What really defines a "flow monitoring program?"
A flow monitoring program can consist of just one meter at the wastewater treatment plant or a system of meters that are installed for a specified period of time or to capture a certain number of events, such a rain.
Why is it important to collect flow data?
Unlike most assets owned by a municipality, a collection system is installed underground and out of sight. Due to their nature, it is difficult to know the condition of this valuable asset. A flow monitoring program is an inexpensive method to begin understanding the performance and condition of the collection system to assist in operational management.
What is the most cost-effective way to implement a flow monitoring program?
A flow monitoring program needs to be an integral part of the long term maintenance and operation of your collection system. The flow monitoring program should be part of a program that includes other field investigation techniques such as smoke testing, dye testing and ultimately design of improvements and rehabilitation construction.
What are the benefit of short-term versus permanent flow meters?
A short-term flow monitoring study is a "snap-shot" in time, whereas a permanent flow monitoring program will provide system information over a longer period. Both programs provide vital system information; however, a long-term program will provide the added benefit of historical trending.
When is the best time to conduct flow monitoring?
Depending upon the goal of your flow monitoring program, most studies are performed during the wet season.
How long should a flow monitoring program last?
The goal of most flow monitoring programs is to capture rain events. Typically, our goal is to capture 6 separate events. This can be accomplished within 60 days.
Does my city have to own the equipment to perform flow monitoring?
No, RJN owns, operates and maintains hundreds of flow meters that can be used in the most challenging hydraulic conditions..
What do I need to know to prepare my city's flow monitoring program budget?
There are many factors that need to be considered during the budgeting stage of a flow monitoring program. For instance, the goals of the program, size of the system, characteristics of the sites and location of the manholes on the road.
Does my city have to own the equipment to perform flow monitoring?
No, RJN owns, operates and maintains hundreds of flow meters that can be used in the most challenging hydraulic conditions..
What do I need to know to prepare my city's flow monitoring program budget?
There are many factors that need to be considered during the budgeting stage of a flow monitoring program. For instance, the goals of the program, size of the system, characteristics of the sites and location of the manholes on the road.
What criteria affect selection of flow monitoring equipment?
Pipe size, flow ranges, hydraulic conditions, telemetry method, operating principle, accuracy, duration, data management, and cost all affect selection of flow meters.
Do we need to collect flow monitoring data during both dry and wet weather?
It is important to understand what is actually happening in the collection system during both dry-weather and wet-weather events. The quality of the flow data will be important to adequately characterize system capacity and effective management and operation of your collection system.
What goals should be established for my flow monitoring equipment?
Your flow monitoring equipment must be capable of meeting five critical goals:
- it must measure depth and velocity; it must withstand the harsh sewer environment;the sensors must not foul or drift; it must be capable of recording flow rates during surcharged conditions; and
- the sensor recordings must be accurate and produce reproducible results.
How do you insure meter accuracy?
All meter manufacturers claim a high level of meter accuracy obtained in a controlled laboratory environment. To maintain this level of accuracy, the flow monitoring installation must be performed by trained field technicians. These technicians install the meters to meet challenges such as drop connections, debris, offsets, and bends in pipe. Additionally, the calibration of all meters is confirmed on site with measurements with an independent device.
Will design drawings be useful during the installation of the flow meters?
Design drawings are useful to assist in understand the system layout. However, field measurements need to be made prior to the flow monitoring installation to insure accuracy.
How much maintenance do the meters require?
Meter maintenance is very site dependent. Some sites require minimal maintenance visits, while others continually deal with factors such as silt and debris build-up.
What are the telemetry options available for a permanent metering system?
There are several telemetry options available for long term flow monitoring projects. Traditionally, modems have been used. However, recent advancements in technology have made wireless telemetry affordable and reliable.
What type of meters do you use?
RJN maintains independence from meter manufacturers. Every technology has its strengths and weaknesses, RJN selects the technology on a project by project basis that will maximize the strengths and minimize and weaknesses.
Does Flow Monitoring require confined space entry?
Yes, the hazards encountered and associated with entering and working in confined spaces to perform flow monitoring are capable of causing bodily injury, illness, and death to the worker. Accidents occur among workers because of failure to recognize that a confined space is a potential hazard. It should therefore be considered that the most unfavorable situation exists in every case and that the danger of explosion, poisoning, and asphyxiation will be present at the onset of entry.
We are thinking of performing the flow monitoring in-house. Should we have any concerns?
There are many factors that need to be considered prior to performing a flow monitoring project. Factors such as purchase of equipment, installation of experience, maintenance of equipment, parts inventory, type of telemetry, experience of data analysts, confined space entry, and roadway safety.
How do you know we are getting good data on a flow monitoring project?
An engineer trained and experienced in data analysis can determine the quality of the data by observing the flow monitoring data over time and confirming with field calibrations.
How do you handle road safety during flow monitoring installation and maintenance?
Roadway safety is important during a flow monitoring study; many sites are located on busy roads. RJN field crews are trained in local and state department of transportation roadway safety. Additionally, all RJN vans are equipped with roadway safety equipment.
How do you train your field technicians for flow monitoring installations?
The best equipment will produce inaccurate results if installed incorrectly. RJN prides itself on our intense training program for field technicians and field managers. This intense training program is taught by a Principal with over 28 years of collection system experience and requires both classroom and field experience.
How do you train your data analysts?
Unlike other companies performing flow monitoring, RJN utilizes experienced engineers to perform and train engineers new to the task of performing analysis. This training includes tests.
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