Sludge Level Monitoring in a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant

A municipal wastewater treatment plant has a sedimentation tank with a depth of 10 meters. For a long time, the plant relied on manual sludge level measurement, which was inefficient and posed safety risks. To achieve intelligent management, the plant installed the Split Ultrasonic Depth Sounder to enable real-time sludge level monitoring and integrate with the plant's SCADA system.

• Measuring Range: 10 m model selected (standard ranges: 5/10/15/20 m).
• Accuracy: 1%-3%, i.e., ±10-30 cm within a 10 m depth, sufficient for process requirements.
• Resolution: 5 mm (standard), capable of detecting subtle sludge level changes.
• Power Supply: 24 VDC, power consumption approx. 1.6 W, connected to the plant's low-voltage DC supply.
• Signal Output: 4-20 mA (corresponding to 0-10 m sludge level), and RS485 communication (Modbus RTU protocol) integrated with the SCADA system.
• Environmental Adaptability: Probe IP68 (suitable for long-term immersion in wastewater); display unit IP65 (installed in a control cabinet near the tank).
• Temperature Range: Suitable for outdoor environments from -20℃ to +60℃.

During commissioning, the device was installed in a sedimentation tank with a diameter of 20 m and depth of 10 m. Below is a 24-hour monitoring data excerpt:

1. Automated Monitoring: Eliminates the need for manual sludge measurement, with real-time data transmitted directly to the control room.
2. Energy Efficient: 24 VDC supply with only 1.6 W consumption, ensuring low long-term operating cost.
3. High Reliability: IP68 protection probe suitable for harsh wastewater environments; continuous operation for six months without failure.
4. Smart Control: RS485/Modbus communication allows linkage with sludge discharge valves, greatly improving automation.

By implementing the Split Ultrasonic Depth Sounder, the wastewater treatment plant achieved:

• Real-time sludge level monitoring
• Automatic alarm and sludge discharge linkage
• Reduced manual inspection frequency and safety risks
• Improved operational efficiency and stability

With its high accuracy (1% -3%), fine resolution (5 mm), robust protection (IP68), and low power consumption, the device is an ideal solution for sludge level monitoring in municipal wastewater applications.