Better protection during flooding

July 2012 Valves, Actuators & Pump Control

Drinking water wells in close proximity to rivers are greatly exposed to the risk of contamination during times of flooding. Untreated river water can be contaminated with bacteria and microbes which may flow underground into the ground water well and hence pollute the drinking water. If such contamination is imminent, the operator of the ground water well is obliged to stop the delivery pumps immediately. However, it is extremely difficult for the water-supplying companies to predict the hazard risk for individual ground water wells correctly at all times.

In the European summer of 2011, research led by Professor Peter Huggenberger of the University of Basel, together with the metrology specialist Endress+Hauser, developed a new technology that is based on measurement and model calculation, to gain control over this problem in the future. This technology makes it possible to identify an imminent risk at an early stage and therefore take appropriate steps to protect the drinking water source.

The scientists examined the complex interaction between the ground water and the water of the Birs River tributary of the Rhine. As the detection of micro-organisms in real-time is possible only at considerable expense, they looked for parameters that could indirectly indicate a hazard to the ground water.

In a specially equipped measuring container, the researchers of the University of Basel installed several sensors that capture data relating to temperature, pH, conductivity and turbidity of the water. A sera R411.1 diaphragm pump takes care of the handling and dosing of the water. The data from the sensors is then transmitted automatically, analysed statistically and compared to the results of simulations of the ground water flow.

If any potential hazard of the water quality becomes evident, the system automatically alerts the respective water supply operator. The operator can then take control of the delivery pumps in such a way that contamination of the drinking water is prevented. This makes the identification of hazardous situations considerably easier and more reliable for water supply operators.

This technology, which relies on the integration of metrology and hazard analysis, could have a great potential market. It is an attractive option for drinking water suppliers to respond quickly to any potential hazard in the water supply. In order to bring this technology to market, the researches and their industrial partners have requested the Swiss Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) to continue its funding of the project.

For more information contact Wally Feldon, sera DoseTech SA, +27 (0)11 397 5120, [email protected], www.sera-web.co.za

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Valves, Actuators & Pump Control

Better protection during flooding

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