What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is a body of water collected and stored for community use. A reservoir can be a natural lake or an artificial lake.

Why Do We Need Reservoirs?
The vast majority of Americans rely on centralized water systems for potable water. Centralized water systems typically include:

• Watershed – A Water Source
• Collection Point – Such as a lake, river, aquifer
• Treatment – Purification and Water Treatment Facilities
• Storage – Reservoirs, Storage Tanks, Water Towers, Standpipes
• Distribution – Network of Pipes and Pump Stations

 What is a Reservoir Monitor?
Centralized water systems consist of hydrologic and hydraulic elements including a Reservoir Monitor. A Reservoir Monitor is a device used to transmit water level information from a Reservoir to a Pump Station.

Why is Reservoir Monitoring Important?
Monitoring the level of water in a reservoir is very important to the general population because it influences decisions ranging from water appropriation to agriculture to hydropower generation. In addition, during times of heavy rainfall, water level information is crucial to planning and flood avoidance.

This growing need for optimizing the use and management water can be met by MultiTrode’s Remote Reservoir Monitor (MTRRM), which gathers water level and I/O data from a Reservoir to be used in a Pump Station at a different location.

MultiTrode’s Remote Reservoir Monitor (MTRRM)
MultiTrode’s Remote Reservoir Monitor (MTRRM) has two analog inputs, one analogue output, six digital inputs, three digital outputs and an input for monitoring the DC supply voltage. The MTRRM can link to a Pump Station via a SCADA system, or in a stand-alone configuration.

In a SCADA network, the CMF (Central Monitoring Facility) typically makes the decisions on activation of pumps. However, when the CMF is not operational for any reason, the MTRRM and remote Pump Station sense this and transmit in a peer-to-peer configuration, increasing water supply reliability. (When the MTRRM detects that the SCADA system is running again, it will revert back to normal operation via the CMF).

The MTRRM can also be used as a forwarding site for messages from SCADA to other units. This is useful for getting information to sites that cannot communicate directly with the SCADA system. Read more…

General News MTRRM, pump station, Remote Reservoir Monitor, Reservoir Monitor, Reservoir Monitoring, SCADA, SCADA System

MultiSmart Firmware version 2.3, incorporates a host of new and unique features in addition to enhancements to current functions providing operations the ability to reach new levels of productivity.

Impressive new features include:

• Data Logger Enhancements – There are several new Logging Features for Crisis, Interval and Configuration Logging. Interval Logs can optionally trigger DNP events. User interface has been greatly enhanced including saving logs to CF (config logs, IP address, serial number, MAC address, etc) and System Logs (var/log/messages).
• Alternation by Efficiency Enhancements – When the efficiency of pumps is within a configurable deadband, standard alternation is used instead of the N to 1 ratio.
• DuoProbe Upgrades – This marks the formal software release for support of the DuoProbe, including enhancements to DuoProbe operation and calibration.
• Maintenance Mode – A timer is now associated with Maintenance Mode. In addition, flow calculations are disabled during Maintenance Mode operation.
• Print Out Info Pages to Excel – With the push of a button, capture a snapshot of all values displayed on the Info Pages and save it to a .csv file, which can then be imported into Excel.
• Last Known Power Factor – This innovative tag reflects the last known power factor: You no longer need to wait until the pump starts in order to determine the power factor.
• Generations of DNP/MODBUS Log Files – The size of the protocol logs are now programmable with a configurable number of file generations. These logs can help troubleshoot communications issues.
• Pump Starts/Stops Independent of Level – This clever feature allows custom logic to take full control of pumps and is designed especially for PID applications.
• Probe Fail Indicator – The number of the failed sensor is now indicated which helps isolate Probe problems and reduce the amount of time it takes to troubleshoot the problem.
• WITS-DNP – This involves enhancements to DNP3 mandated by the UK water industry. There are some features which have been designed in a generic way so that they can be used outside of WITS. Exposure outside of WITS is scheduled for a future release.

Other notable improvements include:

• Restart MultiSmart Tag
• Disable a Running ISaGRAF Program
• Pump Reversals
• Single Sensor and Three Sensor Probes
• Ability to View Inhibit Status from Front Screen
• Max Starts
• Configurable Limit for IRT
• Pump Starts and Flow Based on Contactor Closure
• Strings Not Included in DNP Class 0
• Pulse Input Flow and Rain Gauge
• Station Low Flow Rate Alarm

Related Blogs:

New MultiSmart Data Logger Enhancements

New Alternation by Efficiency Enhancement

MultiSmart Firmware 2.3 – DuoProbe Features

Upgrading Firmware Versions

Downloading Firmware Upgrades

Sign Up to Receive Firmware Upgrade Notification Read more…

MultiTrode News Alternation by Efficiency, data logger, DNP, DNP/MODBUS, DNP3, DuoProbe, IRT, isagraf, Last Known Power Factor, Maintenance Mode, Max Starts, Modbus, Power Factor, Probe Fail Indicator, Probes, Pump Reversal, WITS, WITS-DNP

The MultiTrode DuoProbe is built on the concept of combining MultiTrode’s ultra reliable 10 Sensor Probe with the high resolution of a pressure transducer.

The DuoProbe has 10 metallic sensors, just like MultiTrode’s standard Probe, with the addition of a built-in pressure transducer integrated to the end of Probe. After initial configuration, the DuoProbe will appear to operate exactly like MultiTrode’s standard Probe. After just a few level cycles, the unit will “Auto-Calibrate” and go into High Resolution mode using its built-in pressure transducer.

MultiTrode’s innovative Pump Station Manager – the MultiSmart – will periodically recalibrate the DuoProbe thus ensuring accuracy. In the unlikely event the pressure transducer fails, the MultiSmart will automatically switch over to operate off the 10 Sensor Probe. The DuoProbe will only function with the MultiSmart Pump Station Manager.

Innovative features include:

• High Resolution Level reading can be very useful in VFD systems or any system where monitoring small changes in level is desirable.
• Ability to monitor liquid after it has exceeded the top of the Probe.
• Level can be monitored all the way to top of well even if the DuoProbe is at bottom of well enabling Operators to know the exact well level (especially significant in emergency conditions).
• Particular useful to sites with a SCADA connection because Operators can determine which well(s) are at their highest levels and dispatch emergency generator equipment accordingly.

 Tim Agrillo
May 12, 2010 Read more…

General News DuoProbe, pressure transducer, probe, SCADA, VFD

Using the compact flash port of your MultiSmart unit and a CF card is the easiest way to upgrade the firmware.

Simply:

• Download the firmware to your computer and unzip the file.
• Look for the file named update.img.
• Use a flash card reader/writer to copy the file to the flash card. (You can purchase a USB compact flash reader/writer from MultiTrode or other sources.)
• Insert the compact flash card into the MultiSmart unit and restart (press Settings->More->More->Restart).
• The unit will use the upgrade image to save the latest firmware automatically
• Press the yellow “Save CF Data” button on your MultiSmart unit before ejecting the CF card. Failure to do so may result in data corruption and/or damage to the CF card.
• We recommend that you erase the update.img file from the CF card after upgrading all units that you need to upgrade. 

Read more…

General News Firmware, MultiSmart, MultiTrode, updgrade firmware

If you haven’t created a user account, please take a few moments to do by clicking on the Sign Up box in the top right of the multitrode.com homepage.

When you get to the Newsletter Signup section, don’t forget to select the box reading “Please give me access to the free MultiSmart firmware upgrades and release information.”

Your request will be processed within 24 hours.

If you already have a user account, and are logged in, you will see “Edit my account details” at the top right of the web page. Click on this, and check the box which reading “Please give me access to the free MultiSmart firmware upgrades & release information.”

 Complete the other details requested and click the Submit button. Your request will be processed within 24 hours. Read more…

MultiTrode News Firmware, firmware upgrades, MultiSmart, MultiTrode

Software upgrades can be downloaded from MultiTrode’s website.

If you haven’t already registered, all you have to do is click on the Sign Up box in the top right of the multitrode.com homepage:

When you get to the Newsletter Signup section, don’t forget to select the box reading “Please give me access to the free MultiSmart firmware upgrades and release information.”

If you have already registered and didn’t select this option – but you want access to MultiSmart firmware, simply email marketing@multitrode.com requesting an upgrade.  Please include a phone number where we can contact you. Read more…

MultiTrode News Firmware, MultiTrode

What exactly is a ball float anyhow?

The ball float method is a direct reading liquid level mechanism.  The most practical design for the ball float is a hollow metal ball or sphere.  However, there are no restrictions to the size, shape or material used.  The operation of the ball float is simple; the ball floats sit on top of the liquid in a tank or well.  If the liquid level changes, the float will follow with the liquid level change.  The downside with using ball floats is they also can get tangled up or weighed down with grease or foam or when grease hardens the float may sit on top of the hardened grease thus creating a false reading.  You also have to take into account that there may be some costly maintenance involve with using a ball float system.

On the other hand, the probe or sometimes referred to as a “stick” is considered a primary level sensing device in any municipal or industrial application. It works by using the conductive properties of the water.

All you do is, hang the probe on its own cable into your wet well, using brackets we supply.  It has no electronics and no moving parts, which means there is nothing to that gets tangled, break or fail.  It’s mounted near the inflow (which we highly recommend doing), allowing the turbulence to keep it clean, so there is virtually very little maintenance required.  Even if a build-up does occur it has a squeegy you just pull it through “simple as pie,” it’s usually conductive and keeps right on working.  That’s why it has a 10 year warranty!

Request a trial today: http://www.multitrode.com/landing/reliable-liquid-level-sensor Read more…

General News Ball Float, ball float system, ball floats, Level Sensing, liquid level mechanism, primary level sensing devise, probe

At MultiTrode, we put our money where our mouth is!

World Leader
MultiTrode is a world leader in control systems with satisfied customers in thirty-five countries worldwide.

15% of Revenue Committed to Research & Development
MultiTrode continues to develop technically advanced products and systems. Our team of highly qualified Research & Development engineers designs and develops products that are focused on making the job easier for operations staff and municipal management in water and wastewater organizations throughout the world.

MultiTrode is continually working on product improvement and new product developments, responding to ideas and feedback from customers.

Worldwide Service and Support
We provide service and support to our customers wherever they are located, either directly or via our network of Channel Partners.

Case on Point
The MultiSmart range of products is the result of a $5M development project and over 20 years of experience in control and monitoring technology for water and wastewater Pump Stations.

The MultiSmart Pump Station Manager incorporates an advanced lift station controller, a flexible and open RTU, a PLC, voltage, energy and current monitoring and other control panel components – all in one unit. Its intuitive interface for operators and engineers means no programming is required. Instead, station performance is adjusted by turning on features and changing parameters.  Read more…

MultiTrode News control panel, MultiSmart, plc, Pump Station Manager, RTU

The MultiTrode Probe has proven to be the most reliable and cost-effective liquid level sensor available.

How Does the Probe Work?
The Probe works by using the conductive properties of the water itself to complete a circuit with a controller. It’s mounted near the inflow, allowing the turbulence to keep it clean. Even if a build-up does occur it’s usually conductive (in wastewater) and so the Probe keeps right on working. When cleaning is required, the probe is installed off a mounting bracket that includes a cleaning device.

Why is it so reliable?
Ultra-reliable! No electronics and no moving parts means there is nothing to fail. That’s why it has a 10-year warranty! No other liquid level sensor comes close.

Why is it easier to install than other level devices?
All you do is hanging the Probe on its own cable into your wet well, using the bracket we supply. Installation is simple – any one of your technicians could do it in an hour or so. What’s more, you install the Probe relatively low down in the wet well. Compared to ball floats, it allows the well to be cleaned out more thoroughly. That means less debris build-up, odors and pump clogs.

Key Features

• Virtually no maintenance required
• Simple installation from outside the sump
• Easy visibility of start and stop points
• Unaffected by fat, oil, grease, debris and foam
• Excellent in turbulent sumps
• Safe, low sensing voltage
• Comes in a variety of lengths with 10-sensors, 3-sensors or single sensor.
• Custom sizes also available. 

Read more…

In the well Level Sensing, lift station, probe, wastewater, water

A variable-frequency drive (VFD) is a system for controlling the rotational speed of an alternating current electric motor by controlling the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor. Variable-frequency drives allow operators to fine-tune their processes while reducing the cost of energy and equipment maintenance. 

VFD’s are quite useful to the water and wastewater industries because they can be used with the pumps, conveyors and drives involved in pumping and aeration applications. For instance, pumping uses excessive energy and cause significant wear-and-tear on equipment. Use of VFD drives enables pumps to accommodate fluctuating demand, running pumps at lower speeds and drawing less energy while meeting demand.

MultiTrode has developed an innovative VFD algorithm which makes it very easy to setup a VFD station. The standard application uses one 4-20mA control loop through each drive. The MultiSmart Pump Station Manager algorithm then provides a smooth power curve as levels are increased and decreased regardless of how many pumps come online.

For example, the lead (duty) pump starts at 50%, and at the level where it is running at 100% the lag (standby) pump starts. A lot of applications would start the lag pump at 50% and keep the lead pump at 100%. What the MultiSmart VFD algorithm does is start the lag pump and bring the speed of both to 75%. (And note that all of these parameters like start speed and level for 100% speed are user adjustable)

Therefore, multiple pumps will always be running at the same speed, and the speed will be adjusted depending on how many pumps are running.

Setup of this module is simple, with only the following values needing to be setup for each pump:

• Start speed, %
• Level at 100% speed

Some additional features help to optimize the station:

• Manual (hand) speed (to ensure that pumps run at full speed for manual/hand mode)
• Fixed speed value and duration if required, e.g. to clear pipes by running pumps at 100% for 10 seconds initially

Read more…

In the well MultiSmart, pump station, Variable-Frequency Drives, VFD, wastewater, water

DNP is an acronym for Distributed Network Protocol, an open protocol used by components in process automation systems.

A protocol defines the rules by which devices talk to each other. DNP3 is a protocol for transmitting data from Point A to Point B via serial and IP communications. Although DNP is most commonly used by electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities, it can be used anywhere a SCADA system is exists.

Why Do Devices Need to Talk to Each Other?
Utility providers commonly have lots of operations they need to monitor. Typically, there is a central operations center plus remote equipment in the field.  The central operations center houses their main computer.  Installations/substations house remote equipment in the field.  DNP is used to facilitate communication between the main computer and remote equipment, enabling the main computer to remotely open/close circuit breakers, measure line voltages, start/stop motors, open/close valves, check for errors, etc.

View Previous Blog Series on DNP3:

DNP3 Part 1 – Date/Time Stamping

DNP3 Part 2 – Communications Options

DNP3 Part 3 – Security

DNP3 Part 4 – Reliability

DNP3 Part 5 – Compliance Read more…

General News Cellular Communication, distributed network protocol, DNP3, dnp3 security, reliability, security

MultiTrode will be on the road in April…

Texas Water 2010
American Bank Center
1901 N. Shoreline Boulevard
Corpus Christi, TX  78403
4/13/2010 – 4/16/2010
Booth #818

Design-Build for Water and Wastewater
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, TX  76051
4/19/2010 – 4/23/2010
Booth #208

APWA /OWEA Show
Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center
6808 S. 107th East Avenue
Tulsa, OK
4/19/2010 – 4/21/2010
Attending with Automatic Engineering

79th Annual Conference, Short School, and Expo
Hot Springs Convention Center
400 Convention Boulevard
Hot Springs, AR 71901
4/30/2010 – 5/5/2010
Attending with ISI

Please stop by our booths. There you can find out more about MultiTrode Products.

Featuring:

• MultiSmart – The world’s first Pump Station Manager
• The Probe – The most reliable and cost effective liquid level sensor
• SafeSmart Backup Controllers – A complete backup solution

Read more…

MultiTrode News backup controllers, Level Sensing, liquid level sensor, MultiSmart, probe, pump station, Pump Station Management, safesmart

MultiTrode’s Family of Products can be used in a wide variety of applications – water reservoirs, effluent pits, reuse water, water tanks/reservoirs, basement sumps, potable water – even stormwater!

Our recent experience in the City of Zephyrhills (Florida) is a case on point. They needed a simple method of detecting water levels to avoid repeated stormwater flooding, and we were up for the challenge.

Case Study – City of Zephyrhills
Stormwater Pump Controls

Zephyrhills is located in Pasco County, on a ridge that divides the Hillsborough River Basin from the Withlacoochee River Basin. Lake Zephyr, an integral part of the City’s stormwater drainage system, eventually flows south to the Hillsborough River. Although most of the City is drained by surface swales, their structural drainage system includes 2 retention ponds with pumps, emergency generators and force mains. The larger pond is East off US 301 and North of 6 Avenue. The smaller pond is West of 1 Street and South of 14 Avenue. Both ponds are almost completely utilized.

The Challenge
The larger stormwater pond acts as a reservoir, temporarily collecting surface water run-off from surrounding streets. Two large pumps transfer the water to Lake Zephyr, located approximately two miles from the collection area. Last year, level switches controlling the two 40 horsepower pumps failed and the water level rose high enough to cause flooding in surrounding streets and a fire station.

Click here to read more…

  Read more…

MultiTrode News Level Sensing, lift station, MTR, probe, storm water, storm water pump controls, stormwater, stormwater pump controls, unreliable level sensing

On behalf of the entire MultiTrode Team – we invite you to attend our new educational webinar series.

Current class offerings include:

• Latest Advances in Pump Station Management
• Introduction to the MultiSmart: the World’s 1st Pump Station Manager
• Introduction to Backup Controllers for Lift Stations
• Customized classes also available

Hurry – Space is filling fast!

To take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity, contact Sandy Santiago at 561-994-8090 or sandys@multitrode.com.

After making your reservation, you will receive an email Webinar Invitation with simply to follow instructions. Then sit back in the comfort of your own office while the MultiTrode Team entertain you with tales of technological advancements and features that will make every day in the field seem like a walk in the park! Read more…

General News backup controller, Level Sensing, lift station, MultiSmart, probe, Pump Controller, pump efficiency, pump station, Pump Station Management, Pump Station Optimization, Technical, webinar

Maintenance is defined as “actions performed to keep some machine or system functioning or in good working order.”

The design life of most equipment requires periodic maintenance: adjustments, alignments, lubrication, rotating, parts replacement, etc. Every time we fail to perform routine maintenance, we shorten the equipment’s design life.

Maintenance Approaches

Reactive Maintenance

Defined – Run it until you break it! No effort is made to maintain equipment; manufacturer recommendations are ignored. Also called “Crisis Maintenance” or “Hysterical Maintenance”.

Pros - No manpower hours are expended. No maintenance costs are incurred.

Cons – You may think you’re saving money, but you’re not.  Shortening the equipment’s design life may result in higher replacement costs. You may have an additional expense if you’ve worn down your secondary/backup equipment. Then, there is the element of chance – there is no guarantee that a critical piece of equipment will not fail during peak demand, or during weekend/holiday time.

Preventive Maintenance

Defined - Actions performed on a set schedule that detects, precludes or mitigates degradation of a component or system with the aim of sustaining or extending its design life. Also known as Condition Based Monitoring.

Pros – Although it is not the optimum maintenance program, it is a vast improvement over Reactive Maintenance. Performing manufacturer recommended preventative maintenance will maximize the equipment’s design life. Money will be saved by ensuring the equipment runs as efficiently as possible.

Cons - Risk is increased by human error during the performance of maintenance. You may find yourself conducting unneeded (but scheduled) maintenance. Although the risk of failure is reduced, it will not be eliminated.

Predictive Maintenance

Defined – Actions that detect the onset of failure, thereby allowing causal stressors to be eliminated or controlled prior to deterioration of the equipment. Predictive Maintenance differs from Preventive Maintenance by basing maintenance on need rather than a preset schedule.

Pros – A well-organized Predictive Maintenance program will all but eliminate catastrophic failures. The ability to plan ahead will facilitate inventory/part ordering and avoid overtime cost. Equipment operation can be optimized, energy costs can be reduced and system reliability increased.

Cons – Requires staff training and investment in technology.

MultiTrode Can Help

At MultiTrode, we believe Predictive Maintenance guarantees the best results. Predictive Maintenance, also known as Condition Based Monitoring, is the ideal maintenance strategy because it identifies when assets need to be replaced – allowing the utility to plan cost-effective maintenance.

To ensure that the hydraulic and electrical state of the pump and motor can be clearly monitored, the MultiSmart Pump Station Manager measures the following:

• Flow rates per pump, total volume per pump
• Energy used per pump
• Pup efficiency in gals/kWhr or liters/kWhr
• Insulation resistance per pump
• Supply voltage (all 3-phases)
• Current monitoring (all 3-phases)
• Detailed fault analysis for each pump

For a free MultiSmart demo, email UsSales@multitrode.com.

Learn more about the innovative Level Sensing Probe and intuitive MultiSmart Pump Station Manager at www.multitrode.com. Read more…

Industry condition based monitoring, maintenance, MultiSmart, preventive maintenance, probe, pump efficiency, pump station, Pump Station Management, Pump Station Optimization, reliability

What is Inflow and Infiltration?

Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) are terms used to describe the ways that groundwater and stormwater enter a sanitary sewer system.

• Inflow is storm and surface water that enters the sewer system at points of direct connection. These include footing/foundation drains, roof drains/leaders, downspouts, drains from window wells, outdoor basement stairwells, drains from driveways and groundwater/basement sump pumps. Ideally, inflow water should enter the stormwater system or be absorbed into the ground.
• Infiltration is rain and ground water that enters into the sewer system through cracks in sewer pipes, joints or manholes. These leaks may be caused by age-related deterioration, loose joints, poor design, root damage or maintenance issues. Sewer pipes are designed to last about 20-50 years. Often, sewer system pipes go much longer without maintenance and are likely to be damaged.

Flow Monitoring

Flow Monitoring equipment is used to determine if there is excessive I&I. Many types of flow monitoring instruments are available and pricing varies. To measure wastewater flows throughout the sewer system, it is important to select the appropriate Flow Meter.

A probe measures water velocity and depth. Long-term flow calculations can be made using simple water level recorders. More sophisticated flow meters can output, display and record flow information directly, but they represent a larger investment.

Benefits of Low Infiltration & Inflow 

• Efficient operation of wastewater treatment facilities
• Lower overall capital and operation costs
• Fewer/smaller expansions of hydraulically-sized system components (i.e. sewer lines, pumping stations, etc.)
• Decrease in the energy required to operate pumps
• Increased Compliance/Elimination of Violations with EPA requirements

Read more…

Industry flow meter, flow monitoring, infilitration, inflow, Level Sensing, probe, sewer system

How old is America’s wastewater infrastructure?

Much of the country’s infrastructure was built in the 30 years after World War II. Although age is a key indicator of a system’s health, equally important is the way the system has been maintained. A well-maintained system can operate effectively for a significant period of time.

All products have a life cycle – the clothes you wear, the desk you’re working on, the chair you’re sitting in – everything. The same is true for the nation’s infrastructure, and each of its components:

Components & Life Cycles

Collections: 80-100 Years

Treatment Plants (Concrete Structure): 50 Years

Treatment Plant Mechanical/Electrical Equipment: 15-20 Years

Force Mains: 25 Years

Pump Stations (Concrete Structure): 50 Years

Pump Stations (Mechanical/Electrical Equipment): 15 Years

Interceptors: 90-100 Years

What is the state of the Union?

Among the many challenges facing our water and wastewater systems are:

• Large Capital Investment
• Aging Workforce
• Lack of New Skilled Workers Entering the Marketplace
• Increased Regulation
• Disengaged Public
• Interdependence on the Energy Sector

Estimates of national investment needs range from $300 Billion to $2 Trillion over the next 20 years.

Today’s population is benefiting from the investments made by past generations. Looking forward, the EPA is promoting practices that encourage utilities to address existing needs so that future generations will not be left to rebuild a crumbling infrastructure. This is referred to as “Sustainable Infrastructure”.

The Four Pillars of Sustainable Infrastructure are better management, efficient water use, full-cost pricing of water and a watershed approach to protection. The EPA believes this will help utilities to operate more sustainably now and in the future.

MultiTrode Can Help!

Our technologically advanced products have been developed with system efficiency and easy interface in mind. With the push of a button, our smart pump controllers will help you:

• Promote effective utility management
• Minimize operations cost
• Facilitate effective asset management
• Improve maintenance and capital investment planning
• Reduce energy cost & CO2 emissions
• Increase system-wide efficiency

Learn more about the innovative Level Sensing Probe and intuitive MultiSmart Pump Station Manager. Read more…

Industry efficiency, environmental, Level Sensing, MultiSmart, probe, Pump Controller

Combined Sewer System (CSS)  A CSS is a sewer system that transports both sanitary wastewater and stormwater.

In dry weather, all flow goes to a wastewater treatment plant. In wet weather, capacity may be exceeded. Unfortunately, most CSSs are designed to discharge excess flow directly to surface water such as rivers, streams, estuaries and coastal water.

Sanitary Sewer System (SSS)  A SSS is sewer system that conveys domestic, commercial and industrial wastewater to a treatment plant, with limited amounts of infiltrated groundwater and stormwater.

SSSs are not designed to collect large amounts of stormwater runoff from weather events. Areas served by SSSs have a separate storm water system to collect and convey runoff from rainfall and snowmelts.

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) CSO is Overflow from a Combined Sewer System.

Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) SSC is Overflow from a Sanitary Sewer System.

What’s the Big Deal with CSOs and SSOs?
Both CSOs and SSOs contain untreated or partially treated water. Whether they are caused by a limited capacity, line breaks, blockages or lapses in maintenance, overflows release microbial pathogens, pollutants and toxins to surface waters – all of which negatively impact the environment and human health.

What Has Been Done?
CSOs are a nationwide problem. In 1994, the federal government developed the CSO Control Policy which suggests that States:

• Implement a tracking method, preferably the permit program created by the federal Clean Water Act
• Develop Long-Term Control Plans (LTCPs)
• Communities implement CSO controls as soon as possible

What Technology is Available?
Readily available options range from large-scale capital improvement projects to improved maintenance practices. A community’s action plan would be influenced by the size and type of system, the problems they are experiencing, their performance goals and available resources.

In the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s 2004 “Report to Congress on the Impacts and Control of CSOs and SSOs”, the EPA categorized technologies used to address CSOs and SSOs into 5 categories:

1. Operation and Maintenance Practices
2. Collection System Controls
3. Storage Facilities
4. Treatment Technologies
5. Low-Impact Development Techniques

MultiTrode Can Help
MultiTrode takes pride in designing, manufacturing and marketing pump station management systems that improve the integrity of the nation’s wastewater infrastructure and protect both the environment and public health. We offer a wide range of products including complete control panels, pump station controllers, pump station supervisors, RTUs, liquid level sensors, liquid level relays, SCADA software and web-based monitoring and control solutions.

MultiTrode utilizes technological advancements to provide sophisticated solutions to every day challenges. Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) ranks among the more noteworthy of these tools. SCADA can be used as a safeguard against overflows and to gain centralized electronic control. Utilized as a broader management tool, SCADA can reduce staff overtime, help in preventive maintenance scheduling and enhance the operational cost efficiencies of a utility. Read more…

Industry Clean Water Act, Combined Sewer Overflow, Combined Sewer System, CSO, CSS, liquid level sensors, Pump Station Management, Sanitary Sewer Overflow, Sanitary Sewer System, sewer, sewer system, SSS, stormwater, water

We believe MultiTrode’s Engineers are the Best! When others echo our sentiments, we can’t help but shout it from the roof top!

MultiTrode had the opportunity to work with the Town of Greenwich, CT, on a telemetry upgrade to their sanitary sewer collection system pump stations, a project that required extraordinary preliminary planning.

Recently, the Town of Greenwich’s Wastewater Division Manager, Richard Feminella, took time out of his busy day to write Aaron Parkinson, President of MultiTrode, to share his praises of both MultiTrode and our Engineering Services Manager, Nick Claudio.

About MultiTrode, Mr. Feminella wrote that Greenwich has “been extremely satisfied with the MultiTrode system and installation.” 

As an organization, our longstanding goal is to be the very best we can be – to meet every challenge head on, to solve every issue to the utmost of our ability, overcoming the foreseeable and unforeseeable, to ensure each and every MultiTrode customer walks away satisfied.

Mr. Feminella goes on to write that “Nick was responsive, courteous, polite, knowledgeable and performed each and every task correctly and without any delay”.

We couldn’t agree more!  Nick is that rare combination of knowledge, professionalism and readiness that makes every project easier, and every client happier. 

 Thank you, Mr. Feminella, for your kind words.
& Thank you, Nick, for yet another job well done! Read more…

General News efficiency, greenwich, Pump Station Management, sanitary sewer collection, telemetry

There is nothing more refreshing than a cool tall glass of water on a hot summer’s day. This is such a small thing; it’s easy to take it for granted. After all, who doesn’t have clean water? If you ask UNICEF, the answer is – 1 billion people worldwide do not have access to safe water. Below is a list of charities that aim to lower that number. Together we can make a difference.

Water for People

“Water For People assists people in developing countries to improve quality of life by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities and hygiene education programs.” www.waterforpeople.org

 Water Aid

“WaterAid enables the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water and sanitation. Together with improved hygiene, these basic human rights underpin health, education and livelihoods, forming the first essential step in overcoming poverty. We work with local partners, who understand local issues, and provide them with the skills and support to help communities set up and manage practical and sustainable projects that meet their real needs.” www.wateraid.org

 Water 1^st

“Water 1st’s mission is to serve families in the poorest communities in the world as they implement community-managed projects that integrate water supply, sanitation, and health education. We envision a world free of extreme poverty. Providing people with safe water systems, latrines, and hygiene education is the 1st step to ending the cycle of poverty and death.”  water1st.org

El Porvenir

“El Porvenir supports self–help, community–initiated water, sanitation and reforestation projects. Mission: To improve the standard of living of poor people in Nicaragua through sustainable self-help water, sanitation and reforestation projects.” www.elporvenir.org

Charity Water

“Almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. That’s one in eight of us. Charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund water projects.” www.charitywater.org

Water.org

Water.org is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization committed to providing safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries. Our goals are to draw attention to the world’s number one health problem, unsafe and inadequate water supplies, and to raise funds to help fight this immense problem – one community at a time.” www.water.org

WaterLife

“WaterLife is a non-profit organization that exists to implement and support community-based, community-owned water and sanitation programs that offer dignity and opportunity to disadvantaged people worldwide.” www.waterlife.org

Water Charity

“The mission of Water Charity is to implement practical solutions to provide safe water, effective sanitation, and meaningful health education to those in need.” www.WaterCharity.org

Play Pumps International

“The mission of PlayPumps International – U.S. (PPI) is to help improve the lives of children and their families by providing easy access to clean drinking water, enhancing public health, and offering play equipment to millions across Africa.” http://blog.playpumps.org/home

 H2O Africa

“H2O Africa is the clean water initiative that is part of the “Running the Sahara” expedition and film project, now chronicled on a special DVD release. Co-founded by Matt Damon, H2O Africa is creating widespread public awareness of the water crisis in Africa and gathering support for clean water programs in critical areas, including communities along the Running the Sahara route.” www.h2oafrica.org Read more…

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