Ultrasonic control proves itself at Mersey Estuary Pollution Alleviation Scheme 12 August 2013

United Utilities' updated flagship MEPAS (Mersey Estuary Pollution Alleviation Scheme) is reporting success throughout the network with its non-contacting ultrasonic level monitoring instrumentation, from Pulsar.

All devices were reviewed as part of the MEPAS renewal project, following major and damaging floods in 2010, to ensure that key control and monitoring functions were operating throughout ita network of CSO/SSO (combined sewer overflow/sanitary sewer overflow) chambers, vortex and interceptor sewers.

When the Sandon Dock wastewater treatment works was originally expanded during the 1990s, the scheme included a substantial network of interceptor sewers and CSOs, designed to separate out solids and particulates before the main works and to manage storm surges.

Some of Pulsar's earliest equipment was used as the project went live, including an ultrasonic level device with the serial number 0001.

However, after the 2010 floods, the new control systems contractor Ramptec, along with United Utilities' modelling team, redesigned the system operation, with Pulsar Process Measurement providing engineering support.

Under the new control arrangement, the holding capacity of the system has now been maximised, according to United Utilities, so storm flows to the works are better managed and discharges of untreated and semi-treated sewage to the Mersey have been minimised.

Each CSO now includes three or more Pulsar ultrasonic level monitoring units – within the chamber, at the outfall end, measuring river levels and within the vortex chamber feeding information to the wastewater treatment works.

"We have a very good relationship with Pulsar," comments Ray Watts, of Ramptec." The fact that we have their first unit, dating back to 1997, and also some of their latest equipment, proves that they supply good equipment and are able to back it up effectively.'

Brian Tinham

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