Most problems start out small, and if spotted early, can fixed without too much expense. But leave them a while and the consequences escalate dramatically. Early detection stops small problems becoming much larger, and reduces waste.
Detecting problems needs appropriate technology. Sensor cost is an issue in distribution applications like water systems, because the expense of a large number of sophisticated monitors may outweigh the benefits. Suitable sensors will be inexpensive yet also robust and reliable, able to survive harsh environments while giving trouble-free operation.
ChemTec flow monitors work with virtually all fluids. Whether the media is drinking water, corrosive gas or acid, and at high or cryogenic temperatures, monitors are available for every fluid and situation. Here are three situations where flow monitors can save money.
Flow Monitoring
Water is a scarce resource in many parts of the world. Every drop must be accounted for and none should be wasted. Yet water infrastructures are aging and leaks are growing in both frequency and magnitude. What utilities need are systems that alert them to problems early.
Flow monitors can be deployed at relatively low cost, triggering an alarm when a variance from normal conditions occurs. This could indicate a breakage downstream, which would increase flow, or upstream, reducing flow at the monitor. A system of distributed monitors helps narrow down the location of the problem, enabling faster response and less waste.
Air Quality Monitoring
Air quality monitors draw in and automatically analyze air samples using gas chromatography to measure air pollutants like ozone. To produce useful data, these samples are captured at dispersed locations and analyzed on-site. That means locating air monitoring stations where they are of maximum value, often on a rooftop or in a field far from road access. Consequently, if a system stops working, getting to it and fixing it is time-consuming and expensive. More important, no data is acquired while the system is out of operation.
Air quality monitors are vulnerable to internal blockages or obstructions. Even something like a spider’s web can impede airflow. Incorporating a flow monitor inside the equipment allows prompt detection of problems like these, allowing corrective action to be taken quickly and minimizing data loss.
Pump Monitoring
Pumps are often distributed across large sites and even, in the case of water distribution and wastewater systems, whole cities. If a pump gradually goes bad – perhaps because of a leaking seal – a flow monitor can detect the resulting change in flow and provide an early warning of problems before it fails completely. That lets Maintenance plan and schedule the repair rather than reacting on a breakdown or emergency basis.
Monitoring Saves Money
Monitoring systems provide early notification of problems, allowing them to be fixed before they become bigger and more expensive. This saves on maintenance costs and reduces process waste. If you want to learn more, start a conversation with ChemTec today.
