Advanced Technology Flow Logging for sewer monitoring under atex directive - Kaushal Trivedi

Recent innovations in open channel flow measurement have improved reliability, data integrity, and cost effectiveness in sewer flow studies. But intrinsic safety requirements for in-sewer equipment in the UK (and pending in other European countries) have presented a challenge in adapting this highly successful technology to meet ATEX standards.

To meet this challenge, Teledyne Isco (Lincoln NE, USA) enlisted the help of UK distributor, Envitech Ltd. in conferring with end users, regulatory bodies, and consultants, to adapt the Isco 2100 Series modular flow meters for the ATEX standard. The resulting new 2150EX Area Velocity Flow Monitoring System has full ATEX approval while retaining the functionality of the standard 2100 Series for wastewater flow applications.

UK Wastewater Flow Measurement
Three areas of activity exist: Industrial and municipal discharge to water course, Industrial discharge to sewer, and sewer network flow monitoring, the latter two being particularly suitable for Area/Velocity technology.

• Industrial discharges to sewer require flow records for charging purposes. The methods used are not subject to any particular legislation or certification, other than those of safety. Area velocity is a favoured method, requiring no primary structure and having relatively low capital costs.
• A major requirement is sewer network flow monitoring. Measurement has to take place “in-pipe” with no primary structure, making area velocity meters the method of choice for use in the next major municipal capital expenditure programme (AMP 4).