New GPRS Data Logger for Waste Water Networks

LACROIX Sofrel (France) are proud to introduce their new GPRS data logger for measuring flow rates, for self-monitoring and permanent diagnostics of waste water networks.

The main features of the latest SOFREL LT-US include: continuous measuring of the level of effluents flowing through the sewers, detection of overflows into storm overflow sewers, calculation of overflow rates and volumes in the natural environment, and permanent diagnostics and self-monitoring of the network.

SOFREL LT-US features the main characteristics of SOFREL LS, the GSM/GPRS data logger dedicated to water network district metering. Installed in buried manholes that can at times be flooded, with no power supply, SOFREL LT-US overcomes all these constraints thanks to: Its robust and totally waterproof (IP68) case and transducer (certified for 100 days in 1 m of water), Its long-life internal battery (up to 10 years' battery life), and its built-in high-performance GSM/GPRS antenna, specially designed for use underground (an above-ground antenna can also be used for extremely difficult cases).

Fully integrated into the LT-US, the transducer is directly powered by the data logger battery. Combined with an overflow detector and thanks to its variable archiving frequency (e.g.: every 30 min. in normal periods then every min. during overflows), the operating endurance of the LT-US can be as long as 10 years.

The data logger is started up and its transducer calibrated very easily thanks to the SOFTOOLS graphical user interface via a Bluetooth link.

The remote transducer (up to 5 metres away), placed as close as possible to the effluents being measured, maintains the data logger in the best area of GSM reception (the highest point in the manhole).

An effective solution for the telemetry and SCADA of waste water networks: Featuring 4 digital inputs (DIs) for signalling events (manhole cover open, switch to overflow mode, etc.) and 2 optional analog inputs (AIs, for connecting 4-20 mA sensors), SOFREL LT-US offers numerous functions needed for diagnostics and the self-monitoring of waste water networks. For instance, the flow rate can be calculated directly as a function of the measured level thanks to conversion tables built into the LT-US. A daily balance is deducted from this flow rate calculation. Warning thresholds can be set using height or flow rate values.

Although GSM coverage is by and large very acceptable above ground, reception level falls considerably in underground installations. Specialists in telecommunications for 40 years, LACROIX Sofrel has invested heavily in the development of its data loggers to offer an antenna that is now a benchmark for its reception qualities.

LT-US transmits its historical values and balances daily via GPRS to the SCADA Central Stations, Supervisor, OPC server or WEB LS server. Alert SMS messages can be sent when a threshold is exceeded or on a change of state.