Few people consider automation in wastewater treatment until they have to drive by the smelly plant. Once past it, wastewater management doesn’t enter their minds until the next pass by the plant. Yet they’ve no idea that automation means clean water for everyone. Alternatively, not many people see the cleanliness of the water pouring from the tap into their glass. Why does automation matter?

The Human Element

It won’t have escaped your notice that machines and systems do quickly what takes us eight hours to perform manually. Additionally, things that slip past us don’t escape a machine or system. That can mean the difference between contaminated and potable water in your cup at home.

Almost everyone has seen a movie in which a bored uniformed security officer watches nothing happen on a series of monitors. In that very boredom, the officer sometimes misses something sneaking by that could change whatever is being monitored. It’s the same with wastewater treatment:

• The pH level has to be just so for clean water.
• The chemical dosage in the water must be exactly right.
• The flow rate must be managed as well.
• Something must be done about left-over sludge.

You can see how accuracy results from automation in wastewater treatment systems by looking at results over time.

Efficiency

Repetitive tasks take time. Dashing across the large area of a wastewater treatment plant to observe a disruption once detected takes time. Then the problem must be considered before any solution can be reached. Add to this the detection by workers of, say, the chemical dosage being off and the correction of it. It all takes time.

Automation systems note disruptions or changes in pH levels or other treatment facets. It makes changes instantly and automatically, thus rendering the whole thing more efficient and streamlined. Wastewater treatment plant personnel are free to monitor the more critical aspects of treatment more efficiently.

Safety

Automation in wastewater treatment and management blesses workers with a safer work environment. They aren’t exposed to hazardous work conditions or toxicity from the chemicals used in wastewater treatment. Other hazardous materials are dealt with by the automated system, which saves workers varied health threats.

Many businesses involve heavy equipment usage. Workers undergo intensive training to understand how the equipment works and how to use it safely. Sometimes, the equipment malfunctions or a worker fails to operate properly. This often results in a visit to the ER.

Automation makes sure the equipment operates properly. If it doesn’t, repair persons are notified, and the equipment is rendered useful. Workers remain safe, and the wastewater treatment plant can maintain its productivity levels and might even improve on them.

Automation improves wastewater treatment by efficiently streamlining operations, taking the hazard out of hazardous working conditions, and improving the safety of its workers. Automation provides workers with real-time monitoring and notifications. It supplies efficiency, simplicity, and well-being for wastewater treatment plant workers, resulting in better operations control, better work performance, and better-quality water for everyone.

Published by: Martin De Juan