FLOW MONITORING
The District’s flow monitoring program consists of four flow logging sites of state-of-the-art, Marsh McBirney Fl o-Dar flow monitoring equipment near current areas of concern of the District’s sewage collection system. These units are located in manholes and are easily maintainable by crews without having to enter the manholes.
The data from these flow monitors is stored in data loggers in the manhole and can be downloaded to a laptop computer in the field. The data collected is used in several ways. Flow, velocity and water depth in the sewer pipe is measured continuously. This information can be used to evaluate the drainage basin to determine if the system is flowing properly. The data can evaluate the impact of upstream developments on flow in the pipe. It can be used to estimate when the maximum capacity of the existing pipe might be reached by trending the data over time. The data will also be used to establish routine flow patterns, called “diurnal curves” that are used in the District’s computerized sewer modeling program for calibration of the model. These flow loggers are also semi-portable, and can be relocated as necessary if conditions change or a particular section of pipe needs to be monitored for suspected problems.
These monitoring devices have made the operation of flow monitoring of the District’s sewage collection system safer, more manageable and more reliable. The improvements also provide new information on the on-going condition of the system to better evaluate for future needs.
If you have any questions concerning Ronald Wastewater District’s flow logging sites please contact the Planning & Development Department or the Operations Manger at (206) 546-2494.
