Integrated intelligence – A breakthrough in wastewater pumping

Aging infrastructure, global urbanization, increasing energy costs and the need for sustainable solutions make cost reduction and reliability a priority in wastewater pumping. Small wastewater pumps can be given a new level of functionality and intelligence by integrating advanced software functions and state-of-the-art hardware into a conventional submersible design. Sensing the operating conditions and the environment, technology exist today that can adapt the pumping performance in real time, making smart decisions and providing feedback to the operator. This can result in significant OpEx and CapEx savings for both the end user and specifier. This paper will give the audience an understanding of the breakthrough technology available as well as the substantial and tangible benefits of integrated intelligent wastewater pumping through proven installation case stories.Small wastewater pumps are commonly found in duplex wastewater pump stations in sewage collection systems at municipalities and private operators. Pump station design code ensuring adequate capacity for peak flow situations often leads to a significant oversizing of the pumps resulting in excessive energy usage and unnecessarily high equipment wear.By employing an increased level of component integration it is possible to add intelligent electronic hardware and specialty software inside the shell of a submersible wastewater pump. This technological breakthrough delivers many valuable pump system functions and customer values resulting in OpEx and CapEx savings.Installation case stories will be presented substantiating the significant benefits of asset management through a broad performance field as opposed to a fixed curve; trouble free pumping with built-in algorithms for sump/pipe cleaning and clog detection/auto-reverse pump cleaning; energy savings with IE4 motor efficiency, energy minimizing algorithms and hydraulic design; and reduction in total investment with a compact, integrated design eliminating the need for traditional cabinets components such as motor protection, soft starters, variable frequency drives and climate control equipment.