Wastewater
and municipal water companies understand how important lift stations are in
urban centers in Florida. Maintenance and reviewing them on a regular basis is
vital for any community.
A
lift station that lacks maintenance or repairs could result in an overflow of
wastewater if not taken care of immediately. A fine by the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), property damage or unsanitary conditions can also
occur. One solution that can help with monitoring the level of water in a lift
station is level sensors which are used to turn off pumps automatically or
signal an alarm.
Ultrasonic
level sensors are easy technology to maintain, install and is inexpensive when
compared to non-contact level sensors that are on the market.
R
and R Lift Station Services shares a few tips on how to use an
ultrasonic level sensor:
1.
Increase the sensing range
This
tip can apply to all ultrasonic sensor applications. Sensing ranges in an
ultrasonic level sensor can vary. Installing a sensor that has thorough
capabilities to pick up sounds throughout an entire lift station is important.
An ultrasonic level sensor that is 1.5 to 50 feet is a perfect fit for a lift
station that is 25 feet from a sensor.
2.
Figure out a backup plan
The
use of a backup alarm or a level system in the case of an emergency is
essential. As any machine or technology, components breakdown or need repairs
but a secondary system in place will keep a lift station running smoothly.
A
high level alarm or a float switch to shut off the lift station if an emergency
takes place is a first start. Most operators install up to two level sensors
with a high alarm. A float switch, ultrasonic sensor or a submersible pressure
sensor are good examples.
3.
Monitor a lift station for pipes and other obstructions
At
times, non-degradable items can end up in a lift station such as a metal
fixture or a pipe. A sensor must have a clear line of sight to water levels to
prevent false readings. A beam angle spec is usually provided by the
manufacturer of the ultrasonic sensor which to help you figure out the area of
the beam and the distance an object has traveled from the sensor.
4.
Be on the lookout for foam
If
you notice a lot of foam in a lift station, using an ultrasonic sensor is not
the right choice. Sound waves are an important piece of ultrasonic sensors.
With inches of foam in a lift station, it will make it very difficult to identify
sound. In the case of a lift station being next to a Laundromat, a more
advanced level sensor is recommended.
5.
Use a stilling well
Surface
turbulence is a normal part of the makeup of a lift station. Water flows by
the second and with pumps turning on and off, wave action is regular. A
stilling well is a device that will help your sensors measure water and objects
more accurately.
