Product category:
Potable water, test and treatment
News Release from: Siemens Automation and Drives | Subject: Echomax XRS-5
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 09 December 2004
Ultrasonic tank level systems for new
water plant
Portsmouth Water built the largest submerged microfiltration plant in the UK: contractors Black and Veatch selected Siemens Echomax ultrasonic level systems for both the backwash and chemical tanks
At its Farlington WaterTreatment Works, Portsmouth Water has built the largest submerged microfiltration plant in the UK Completed in June 2003, it has a capacity of 84 megalitres a day and serves the entire City of Portsmouth
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 10 Apr 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Designed by Black and Veatch Contracting, the plant has six state-of-the-art Memcor filtration cells that remove particles as small as 0.2 microns, including bacteria, algae, and microorganisms such as cryptosporidium.
The filters require periodic backwashing with filtrate and air, and with chemicals when the maximum transmembrane pressure is reached.
A filter blockage makes the water level rise, signalling the need for a backwash.
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For this reason, monitoring water levels is an important aspect of plant operation.
Chemicals on site include sodium hypochlorite, sulphuric acid, sodium bisulphate, and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda).
The plant requires reliable level measurement of the chemical storage tanks to properly regulate the process, manage inventory, and prevent overflows or stock outs.
Levels must also be measured in the clean-in-place tank (CIP) and the wash water tank.
To specify this project, Black and Veatch reviewed numerous products and technologies, seeking a cost-effective solution that was easy to install and maintain, with reliable performance in the various chemicals and applications.
They selected Siemens ultrasonic level systems for both the backwash and chemical tank applications.
Siemens Echomax XRS-5 ultrasonic transducers are installed on a "top hat" section of each chemical tank, using a flange mounting.
These transducers are hermetically sealed in chemically resistant enclosures for reliable operation in harsh environments or chemical applications.
The transducers are wired to Siemens ultrasonic monitors that process the signals and feed the 4-20 mA output directly into the SCADA control system.
Operators can now effectively monitor the level in each of the storage tanks.
The ultrasonic systems work effectively without the complexity of higher priced solutions and without the problems of contacting and mechanical devices.
Patented Sonic Intelligence advanced echo-processing technology is built-in to provide superior reliability.
"We are very happy with the ultrasonic level systems," said Terry Luff, Treatment Works Superintendent.
Non-contacting ultrasonic technology requires virtually no maintenance, and eliminates worries about chemical compatibility.
There is no drift from mechanical wear, and they are not affected by density changes so there is no need for recalibration.
They are easy to install and replace, with no need to drain the tank.
Top mounting eliminates the need for isolation valves required for side-mounted pressure transmitters.
The performance is excellent and the cost is considerably lower than radar systems that offer no additional functionality benefits.
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