contact measurement, which is ideal for open channels and rivers.
Pressure probes and differential pressure meters: This technology measures the pressure differential in the sewer and calculates the flow rate. It is particularly useful for closed pipes and underground sewers.

Advanced flow measurement systems

In order to minimise the need for structural measures, more and more sensor manufacturers are offering advanced measuring systems that directly and accurately determine the flow rate.

These advanced methods – from magnetic-inductive sensors to non-contact measurement systems – are driving change in wastewater monitoring and offering many benefits to operators.

Select suitable data logger and integrate sensor

Industry solutions

Flow measurement points

Retrofit flow measurement

Flow at discharge thresholds

Online monitoring of key parameters