Glen Hill, P.E., is the Southeast Regional Manager for SmartCover Systems, Inc. He is a graduate of The Citadel and a licensed professional civil engineer in the states of SC, FL, and TX. Mr. Hill has over 25 years’ experience in collection system flow monitoring and condition assessment. He is a member of ASCE, NAASCO, and active in multi-state WEF Collection Committees.

This presentation reviews how customers can adopt unique and patented monitoring technology, which gives them data in the field that they did not have before. The monitors mount directly on the manhole covers – thereby eliminating the need for a confined space entry - and use ultrasonic sensors to monitor water levels. The remote monitors send data to a secure customer website, as well as sending out alarms, advisories, and maintenance alerts directly to the customer.

Real-time remote water level monitoring can identify locations where a possible sewer system overflow is developing and alarm these conditions before the overflow, allowing field staff to visit the site and perform corrective actions. Locating these problems prior to an SSO actually occurring has enabled users to pinpoint the causes of these blockages.

By placing the remote monitors at sites which are cleaned multiple times a year (due to FOG, roots, etc), water levels are wirelessly transmitted in real-time to the collection system operator, and the knowledge of these water levels and the lack of problems at these sites has enabled re-deployment of staff to other problem areas. This yields both ROI in time and money within one year of utilizing the system.

Remote real-time level monitors also provide a means to detect and correlate rain events with I&I. The ability to identify, quantify and track down sources of I&I is critical to minimizing problems with overflows during significant precipitation events. This system now uses automatic tools to track WHICH locations are experiencing higher levels, based on the rain event. The system can also monitor the TOTAL dynamic range between the bottom of the pipe to the very top of the manhole.

Utilities can also utilize these monitors to provide additional information before, during, or after large Capital Improvement Projects. This application can also yield high levels of ROI, or the chance to delay, defer, or eliminate costly CIP projects.

Finally, by utilizing this same set up, agencies can now monitor H2S levels in their sewer systems as well. This new feature can assist in odor studies, dosing, and overall health of the pipe/manhole.