Advice on How to Use an Ultrasonic Lift Station Level Sensor

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.