Revolutionising sewage systems
With the chronic need to reduce sewage overflows, Emerson explores how its Flexim brand can offer an unintrusive option for measuring flow rates in sewage systems, which can, in turn, enable them to be optimised.
Britain’s water system, a relic of decisions made in 1856, has long struggled with sewage overflows, leading to many environmental and health concerns. The root of the issue lies in the widespread use of combined sewage systems, where rainwater and sewage intermingle, causing spills during heavy rainfall. The current infrastructure, designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette in response to the 19th-century ‘Great Stink’, has become outdated and unable to handle the challenges of modern urbanisation.
The inherent flaw in combined systems is their vulnerability to overflow events. Although these were originally intended to be infrequent, climate change, population growth, and underinvestment have all exacerbated the problem. The need for a transformative solution is clear, and one promising technology is clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement.
The challenge
Combined sewage systems, prevalent in most major British cities, create a significant environmental hazard. These systems, designed to discharge sewage into rivers when it rains heavily, have become increasingly inadequate as the frequency of overflow events has risen. Bazalgette’s design, hailed as a marvel in its time, has struggled to keep pace with the demands of a rapidly growing population and changing climate.
The core issue lies in intermingling rainwater and sewage within the same pipes, leading to overwhelmed systems and frequent spills. As the problems persist, there is a growing realisation that a fundamental shift in sewage system design is necessary to mitigate environmental impact and protect public health.
A transformative solution
Enter clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement, a technology that offers a revolutionary approach to monitoring and managing sewage systems. Unlike traditional methods that involve intrusive installation of flowmeters inside pipes, clamp-on ultrasonic devices can be externally attached, eliminating the need for system shutdowns or extensive construction.
This non-intrusive solution delivers real-time data on flow rates, allowing for precise monitoring of sewage and rainwater volumes. The technology’s adaptability makes it a cost-effective option for retrofitting existing combined systems, providing a means to optimise performance without requiring extensive renovations.
Overcoming historical choices
While the historical decisions that led to the prevalence of combined sewage systems cannot be reversed, the integration of clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement represents a step towards modernising and optimising existing infrastructure. This technology enables water authorities to gain comprehensive insights into system behaviour, identify areas prone to overflows, and implement targeted solutions.
The transformative potential of clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement extends beyond the monitoring of combined systems. In new developments, where separate sewage and rainwater pipes are now favoured, this technology ensures efficient operation and helps maintain the integrity of these modern designs. By preventing overflows and optimising the flow of sewage and rainwater, clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters contribute to sustainable and resilient urban water management.
Challenges and opportunities
Implementing clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement has its challenges. Overcoming historical underinvestment, regulatory hurdles, and industry-wide resistance to change will require a concerted effort from water authorities, policymakers and technology providers. However, the potential benefits – from reduced environmental impact and improved public health, to enhanced system efficiency – make it a compelling investment for the future.
