TRENCH DRAIN LEVEL CONTROL
The challenge
At a major brewery in Central America, drainage pipes were being damaged due to submersible pumps starting up at full voltage. Sometimes the PVC pipes were damaged and the automatic start-up also failed due to electrical protection trips..
When a pump starts or stops abruptly, water hammer occurs, generating pressure waves that damage pipes, valves, and mechanical connections. This results in:
- High maintenance and repair costs.
- Risk of flooding due to pump start failure.
- Unscheduled shutdowns and loss of production.
The solution
Controlled and smooth shutdown of the pumps with:
We designed and integrated a control system with SIRIUS 3RW55 soft starters, which incorporate the “Soft-torque” function for controlled and smooth start-up/shutdown of the submersible pumps in the drainage pit.
A SITRANS LR110 radar level transmitter was integrated, which is non-contact, has a 4-20mA analog signal, and can be configured via a Bluetooth app. This transmitter replaced an electromechanical contact float that would occasionally get stuck.
Main system features:
- Dual control panel with two SIRIUS 3RW55 soft starters.
- High-end HMI for intuitive monitoring and control.
- PLC-based level controller for automatic pump start/stop and diagnostics.
- Robust and durable NEMA 4X stainless steel cabinet.
- Robust and durable NEMA 4X stainless steel cabinet. A SITRANS LR110 non-contact radar level transmitter with HART communication and Bluetooth app configuration was integrated. This transmitter replaced an electromechanical contact float.
The benefits
Reduction of high maintenance and repair costs, risk of plant failures, unscheduled downtime, and loss of production. Continuous communication with the operating team!
With this solution, our customers obtain:
- Elimination of water hammer, protecting pipes and equipment.
- Longer system life and reduced maintenance costs.
- Continuous and reliable operation, with redundancy in case of failure.
- Efficient use of pumps, thanks to automatic alternation that distributes wear.
- Simple maintenance, with test selectors and manual operation in the cabinet.
Impac on the plant
Safety, efficiency, no more high flood risk, and protection of the infrastructure's useful life.
A safer, more efficient, and more durable system that protects infrastructure, optimizes operations, and ensures continuity of the production process.
2023 Wastewater Sump Pumps Control Panel