Non-Invasive Flow Monitor and DCWW Welsh Water: Aiding Compliance with £1.5million Installation Savings

Pulsar Process Measurment's (UK) non-invasive flow monitor Flow Pulse is aiding Compliance and Asset Management throughout the Region; over 160 are monitoring flow rates within critical Sewage Pumping Stations (SPS). Flow Pulse is installed at a fraction of the equivalent Magflow meter cost without process interruption.

DCWW targeted Compliance and Asset Management improvement within the Sewage Pumping Station (SPS) network. A key management element is to continuously monitor the efficiency and performance of individual pumps so, for example, maintenance can be planned and efficiencies maximised. Burst or blocked mains can be identified and Compliance is supported, for example by confirming pump operation during extreme storm conditions.

Pulsar were developing Flow Pulse, a new concept that uses advanced digital Refracted Spread Spectrum Analysis (RSSA) within a clamp-on, non-invasive flow monitor, DCWW’s Innovation Team saw the potential benefits, providing trial sites along with invaluable detailed feedback and support that allowed Pulsar to finalise development.

Flow Pulse has a minimal installation cost, only requiring a simple screwdriver to mount, and there is no interruption to the process. DCWW estimate that they will see a resulting saving compared to Magflow meters of £1.5million over the full project, an average of £6,000 per installation. DCWW have now installed over 160 of the 250 units required for the project.

“This is a great example of R&D collaboration between a Technology provider and Water Company in providing Innovative solutions to meet the challenges of AMP 6 and beyond.” – Carle Redwood, DCWW Senior Innovation Engineer.

Flow Pulse was awarded National Innovation of the Year 2014 by the Institute of Water.