Storming in to improve asset, flood and stormwater management

Having the proper infrastructure to deal with stormwater is critical. UK case studies have shown how Pulsar Measurement has the instruments and sensors to support customers’ needs when it comes to stormwater management.

The UK water industry has a new set of regulations around stormwater management. Monitoring any spills going into a storm tank is now required. In the UK, this is referred to as UMON3. This requirement ensures that all data is recorded to a specific standard. That way, water utilities are confident in the reliability of their flow readings.

The Monitoring Certification Scheme, also known as MCERTS, provides a framework of standards for safe and reliable liquid flow monitoring. It is used throughout the UK water industry to ensure that water bodies work towards the same standards. MCERTS is also designed to protect the sewage networks and local environments.

MCERTS has been based on international standards. It provides for the product certification of instruments, the competency of personnel, and the accreditation of laboratories. The performance standards for MCERTS are based on relevant sections of several international ISO or CEN standards and other national standards.

MCERTS approved flowmeters

MCERTS-approved flowmeters have been approved under a certification scheme formally recognised in England and Wales. The scheme is also accepted internationally. Approval under MCERTS gives confidence to regulatory authorities that the devices are fit for purpose. Those devices can also produce consistent, high-quality results.

There is also data that confirms performance standards accepted by UK authorities, which increases transparency opportunities for regulators, users, and the public.

Device manufacturers can show that they have an independent and authoritative endorsement of their products. It improves their access to international markets and increases their uptake in the UK.

Pulsar Measurement has announced that the Ultra 4 has achieved MCERTS Class 1 Certification in flow measurement combined with the dB3 transducer and double sun shields.

Severn Trent Water improving network

Fifteen properties in the village of Kirk Hallam in Derbyshire were prone to flooding. It prompted the upsizing and general sewer network improvements from Severn Trent Water.

Construction engineering company nmcn was tasked by Severn Trent Water to improve the sewer network that runs through the village of Kirk Hallam. They used the Pulsar UltraTWIN controller and two dB10 transducers. The contractors successfully measured the main trunk sewer and the water levels in an offline shaft tank.

Nmcn plc has partnered with its customers to deliver several built environments and critical national infrastructure projects across the UK. Its specialist engineering and construction teams brought multi-sector innovation and technical skills. It has worked on projects from buildings and highways to large-scale water networks and treatment plants. When it came to the village of Kirk Hallam, nmcn plc was responsible for alleviating the flood risk to 15 properties located within the village.

The project included the installation of an offline stormwater shaft tank. This tank does not receive constant flow to pump away and only comes into operation during long periods of rainfall/storm conditions. This is a common application throughout the UK water industry.

Pulsar Measurement products support Severn Trent Water upgrade

A Pulsar UltraTWIN controller and two dB10 transducers were installed. They were used to measure 7.5 m down into the shaft tank and the downstream sewer, which measured 6 m deep.

The UltraTWIN controller offered twin-channel ultrasonic measurement. It could combine applications. Each channel was user-configurable to operate independently. It allowed for different controls for a full-function open channel flow monitor, a pump control system, or as a level and volume monitoring unit for liquids or solids, calculating volumes and providing alarms.

“The Pulsar Measurement products are always critical to the operation/installation,” said David Greaves, Mechanical Engineer, nmcn plc. “Our engineers are experienced with the products, and someone is always on hand should we ever encounter any issues.”

What do the Pulsar Measurement products do when it comes to stormwater?

Pre-set levels are built into the controller. Once these levels are reached, it triggers a relay in the panel, which starts the pump. Once it has reached the stop level, another relay is activated, and the pump is stopped.

In heavy rainfall conditions, the water levels in the sewer can rise significantly. In such a situation, a pre-set weir is breached upstream, and the flow cascades via a section of stainless-steel pipework into the new shaft. Once the main sewer level has dropped sufficiently, it sends a signal back to Pulsar Measurement’s UltraTWIN controller. The controller is in the panel, which will start the ejector pump to agitate the solids. It will then start a duty pump that empties the shaft.

The dB10 within the shaft constantly monitors the water level as it rises or falls. Once the level has reached the pre-set pump stop level, the duty pump is automatically switched off, and the water will be returned to the sewer.

Without monitoring the main sewer level downstream, the pumps may discharge early into the trunk sewer, causing it to surcharge and likely flood at its lowest point.

“The Pulsar Measurement products are always critical to the operation/installation,” said Greaves. “Our engineers are experienced with the products, and someone is always on hand should we ever encounter any issues.”

For more information, visit https://pulsarmeasurement.com/