Detection and treatment of water loss defects with S2N device in Zalaapáti, a municipality with a population of 1 700 inhabitants
An innovative solution was sought to improve the efficiency of a vacuum pump system for a regional sewage network built in 2002. The installation of WaterScope’s wireless IoT monitoring technology enabled real-time monitoring of the vacuum system with immediate fault detection and reports to assist operation.
Object:
The aim of the project was to develop an online monitoring system that provides real-time data on the operation of the vacuum pump system. This reduces energy consumption during operation, shortens fault repair times, and enables the prediction of critical system failures and mine overflows. The solution had to work with minimal intervention in the existing system and at low investment costs.
The challenge
- The system required significant amounts of electricity to operate.
- Vacuum valve faults were often detected late, allowing the vacuum to escape for long periods of time.
- Identifying the faulty valve was time-consuming and required on-site inspection.
- Hidden vacuum leaks in the network were difficult to locate.
- There was no database to support operation.
Our solution
Installation of the WaterScope IoT data collection system at key points in the vacuum system:
- Pressure measurement of the machine room vacuum tank
- Valve vacuum and control pressure measurement
- Valve opening detection and monitoring
- The monitoring devices were placed at strategic points agreed with the operator, including the furthest branch of the network, enabling comprehensive monitoring of the system's operation with only a small investment.
- Measurements every 2 minutes, data transmission every hour
- Automatic daily/weekly/monthly reports in exportable format (XLSX, CSV)
- Users can monitor the measured data via a secure, encrypted data connection on a dedicated web dashboard or on a mobile phone app.
The results
Benefits for dispatchers and technicians:
- Immediate alarm in case of vacuum valve malfunction, with mobile location tracking
- Shorter downtime, faster intervention
- Optimized operation of vacuum pumps with the help of data
- Quick identification of vacuum leaks
Engineering and operational benefits:
- Prediction of tank filling (overflow hazards)
- Continuous monitoring of the system vacuum level
- Recommendation for reduced vacuum level during night operation
- Monitoring of network behavior in areas with periodic use (e.g., schools)
Advantages of the system
Real-time monitoring
Tracking of key system parameters even from a mobile device
Fast fault detection
Immediate alarm and warning in case of valve failure or pressure drop
Easy installation
No intervention in existing systems
Cost reduction
Lower energy consumption, more efficient maintenance
Exportable reports
Support for data-driven decision making
