In water and wastewater treatment operations, pumps are what keeps everything moving. This is meant in a literal sense, in that pumps move wastewater in from the collection pit, into the treatment system to be recycled, and then back out in a manner that is safe for human health and the environment. 

When a pump goes out or deteriorates to a state of low performance, the whole operation often needs to be put on hold. This can cost a significant amount of money, time, and resources.

Proper maintenance and inspection practices can reduce the chances of such occurrences, and the more information you have about the health and efficiency of your pump system, the better. 

Wastewater Pump Maintenance and Inspection

Wastewater pump inspections and maintenance need to occur regularly. Ideally, before a problem occurs. This is the first step in what is known as preventative maintenance. Preventive maintenance procedures are vital for wastewater pump efficiency and safety. 

After a time predetermined by your equipment manufacturer, basic maintenance needs to be performed to ensure everything continues to run smoothly. This often includes lubrication, checking the tightness of belts, and cleaning various components. Other things that often need to be examined are pump bearings, seals, and suction. 

The monitoring of things like discharge gauge pressures, pressure relief in the valves, and temperature need to occur frequently. The ventilation system in the pump station and gas detection equipment need to be checked and calibrated regularly as well. 

While basic maintenance requires a technician to be on-site, tasks such as checking the various gauges and gas detectors are things that can be monitored remotely. Remote monitoring can cut down on trips out to the treatment facility, and gives you greater access to information regarding your wastewater pump system’s health. 

Real-Time Pump Monitoring

Because wastewater pump maintenance is such an important aspect of operating a wastewater treatment facility, finding advanced solutions to optimize predictive maintenance efforts can be a game changer for efficient wastewater treatment operations. Real-time pump monitoring is an approach that uses remote sensors and remote monitoring devices to collect data regarding various elements such as pressure, water flow, and temperature conditions.

Remote pump monitoring systems ensure your pumps are operating efficiently without having costly trips to the operating point. Conventional methods of pump monitoring in wastewater systems rely on these costly, time-consuming trips. Remote wastewater pump control systems allow you to view important data from a web interface.

Real-Time Pump Monitoring Allows Rapid Response to Critical Conditions

Access to real-time data can allow you to check the state of various aspects of your pump system any time, anywhere. In fact, alerts can be set up to where if, say, pressure or flow rates become abnormal, you can initiate a response to assess and diagnose and remedy the problem.

One example of how real-time pump monitoring can help prevent damages is with the use of temperature sensors. If temperatures begin to increase beyond the normal range, quick action can be taken before it reaches a critical level.

When you are alerted in real-time about what is going on with your wastewater pump systems, quick and informed responses Quick responses to declining conditions can greatly reduce the chances of equipment loss and disruption of wastewater treatment operations. 

Wastewater Pump Predictive Maintenance Improves Productivity and Efficiency 

The data collected by remote pump sensors does not just disappear, and pump efficiency data analysis can enhance predictive maintenance efforts. Data captured by remote monitors can be stored and analyzed for trends in pump performance. This can allow for making predictions and planning for when parts need to be inspected and when maintenance needs to occur. 

For example, if you initiate pump performance monitoring when the pump system is healthy, you can set a baseline for monitoring pump performance. If you begin seeing trends in data that do not follow what is considered normal, you can then begin to take the necessary steps to determine where the problem lies. 

The ability to get ahead of issues before they arise increases system efficiency and productivity. In the long run, the more you know about the “numbers” of how your wastewater pump system performs, the more strategic you can be with planning.. 

Real-time Pump Monitoring Saves Time and Resources

Overall, the information provided by real-time remote monitoring can save valuable time and resources. For example, solving a problem with a pump before it becomes an emergency is less time consuming and can eliminate pauses in wastewater system operation. Additionally, reducing costly trips intended only for simple gauge checks by utilizing remote monitoring can allow resources to be spent elsewhere. 

The benefits of real-time remote monitoring of pumps in wastewater treatment operations warrant consideration for your wastewater treatment operation. Your pumps are an integral part of the process, and advanced solutions that aid monitoring and maintenance can go a long way in increasing the efficiency of your operation.