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Wastewater pling, depending on the requirements of each customer. Software Software makes up the majority of the capabilities of a well-run automated system, if it is stable and proven. Frustration with unstable software can be avoided. For example, the Aysix septage receiving system uses JRP’s event suite software because of its internationally proven capabilities and stability. In England, this software has been refined and proven for over seven years, and is now used in 80% of all septage receiving systems there. A good system will integrate into local SCADA controls, Hardwired, Serial MODBUS, Fieldbus, or any other protocol or system. The software capabilities reach beyond logging information, which can then be used in reducing operating costs, identifying efficiency improvements, and satisfying present and future legislative reporting, or audit trails. A basic system can allow flexibility to change and grow to meet requirements that will develop. This is because a basic system is loaded with all the software features of a fully-featured system. For example, a septage receiving station may have a single discharge line. As demand grows, additional lines can be added to the existing system, and they can be used simultaneously. More demand is still needed? Additional lines can be added, as can additional controls, such as traffic lights and sounders, all controlled by the same system. If auto sampling is required, this too can easily be integrated. The need to operate seamlessly with the plant’s existing tanks, screens, and grinders, and to monitor, control and override these systems, is also a reality, regardless of their type or make. Looking at the septage reception operation will reveal other capabilities of available systems. A truck pulls up to the offloading area. Depending on the choice of set up, the operator will then use the keypad, or a RFID (radio frequency identification) non-contact key fob, or card, to identify the company and truck number; the date and time will be logged. (These systems also have the capability to disable offloading after hours, if needed.) After swiping, the operator simply 18 | September 2009
presses one button to accept the information on the screen, hooks up the hose and offloads. The system will log quantities and any other information if it is so equipped. Again, if so equipped, the flow rate, solids content and pH levels are displayed on the screen as the operator offloads. The septage is received, and the operator is free to leave. Internally, the system then automatically uses the information to compile a bill. But, say the offloading station is in a remote area, away from the centralized administrative location. No problem the septage receiving unit communicates
User friendly key fob recognition.
via GSM/GPRS (global system for mobile communications/general packet radio service), as if it was next door. Another potential problem may arise if the operator is offloading in an unmanned facility, and the screening clogs, the grinder backs up, or the holding tank fills. In this case the system will identify these conditions via high level alarms, and it will be disabled after the particular offload is finished. SMS (short message service) alerts are automatically sent to notify the appropriate personnel of the situation via mobile phone, page, or other modes, so that the situation can be rectified. This helps reduce downtime and avoids overfills. The customer and plant personnel can then log online with a password, and access the information. For the customer, the information shows the amount of times the site was visited, and the
amounts charged. For each transaction the system shows company name, time and date, transaction number, truck number, treatment location visited, time duration of discharge, volume discharged, suspended solids content, sludge charges, pH levels, sample number, and total amount charged. The treatment plant/municipality can integrate this information with their existing systems to review billing, conduct revenue analysis and monitoring, review and analyze maintenance records and schedules, review individual contractors, satisfy any existing and likely future legislative reporting, and audit trails as well as reporting on content traceability of septage receiving. When the system is purchased there are generally two options for the web portal: hosted, or fully purchased. With the hosted site, the supplier takes care of posting the software on the internet, with a one-off configuration charge and monthly fees. The benefit to the hosted option is that the customer does not need software specialists or the hardware, nor is there a licensing fee. With the other option the customer purchases the license and installs the system software on their infrastructure, without any monthly fees. In addition to providing the hardware and software, a reputable supplier should also be able to provide installation, support services, service contracts for hardware, and software, after-hours telephone support, and preventative maintenance and calibration services. A well-designed septage receiving system will run on a proven, stable platform, provide flexibility for growth, and will save a municipality time, resources and money. But thought has to be given to the septage receiving system, separately from the mechanical screens and grinders, in regards to its capabilities and reliability. Packages have been sold where the customer had to repurchase the septage receiver, due to limitations and instability. The solutions for reliable and capable septic reception are here, and they can grow as the demands change. Steve Guzelak is with Cancoppas Limited. For more information, E-mail: guzelak@cancoppas.com
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