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Blog 1 - WEFTEC

Level Probes in Waste Water Applications

WEFTEC--the enormous annual water show--is set for September 29-October 3 in New Orleans, so it's a great time to talk about wastewater applications. One of the most important aspects of water/wastewater treatment is the use of sensors.

Operators should understand the differences between float switches, bubbler systems, pressure transducers, ultrasonic transducers, level probes, and radars.

For this blog, we'll focus on the best practices for level probes, also known as conductance level probes.

These devices provide a very dependable and robust method for measuring level in a lift station's wetwell due to the high ion count in the wastewater.

Level probes offer a number of control schemes – they can be used with Level Probe Relays, Pump Controllers with Level Probe inputs, and Level Probe Converters for use with PLC’s or Controllers that do not have the capability to provide an AC signal to the sensor points on the Level Probe.

Here are some of the best practices for the proper installation of level probes:

The level probe should be placed at least 1 foot from anything in the wet well.
It's good design practice to have the cable run in a separate conduit away from the pump power cables.
The conduit should be sealed at the control panel or junction box to prevent corrosive gases from entering.
It will not hurt the probe if the inflow splashes the level probe, as this may help extend the time between probe cleanings, however the influent should not pour directly on the level probe.
But don't forget to clean the probe periodically! Add this to the maintenance calendar.
Although great for wastewater level control, probably the most important thing to know about level probes is they are not a good application fit for stormwater applications! The level probes require a high ion count for conductivity, and stormwater applications have less and less of an ion count the longer the rain persists, making a level probe based control less reliable.

As with all sensors, end users should select level probes that are reliable and easy to understand. Because of their critical nature, operators and designers should discuss any questions with a manufacturer representative.

Safety, of course, is of the utmost importance with the installation and operation of any electronics devices used in wastewater applications. Follow the manufacturer's directions and refer to its published materials.

If you would like for us to stop by and see you at WEFTEC, to talk about level probes or any other electronics issues, email John Evans and john_evans@mpelectronics.com at set an appointment. We'll be glad to see you!

For more about sensors, visit here.
http://products.mpelectronics.com/category/level-measurement

Blog 2 - WEFTEC

Submersible Pressure Transducers in Waste Water Applications

WEFTEC -- the enormous annual water show--is set for September 29-October 3 in New Orleans, so it's a great time to talk about wastewater applications. One of the most important aspects of water/wastewater treatment is the use of sensors.

Operators should understand the differences between float switches, bubbler systems, pressure transducers, ultrasonic transducers, level probes, and radars.

For this blog, we'll focus on the best practices for Submersible Pressure Transmitters, also known as Submersible Pressure Transducers - we call our Submersible Pressure Transmitter the Level Monitor.

These devices provide valuable data to end users that assist the treatment process. They can help prevent overflow and pump damage by outputting a very accurate representation of the liquid level depth of the liquid they are submerged in.

Here are some of the best practices for the proper installation of level probes:

Submersible Pressure Transducers should always be placed above the level of the pump inlet and far enough away to keep it from being sucked toward the pump. A submersible Pressure Transducer must not be placed near the pump inlet.
Its cable must run in a separate conduit away from all AC wires and cables. Do not place the cable for the Submersible Pressure Transducer near the pump power cables - try to leave at least 1 foot of separation.
Use a Kellems Grip to set the depth of the Submersible Pressure Transducer, and be sure to leave at least 4 feet of slack between the Kellems Grip and the conduit entrance.
The conduit should be sealed at the control panel or junction box to prevent corrosive gases from entering from the wetwell.
In the control panel, place the Submersible Pressure Transducer's vent tube inside the tube for the Vent Bellows, a sealed but breathable termination for the air vent tube of the Submersible Pressure Transducer.

As with all sensors, end users should select submersible pressure transducers that are reliable and easy to understand. Because of their critical nature, operators and designers should discuss any questions with a manufacturer representative.

At M.P. Electronics, we realize that safety and reliability are of the utmost importance with installation and operation of any liquid level measurement application. For this reason, M.P. Electronics provides both the properly sized Kellems Grip, and the Transducer Vent Bellows with their Level Monitor Submersible Pressure Transducer. Following the manufacturer's directions and referring to its published materials will lead to a proper installation of a very accurate level measurement device.

For more about sensors, visit here.
http://products.mpelectronics.com/category/level-measurement

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