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.

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

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

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. 

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.

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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