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

MultiSmart has the capability of calculating efficiency based on 3 measured variables:

1. Supply Voltage
2. Current
3. Flow

Knowing these 3 variables enables the Operator to calculate gallons per kilowatt Hr (gal/kWhr).

MultiSmart Firmware Version 2.3.0 includes a groundbreaking advancement, Alternation by Efficiency, the ingenious derivative of MultiSmart’s gal/kWhr ability!

In order to save energy costs, this mode is especially useful where an old pump, scheduled for replacement, is coupled with a new pump.

The Old Way:

Create an N to 1 ratio based on the most efficient pump, allowing the most efficient pump to run N (N is user adjustable) times more than the least efficient pump.

The Problem:

1. Although pump efficiencies begin to equalize, the alternation mode is continues to favor one pump over the other because N to 1 is an absolute comparison.
2. When implemented, some stations experience a high number of starts per day on the most efficient pump which adversely affects the efficiency of new pumps.
3. Not all systems are set up the same. Therefore, there’s a need for indication of the currently active alternation scheme.

MultiTrode’s Solution:

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

Our team of highly qualified R&D engineers set their sights on addressing these shortcomings, focused on making O&M jobs easier and elating our Customers.  There is we did:

1. MultiTrode created an Efficiency Deadband (%). This allows for a standard alternation scheme to occur whenever the efficiency of the pumps fall into the Efficiency Deadband. If the difference in efficiency exceeds the Efficiency Deadband, the station will resume the N to 1 ratio favoring the most efficient pump.
2. MultiTrode recommends setting the Station Optimization feature of Max Starts per Hour on each pump.
3. For ease of reference, a database tag was created to indicate when the regular alternation scheme is active in the Pump Alternation Efficiency Mode.

Written By:
Jimmy Hidalgo
MultiTrode Applications Engineer
May 14, 2010

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

MultiTrode’s commitment to R&D is evidenced by the MultiSmart Firmware 2.3.0 Release. This groundbreaking advancement includes numerous technological achievements including data logger enhancements to ensure make accessibility even easier and capabilities even better.

Noteworthy Data Logger Improvements include:

• Crisis Logging – When a configurable Crisis event occurs, values of configured tags are saved to a log file for a User-programmed set of time before and after the crisis. This is an excellent troubleshooting tool. For example, if you receive a Motor Overtemp Fault, you can log the motor currents for 30 seconds before and after the fault.
• Interval Logging – Specific log entries can be stored at periodic intervals. Additionally, these can be configured to trigger a DNP event. This is excellent Trend Analysis tool useful SCADA software, Excel or any trending software.
• Configuration Logs – Any configuration changes are saved to the Configuration Log. If security is enabled, then the username is recorded along with the change. For security-conscious organizations, this is an indispensable security tool.
• Field Comments Logging – This novel features allows you to add Comments to the History Log easily and quickly. For example, configuration changes can be accompanied by a quick note of explanation.
• Enhanced CF Card Options – Save logs to a compact flash card including:
• Configuration Logs
• Device Information Logs (including IP Address, Serial Number, Enable Code, Hardware Version, Firmware Version, DSP Version, etc.)
• Interval Logs
• System Logs
• History Logs

With such valuable information at your finger tips, determining why a specific event occurred will be as simply as reading a log… Perhaps someone changed the configuration: You can see exactly who changed what. Was there a reason for the change? Did they write a Comment? Don’t have time to deal with this now? Just save all the logs to the CF card and look at them later from the comfort of your office.

What could be easier -

Written By:
Jimmy Hidalgo
MultiTrode Applications Engineer
May 11, 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.