Cost-Effective Solutions for Drainage Pipe Network Problems: Spotlight on Liquid Level Monitors

A stable and trouble-free drainage pipe network is closely related to the smooth traffic and the comfort level of living spaces in a city. Once various reasons lead to problems such as siltation, blockage, collapse, and damage in the underground drainage pipe network, dangerous situations like waterlogging on the road surface and road subsidence may occur one after another. So, how can these potential hidden dangers be detected and eliminated in advance?

Some people propose to conduct a comprehensive census of the pipe network. Although this method can directly explore the internal details of the underground pipe network, when it comes to checking each and every one of the extremely complex underground drainage pipe networks in the city, it is undoubtedly time-consuming and labor-intensive. The management and operation personnel of the pipe network frankly admit that it is really an unbearable huge expense. However, the problem is right in front of us and cannot be avoided.

It is under such circumstances that the online monitoring equipment for drainage pipe networks emerged. It can not only monitor the stable operation status of the underground pipe network dynamically, continuously, and from multiple aspects, but also greatly relieve the economic pressure on the shoulders of the pipe network managers.

When it comes to solving the problem of detecting hidden dangers in the pipe network, the online flow monitor that can simultaneously collect key data such as liquid level, flow velocity, and flow rate is the key player in the quantitative diagnosis of the drainage pipe network. However, considering the economic cost and the constraints of actual site conditions, choosing a more cost-effective, easier to install, and more widely applicable liquid level monitor can also solve a considerable part of the problems. Especially when focusing on load monitoring and tracking as well as safety risk warning matters, liquid level gauges distributed at multiple points are undoubtedly a more sensible choice.

FT-PS1 is a drainage pipe network monitoring device launched by Fengtu, a manufacturer of meteorological and environmental monitoring equipment. Its system architecture covers three layers: The perception layer consists of sensors such as a sewage well liquid level monitor, which accurately collects on-site data such as water level, flow rate, and water quality as the data source for subsequent management; the network layer realizes wireless data transmission and management function interaction through networking technologies such as 4G/NB-IoT, such as the communication between the liquid level monitoring station host and the management center and superior departments; the application layer is a platform integrating daily management functions such as data storage, query, visualization, and statistical analysis, which can display data through multiple terminals to facilitate management operations.

This device monitors the dynamics of the pipe network online continuously throughout the day, helping management personnel to detect problems in time. It adopts a low-power design, is suitable for battery or solar power supply, reduces dependence on mains power, cuts costs, and can also adapt to the harsh environment in the well. It has intelligent early warning and alarm functions, and automatically notifies relevant personnel to handle it when the threshold is exceeded. It has powerful data analysis and management functions, helping to gain an in-depth understanding of the pipe network and providing scientific support for planning and maintenance.