Remote control system for the operation of 65 WWTPs

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Water Resource Management
• Wastewater Treatment Technology

Background:

• The Emschergenossenschaft and Lippeverband manage approximately 340 water facilities.
• Existing operations rely on a control system developed since 1985 for wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations.
• Future integration plans include Emschergenossenschaft's plants and storm-water tanks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the monitoring system for water management facilities.
• To outline the integration of various water management plants into a unified control system.
• To assess the system's impact on operational safety and resource allocation.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a comprehensive monitoring and remote control system.
• Data transmission from individual plants to catchment area and district centers.
• Centralized monitoring for integrated control of all plants.
• Utilizing plant-type-specific system parameters for remote management.

Main Results:

• The system monitors wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with connection ratios ranging from 500 to 1,940,000 Population Equivalents.
• Investment costs are approximately €33,000 per plant, with annual costs of €9,400 per plant.
• Significant increases in operational safety and reduction in manpower requirements were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed monitoring system provides integrated control and enhances operational safety for water management facilities.
• The system offers a cost-effective solution with reduced manpower needs.
• Successful integration of diverse facilities, including WWTPs and pumping stations, is demonstrated.