Anglian trials IoT monitoring for sewer vacuum systems

Anglian Water has begun monitoring sewer vacuum systems with internet of things (IoT) technology to reduce pollution from blockages in its networks.

Working with PSI Technologies, the proof-of-concept trial will enable technicians to respond quickly to incidents in the vacuum system before any spillages occur.

Anglian chose a sewer in Lincolnshire made up of 44 chambers to trial the system, which will be the first time the company employed an IoT network to monitor underground assets.

Flood level and pressure sensors were installed in hard-to-reach locations to make data collection possible. The sensors use digital twin technology to improve management of the system by sending out an alarm notification when network performance deteriorates. Pressure levels are read via self-sustained gateways, powered by solar panels, which communicate with the sensors in the vacuum system.

The geo-located sensors can pinpoint the location of failure, which should reduce the need for repeat visits. The system allows the water company to plan work on the network, along with any traffic management and risk assessments needed, to cut down response time for repair jobs.

Adam Jessop, project lead for Anglian’s recycling optimisation team, who previously worked as a technician on the network, said the equipment allows the team to visualise the network to prevent historical issues that previously cost a lot of time and money to investigate.

“This system will also allow us to pinpoint the first failure point when we have issues with low pressure in vacuum systems,” Jessop said.

Following the success of the initial trial, the company will expand the scheme to a larger, urbanised, network of 99 chambers in Peterborough. The company said it hoped to improve pump stations performance monitoring with the equipment. Anglian said the technology could be a valuable tool for use in new build communities that are more likely to have sewer vacuum systems.