Pressure Monitoring

The Challenge

Water utilities are confronted with an aging infrastructure in a city's water supply system, with many decades-old main water pipes susceptible to leaks and bursts, causing water losses and service disruptions. Compounding the issue is the city's limited personnel and resources, hindering the ability to conduct regular manual inspections and maintenance on the extensive network of pipes. Additionally, the existing methods for detecting leaks are inefficient, relying on reactive and time-consuming approaches that lead to delayed responses when addressing pipe failures. 

Our Solution

DataStream IoT proudly introduces the unique CellPoint Pressure Monitoring device—a revolutionary solution in utility pipeline management and preventive maintenance. Recently honored with the prestigious "IoT Evolution Smart City Product of the Year" award, this remarkable product is set to transform the care of critical infrastructure.   

The CellPoint is a standalone cellular device that tracks pressure sensor readings at hourly-, or 15-minute intervals, transferring the data log to DataSense, an IoT portal that supports these devices. Beyond mere data collection, the CellPoint not only logs readings but also monitors pressure values at 5-minute intervals. If the pressure exceeds or drops below a predefined threshold, the device initiates sampling at 1-minute intervals. Continuous pressure surges trigger immediate alerts within minutes of event detection. The CellPoint stores 24 readings per day, or even 96 pressure readings per day. Later, this data can be charted and analyzed on DataStream's DataSense IoT Portal. 

With the ability to log pressure data at multiple key nodes across the intricate pipeline network and conduct daily in-depth data analysis, utility companies can elevate their service standards. Logging pressure data at various nodes, combined with granular data analysis, allows for improved service levels, increased customer satisfaction, reduced operational costs, and unparalleled efficiency. 

Key Benefits

  • Pressure Optimization: Multiple transmitters positioned at different points along the main water line allow monitoring of the pressure profile of the system, aiding in identifying variations, drops, or unexpected changes in different parts of the pipeline. 
  • Fault Detection: Comparing readings from multiple transmitters enables the detection of discrepancies or outliers, indicative of a problem in the system, such as a blockage, valve malfunction, or leak. 
  • Performance Monitoring: In industrial or municipal water supply systems, monitoring pressure at multiple points aids in assessing the performance of various components, such as pumps, valves, and regulators. 
  • Enhanced System Control: Multiple transmitters provide data for better control and optimization of the water distribution system, allowing network engineers to make adjustments and maintain desired pressure levels efficiently. 
  • Improved Hydraulic Modeling: Capturing readings from multiple pressure transmitters provides a more accurate representation of the pressure in the main water line, improving the hydraulic model. 
  • Scalability: Monitoring systems with multiple sensors can be easily scaled to accommodate larger water distribution networks or more complex systems. Gradual deployment allows the water utility to improve network management capabilities without significant capital investments. Initially, sensors could be installed at critical nodes, and additional monitoring devices can be spread out along the pipelines.  

For small utilities without a SCADA system, CellPoint becomes an excellent entry point into the real-time monitoring world. It's a smart and affordable investment that pays for itself within months. Scalable, easy to install, and requiring no additional communications infrastructure or power supply, this solution seamlessly integrates with your current setup. It effortlessly elevates your SCADA systems to the next level, providing an advanced and efficient water network management solution.