NMCN PLC were tasked with improving the sewer network that runs through the village of Kirk Hallam, Derbyshire. Using the Pulsar UltraTWIN controller and 2 x dB10 Transducers they were able to gain sucessful measurements of both the main trunk sewer and the water levels in an offline shaft tank.
NMCN work in partnership with their customers to deliver major built environment and critical national infrastructure projects across the UK. Their specialist engineering and construction teams bring multi-sector innovation and technical skill, from building and highways to large scale water networks and treatment plants. In the small village of Kirk Hallam, Derbyshire, they were responsible for sewer network improvements with the aim of alleviating the risk of flooding of 15 vulnerable properties located within the village.
The scheme carried out by NMCN on behalf of Severn Trent Water, included the installation of an offline stormwater shaft tank, which doesn’t recieve constant flow to pump away and only comes into operation during long periods of rainfall/storm conditions – a common application throughout the UK water industry.
A Pulsar UltraTWIN controller and 2 x dB10 Transducers were installed, to measure the 7.5 metres down into the shaft tank and the downstream sewer which measured 6 metres deep.
The UltraTWIN controller offers twin-channel ultrasonic measurement, with the ability to combine applications. Each channel is user-configurable to operate independently whether as a full function open channel flow monitor, a pump control system, or as a level and volume monitoring unit for liquids or soldis, calculating volumes and providing alarms.
Pre-set levels are built into the controller and once these levels are reached, it triggers a relay in the panel which starts the pump. Once it has reached stop level another relay is triggered, and the pump is stopped.
In times of heavy rainfall/storm conditions, the water levels in the sewer rise, a pre-set weir is breached upstream and the flow cascades via a section of stainless-steel pipework to the new shaft.
Downsteam in the sewer network, once the main sewer level has dropped sufficiently, it sends a signal back to Pulsar’s UltraTWIN controller, located in the panel, which will start the ejector pump – to agitate the solids – then a duty pump to empty the shaft.
The dB10 located within the shaft, constantly monitors the water level as it rises/falls and then 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 having the ability to monitor 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 products are always critical to the operation/installation. Our engineers are experienced with the products and someone is always on hand should we ever encounter any issues.
David Greaves – Mechanical Project Engineer – NMCN
