Four RoRo-Weigh platforms supplied by industrial weighing specialists Westco Bilanciai have an important role in avoiding over-filling treated sludge containers at the Minehead sewage treatment works.

Four RoRo-Weigh platforms supplied by industrial weighing specialists Westco Bilanciai are playing an important role in ensuring treated sludge containers are not overfilled at the Minehead sewage treatment works. Wessex Water view sludge as an important resource that can be used in a variety ways, including crop fertilisation, land reclamation and energy generation. Their strategy focuses on recycling the valuable nutrients that sludge contains in ways that are safe, environmentally sound and economically sensible.

The sludge from the Minehead works is treated with lime and then de-watered before being transported to farms in closed containers for use as a fertiliser.

The RoRo-Weigh platforms are designed specifically to weigh roll-on roll-off type waste containers during filling operations on site.

Their robust construction ensures these modules can withstand the arduous conditions found at water treatment works, waste sites, building sites and factories.

They are designed to have significant overload capability in excess of their 30 tonne working capacity and the steel deck is supported on four 25 tonne capacity, fully sealed, stainless steel load cells.

The decks have guide rails along their 6.3 metre length and a 'V' shaped end locator.

In this application, precise positioning is important to ensure correct alignment with the inlet pipe from the pumping manifold system.

The wheels of the containers run along sacrificial steel strips set into the deck and these can readily be replaced when they become worn.

After processing, the limed sludge cake, which contains around 30% solids, is pumped at high pressure into the special sealed containers using a positive displacement pump.

The system is completely automatic and the outputs from the four platforms are fed into the plant PLC.

When the container being filled reaches its gross capacity of 16 tonnes, the system either shuts down the pumping process or transfers the sludge to another available container.

Minehead site supervisor, Mark Floyd is delighted with the system and as he explains: 'We process around 2500 tonnes of sludge a year and the weekly throughput can fluctuate especially during the summer months when the population in the area increases.

Therefore we need to ensure efficient and flexible sludge processing and removal.

The weighing system, which has been operational for around two years, has proved to be very reliable and Westco have been extremely supportive throughout the project.

Before the platforms were fitted, we had to 'guesstimate' when the containers were full and this was far from satisfactory.

If we underestimated the filling, the containers went out partly filled, creating transport inefficiency.

However, more often than not, the containers were overfilled and this could result in the doors being forced open - with the obvious consequences.

The system not only controls the filling process but also provides us with important long term weight data'.

Westco Bilanciai is part of the renowned international Bilanciai Group based in Northern Italy.

The second major installation of a new multi stage digestion process is at Bromborough WWTP for United Utilities: it uses Enzymic hydrolysis pre-treatment prior to existing anaerobic digestion

United Utilities have installed a new multi stage digestion process at Bromborough WWTP. This is the second major installation of this technology using Enzymic hydrolysis pre-treatment prior to existing anaerobic digestion. The plant provides increased levels of pathogen reduction and replaces the need for secondary digestion at this site.

In addition the process confers additional process benefits, which include increases gas production and volatile matter destruction.

Since commissioning gas production levels have increased by about 25% from 4500 m3/d to 5500 m3/d.

The plant is designed to treat a maximum sludge throughput of 375 m3/d or 23 TDS per day but will currently operate a lower loading of 270 m3/d 16.5 TDS per day.

The plant has been constructed by Monsal in conjunction with the main framework contractor KMI.

The plant has been fully operational since January 2004.

Monsal are the development partner for United Utilities and the licensee for the hydrolysis technology.

Multi stage digestion is potentially one of the fastest growing technologies for larger centralised digestion facilities, providing a high quality sludge product whilst optimising VS destruction and renewable energy production.

The Enzymic hydrolysis reactor is designed to operate at 42C with a 2 day HRT prior to digestion.

The plug flow rector reactor configuration developed by Monsal and United Utilities is unique and ensures optimal conditions for pathogen reduction and hydrolysis reactions prior to anaerobic digestion.

Monsal are currently completing the detailed design for a larger multi stage digestion facility for the centralised sludge treatment centre at Crewe treating up to 12,000 TDS/annum.

The plant will be constructed by 2005.

Monsal are a specialist company providing environmental products, technology and research capability for the water and waste markets.

Monsal provide sustainable technology for anaerobic digestion, biogas and bioenergy, advanced digestion and specialist processes for the treatment of organic solids and wastewater.

Monsal services range from fundamental research capability through consultancy, design build and optimisation of water and waste projects in our specialist areas.

We work closely with our clients to deliver the most optimal solution.

Watercare Services leads the way in sustainable development embracing the benefits of Sonix ultrasound technology, used on the Mangere Water Reclamation Plant in Auckland, New Zealand

Watercare Services leads the way in sustainable development embracing the benefits of Sonix ultrasound technology. The Mangere Water Reclamation Plant serves the majority of the city of Auckland in North Island, New Zealand - a population of around 800,000 people - and for several months, New Zealand company Watercare Services and UK process engineering specialists Purac have been working in collaboration to find the best value, most sustainable solution to optimise digester performance following recent extensive upgrades to the plant. This is the Worlds largest cell lysis plant with 432kW installed ultrasonic treatment capacity, with provision to extend to 480Kw.

Malcolm Wilkinson is Purac Managing Director: 'The plant at Mangere has undergone recent extensive upgrades to intensify and enhance the treatment processes thereby reclaiming valuable wetland habitat and land area previously used as large oxidation ponds.

Final effluent discharge quality has also been significantly enhanced to meet the new more stringent consent levels.

By improving the digestion process using Sonix ultrasound technology, Watercare Services will be able to realise greater quantities of biogas, making better use of the co-generation facilities on site and significantly reduce the quantity of biosolids produced.

Better digestion stability will make the plant easier to operate, minimising chemical usage for activities such as sludge dewatering, lime stabilisation and foam control'.

Mark Ford is Watercare Services Chief Executive: 'When it opened in April 2003, the Mangere plant was the most sophisticated wastewater treatment plant in the southern hemisphere, featuring banks of pathogen-killing ultraviolet lights.

Now with Sonix ultrasonic cell lysis, we have yet another layer of protection for public health, and the ecological health of the Manukau Harbour.

The improved energy efficiency is consistent with the company's sustainable business development policies'.

Improvements brought about by the use of the Sonix technology will be available almost immediately.

The anticipated payback period for the investment meets Watercare Services stringent investment criteria, making this an exceptionally cost effective, as well as environmentally attractive solution for the advanced treatment of secondary sludge problems around the world.

The Sonix technology is sold through Sonico Ltd, a joint venture company between the global engineering consultancy Atkins Consultants and the process engineering company Purac.

Three Emotron FDU 75 kW variable speed drives control flood relief pumps in Kristianstad, Sweden, because start current and power reductions achieved can reduced overall energy consumption.

Emotron FDU variable speed drives control pumps in Kristianstad, Sweden Pumps and dykes protect Kristianstad against flooding climate change and its consequences are a matter of growing concern. Increasing precipitation causes increasing water flows and several Swedish towns have experienced flooding. Kristianstad is surrounded by water, and Sweden's lowest point (2.41 metres below sea level) is in this area.

To protect the city from flooding, the municipality is investing around SEK 200 million in dykes and pump stations over the next five years, to 2011.

Kristianstad is largely built on seabed that was reclaimed in the 1860s.

Nearby flows the River Helge, which is linked to a canal system passing through the city and discharges into Lake Hammarsjon.

The river has a large catchment area and flows slowly through a flat land-scape.

All this combines to create a high risk of flooding.

Kristianstad faced a serious threat at the beginning of 2002, when large quantities of rain and meltwater resulted in record high water levels.

The River Helge reached 2.15 metres above sea level, compared with the average figure of 0.38 metres.

It was obvious that the old dykes would not hold.

There was a risk that the hospital would be flooded, supplies of electricity, heat and water cut off and schools and homes put under water.

The Rescue Service and the municipality C4 Teknik water and sewage department fought the water for six weeks.

Pumps were operating at high pressure and a pressure bank was built in record time to reinforce the dyke.

It was completed just as the waves began to wash over the edge.

The rescue action was successful: only one park was submerged.

Longer-term measures are now being taken.

In view of climate change, the municipality is playing safe by protecting itself against water flows three times as great as those in 2002.

A total of SEK 200 million is being invested in flood defence works and pump stations up to 2011.

Funds have been sought from the Swedish Rescue Services Agency, which can contribute up to 80% of this amount.

'We currently have five dyke pump stations in operation, with a total capacity of 14,000 litres per second,' says Lennart Hermansen, Works Manager at C4 Teknik: 'Their job will be to pump water from the canal out into the River Helge when there is a risk of flooding'.

Sodra Dammet is one of the pump stations, and a total of SEK 15 million has been invested in it.

Malmberg Water has supplied all the mechanical equipment, such as pumps, pipes, sluice gates and grilles.

The company has also carried out the construction and installation of these.

Project Manager Patrik Almlof stresses the importance of systems thinking in coming up with a solution: 'To find the most cost-effective control, you need to take account of what the pump curve looks like and what the load variations are.

In this case, the Emotron FDU variable speed drive was chosen.

This means we also know we will get reliable delivery and good technical support'.

The canal system is intended to maintain a water level of 0.6-0.9 metres above sea level.

When the water reaches 0.9 metres, the Emotron FDU variable speed drive starts one of three submersible pumps, each with a capacity of 1,000 litres per second.

When the first pump has reached its capacity limit, the next one will start.

A range of measures has been employed for extra reliability.

There are change-over switches so that all pumps can be started directly, and they can also be operated manually.

The pressure sensor is backed up by a rocker, and a mobile reserve power plant can be connected.

GSM technology is used for remote monitoring of the pump station.

The plan was to install softstarters to reduce the start current.

Speed control was not needed.

In the end, the chosen solution was three 75 kW variable speed drives.

The option of reducing both start current and power was decisive.

By lowering the frequency, the current was reduced from 100 A to 50 A, while capacity only fell from 1,000 litres to 800 litres per second.

Energy consumption has been reduced and operation is optimised at all times.

'We are finding more and more advantages with the variable speed drives,' says Lennart Hermansen: 'It was a more expensive solution than we'd planned initially, but it's paid for itself through the energy we save'.

C4 Teknik is now introducing variable speed control in more plants to increase the efficiency of monitoring and alarm functions, thereby reducing the need for manual supervision.

This also levels out the load in sewage treatment plants with large variations in demand, reducing wear on equipment.

Water treatment works are next in line.

'There'll never again be a water treatment works without variable speed control,' says Lennart: 'As a result we avoid all water hammer that causes pipe damage and leaks.

The reduced maintenance and longer pump lifetime more than compensate for the higher cost of investment.

Purac has announced the appointment of Jerry Quickenden who joins the business development department to head up the company's Municipal Solid Waste team.

Purac has announced the appointment of Jerry Quickenden who joins the business development department to head up the company's Municipal Solid Waste team. This is a return to Purac for Jerry who first began working for the company in 1996 before he took a senior role with Anglian Water International, then part of the awg business. Jerry begin his career working with the treatment of industrial and agricultural waste using anaerobic digestion, before moving into project management and then technology development.

He recently returned from working for AWI in China where he was design manager for the Beijing 10 water treatment project, a USD200m project that he managed for two years.

His new role will see him heading up the Purac team developing the company's Municipal Solid Waste resources, maximising on the experience the company already had in the use of anaerobic digestion.

'This is an exciting move for me and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead as we cement relationships with our partners to position ourselves firmly as the leading company in the field of MSW' says Jerry.

'We have a huge raft of relevant experience behind us, along with an impressive list of satisfied customers, who know that Purac delivers what it promises.

Purac Limited has more that 40 years of wide-ranging experience in the field of water, wastewater and sludge treatment for the municipal and industrial sectors - to date there are more than 4000 Purac designed plants in 60 countries around the world.

The company offers process design and project management services and has developed a number of key processing technologies, with clients choosing between turnkey solutions or individual specialist services.

Based at Kidderminster in the Midlands, the Purac 300 UK employees achieve a turnover of around GBP50 million each year.

Employee development is central to the Purac strategy and the company is accredited with Investors in People status.

An IBC Mixer from Chemineer is successfully helping Southern Water achieve greater consistency with the chemicals it uses for a sludge thickening process at Fairlee WWTW.

An IBC Mixer from Chemineer is successfully helping Southern Water achieve greater consistency with the chemicals it uses for a sludge thickening process at Fairlee WWTW, near Newport on the Isle of Wight. Previously, the Polyelectrolyte, which is delivered in IBCs to Southern Water, used to settle, but the Chemineer clamp-on mixers quickly re-suspend the container contents that become settled out during storage. 'The introduction of the Chemineer mixer means that we now benefit from a well-mixed, consistent draw', said Kevin Houghton at Southern Water.

'The Polyelectrolyte no longer thickens up, so we have a much better quality mix to apply to the sludge process'.

Designed for use with industry-standard IBCs of 800 litres and 1000 litres, Chemineer IBC Mixers are also suitable for a wide variety of water industry viscous liquids, highly settled solids and slurries that need to be stirred, agitated, mixed or homogenised.

Significant savings can be made on transfer and cleaning time, and there is an option to add a small hopper to the mixer so that powders can be added if required.

Also benefiting from a folding impeller, the shaft fits through all standard 150mm IBC cap size diameters, after which the unit can be firmly secured in place with fast-action toggle clamps.

The IBC Mixer has a lightweight, stainless steel bridge that can be easily lifted and mounted onto the frame of an IBC by two people, or by simple use of a hoist or forklift.

As a safety measure, the IBC Mixer includes an interlock that immediately switches the mixer off if accidentally lifted when in operation.

Stem Drive have received a contract from Laing O'Rourke for a secondary digester air mixing system for the new fifth digester being constructed at the Thames Water Deephams STW at Edmonton.

Stem Drive have received a contract from Laing O'Rourke for a secondary digester air mixing system for the new fifth digester being constructed by Laing O'Rourke at the Thames Water Deephams STW at Edmonton. This is part of the sludge process stream improvements as a result of increasing sludge loads proposed for the site. The existing four secondary digesters are already fitted with the Stem Drive air mixing system.

The new system will ensure that the contents of the digester are adequately mixed to prevent solids deposition on the base of the tank and to ensure a consistent feed of digested sludge to the sludge dewatering plant.

Stem Drive has won a contract from Severn Trent Water for supply of 26 patented, non-blocking, fluidic mixers for use as mobile mixing units on outlying plants with mixing problems.

Stem Drive has won a contract from Severn Trent Water for supply of 26 patented, non-blocking, fluidic mixers for use as mobile mixing units on outlying plants with mixing problems.

The compressed air powered mixer ensures that the sludge is maintained in a homogeneous state for provision of a consistent feed to the sludge dewatering plant or for shipment by tanker.

Excessive sludge holding tank rag build up, which requires expensive cleaning operations to remove, can be reduced or eliminated.

A 50 tonne, 15 metre, driver operated weighbridge supplied by Calibra Weighing Systems is playing a pivotal role at the Severn Trent sewage treatment works on the outskirts of Kidderminster.

A 50 tonne, 15 metre, driver operated weighbridge supplied by Calibra Weighing Systems is playing a pivotal role at the Severn Trent sewage treatment works on the outskirts of Kidderminster. The surface mounted steel weighbridge has been installed as part of a GBP1.4 million upgrade at the site, carried out by main contractors Edmund Nuttall Limited. Calibra Weighing have a long-standing working partnership with Severn Trent and have already installed similar weighbridge systems at nine other sites across their operating region.

The Kidderminster site processes raw sewage coming directly into the treatment works and also that brought in by tanker from surrounding pumping stations and storage tanks.

The sewage goes through a comprehensive treatment process before ending up as digested sludge cake and clean water.

The cake, which has the look and feel of garden compost, contains substantial quantities of nutrients, important trace elements and organic matter.

Severn Trent are investing significant time and money improving the treatment process at their sites in order to increase the amount of treated sewage that can go to agricultural use.

Strict controls on its processing and distribution ensure that it can be safely used by farmers to meet crop nutrient requirements and maintain soil fertility.

Severn Trent offer a comprehensive free support package for the farming community including soil analysis and advice on how much, and where, the sludge cake can used on their land.

This takes into account critical environmental issues and as a result strict records have to be maintained relating to the quantities of sludge cake delivered.

The weighing process at Kidderminster is fully automatic and this allows extended operating periods for the weighbridge.

The system, which is fitted with a master weight terminal at one end and slave key reader at the other, can be used to weigh product entering and leaving the site.

The main terminal enclosure has been designed in close co-operation with Severn Trent and incorporates the Calibra versatile 788 weight module, a thermal ticket printer, GSM modem and integral heater.

The 788 has a wealth of standard features and interfaces, and unlike most competitive products, its functionality can be readily adapted through the standard software.

The optically encoded keys are encoded with a unique hex number which accesses the data base of the 788.

When a vehicle enters the weighbridge, it triggers the induction loop in the entry ramp, automatically setting the system to zero, ready for weighing.

For a vehicle entering the site, the driver stops opposite the slave unit and places his key in the reader.

Each key, which can be easily carried on the drivers key ring, can be programmed to contain specific details of the vehicle, including registration number, contractor name and tare weight.

If the key is accepted, the first weighing is carried out and temporarily stored.

At the same time the green light on the reader is activated allowing the vehicle off the bridge.

If the vehicle is empty, the system checks the weight reading with the stored tare value and flags up any discrepancies outside a preset tolerance.

When the empty vehicle has been loaded the weighing process is repeated.

This time the vehicle enters the bridge from the other end and stops opposite the main 788 terminal.

The driver places his key in the reader and this initiates the second weighing.

Depending on the vehicle designation, the driver may be prompted to press the appropriate button on the 788 display to acknowledge whether the product being transported is raw or digested sewage.

If the weighing is accepted the driver is issued with a printed ticket.

The weighing process is broadly similar for loaded vehicles bringing raw sewage into the site.

Details of each and every weighing are stored within the main terminal and at the end of every day the information is emailed directly from the weighbridge to designated recipients in Excel spreadsheet format.

In the event of power failure, the system can store up to a weeks data in its flash memory.

As the Severn Trent Area Manager for Sludge Recycling Keith Pryce concludes: 'The Calibra weighbridge system is playing an important role in our process at a growing number of treatment sites, providing comprehensive weight and vehicle information.

We currently send around 350,000 tonnes of recycled sludge cake to agriculture annually and this is growing steadily.

There are very strict controls on the application of treated sewage on agricultural land and we have to keep detailed records on the amount delivered to specific farms.

Demand varies significantly throughout the year and the driver operated system gives us optimum flexibility.

Monsal have achieved certification of their MBOS system to the BS EN ISO14001:2004 and OHSAS18001:1999 standards, confirming on-going commitment to Health and Safety, Environmental and Quality.

Monsal have recently achieved certification of their MBOS system to the BS EN ISO 14001 : 2004 and OHSAS 18001 : 1999 standards. The Monsal Business Operating System (MBOS) is now fully certified to the relevant Health and Safety, Environmental and Quality standards. Monsal are already cerified to ISO 9001:2000.

In addition Monsal have been assessed via the UVDB Verify scheme and our management systems achieved the following scores: Health and safety - 90% Environment - 75% Quality - 100% This triple success and very high verify scores confirms our on-going commitment to our clients to exceed their expectations with respect to Health and Safety, Environmental and Quality standards.

Monsal are a specialist company providing environmental products, technology and research capability for the water and waste markets.

Monsal provide environmental technology for anaerobic digestion, biogas and bioenergy, advanced digestion and specialist processes for the treatment of organic solids and wastewater.

Monsal services range from fundamental research capability through consultancy, design build and optimisation of water and waste projects in our specialist areas.

We work closely with our clients to deliver the most optimal solution.

Monsal are a market leader in the provision of advanced digestion and renewable energy technology.

Purac has signed a license agreement for the BTA waste pre-treatment and anaerobic digestion process (The BTA Process) with Munich-based Biotechnische Abfallverwertung GmbH and Co

BTA process plus Purac 'knowhow' offers an impressive pedigree in waste treatment. Purac has signed a license agreement for the BTA waste pre-treatment and anaerobic digestion process (The BTA Process) with Munich-based Biotechnische Abfallverwertung GmbH and Co. The license agreement is exclusive for the UK and Ireland.

The BTA process involves a pre-treatment system where biodegradable organic materials present in wastes are pulped with water in a patented 'hydro-pulper' to form an organic slurry.

Plastics, dense inerts, grit and glass are removed from the pulped waste, and the clean pulp is then pasteurised and treated in an anaerobic digester producing an energy rich biogas and a stabilised compost-like material for recycling.

One advantage of the BTA process is that contaminating materials are separated out right at the start of the process, optimising the quality of the treated material for recycling, and maximising the biogas yield.

The wet separation system effectively removes batteries, metals, plastics and glass from the waste prior to treatment leaving a high quality organic material for recycling as compost.

The BTA process has 26 reference plants worldwide of all sizes and types - more references on solid waste than any other anaerobic digestion process.

Added to the Purac extensive track record in anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge, with over 20 anaerobic digestion plants installed in the UK over the past 15 years, with project values up to GBP25 million, the future for Purac new business looks bright.

Jerry Quickenden heads up the Purac Solid Waste team: 'Today, Purac can offer a proven anaerobic digestion process for solid waste and a proven turnkey delivery capability to clients throughout the UK and Ireland.

This move will be a major factor in the success of our new business development as we establish ourselves as major players in the solid waste treatment technology sector over the next few months.'

The Island of Jersey, with a population of 87,500 relies on one main waste treatment plant, so for proven reliability, Watson Marlow Bredel pumps are chosen for critical sludge pumping duties.

The Island of Jersey, with a population of 87,500, relies on one main waste treatment plant in the town of St Helier, the Bellozanne Depot. Here, all solid waste, and liquid waste from the 110 pumping stations is treated. For a small island with limited space and high dependence on one site, the States of Jersey Public Services Department needed to be sure of a totally reliable and effective pumping solution that could deal with the peaks and troughs of the holiday season and operate 24/7 - so they turned to Watson-Marlow Bredel.

Over the years, Public Service Stores, part of the Jersey Government, have grown to trust a high level of service, quality and performance from Watson-Marlow Bredel peristaltic pumps and hoses.

The Bellozanne Depot uses Watson-Marlow Bredel SP100 high flow, high-pressure hose pumps for primary sludge transfer and digester feed.

Matthew McNulty, Purchasing Office for Public Service Stores comments: 'With increasingly stringent levels of discharge consent and the need to constantly reduce operating costs, these critical processes must be carried out reliably.

That is why we have continued to use Watson-Marlow Bredel pumps over the last 20 years.

They provide consistent and accurate performance and are self-priming and dry-running.' The six SP100 pumps at Bellozanne Depot feed sewerage from settlement tanks into digesters, where all the methane gas is used as an energy source for other processes.

The sludge is then moved to a drying plant where the moisture is removed and the remainder made into pellets.

The remaining finer effluent goes on to be completely processed in the secondary treatment and ultra violet plants.

Philip Bolton, Business Development Manager from Watson-Marlow Bredel explains the benefits of peristaltic pumps in sewerage treatment.

'With traditional positive displacement technology such as progressive cavity pumps, operating costs are very high.

When pumping abrasive sludge there is excessive wear on stators and rotors, and the cavity design also means that fluid cannot be pumped as quickly or effectively.

By adopting peristaltic technology, these problems are eliminated.

The use of reinforced hoses that can easily be replaced also eliminates downtime associated with mechanical failure and the pumps are considerably cheaper to maintain.' Designed for continuous operation at pressures up to 16 bar/220 psi, the SP100 can easily handle most sewage treatment applications.

The simple glandless 'straight through' construction without valves, vanes or impellers can deal with heavy-duty waste treatment substances, including viscous and abrasive sludges and slurries, and other solid and semi solids.

Landia heat-processing plant enables environmental and commercial use of animal by-products and waste at biogas plants: the Landia Biochop prepares and heat treats organic by-products.

Landia Heat-processing plant enables environmental and commercial use of animal by-products and waste at biogas plants. The BioChop adheres to recently introduced European Regulations (17774/2002), which now permit this process, so long as these products have first been heat-treated at 70deg C for at least one hour. This innovative heat-processing plant includes heat jacket, pump, mixing system with stainless steel valves, automatic control and a monitor.

With a proven track record in Scandinavia, the Landia BioChop has, for example, been installed at a 500 kW farm biogas plant, where flotation sludge from fish processors and fat and pig skin remnants from snack producers are processed to substrate.

If required, the substrate can then be pumped to the fermenter or to the digester or covered slurry tank.

Suitable for Category-3 by-products and waste, the Landia BioChop heat treatment plant is located in the process before the digester and thus serves not only as a heating unit but also as mixing chamber for the products received at the plant.

Typically containing large dry matter particles which need to be chopped, macerated and mixed with liquid, the Landia heat treatment plant is designed to ensure that it can chop and mix the products and pump the substrate to the digester - all by the same pump.

No moving parts are in the tank, and maintenance costs are minimal because the only part that needs to be maintained is the pump.

Solartron Mobrey announces the first Profibus digital communications option for sludge monitoring and wet wells, allowing much reduced costs associated with installation and commissioning.

Solartron Mobrey announces the first Profibus digital communications option for sludge monitoring and wet wells. The company market leading MSL600 sludge blanket level sensor, MSM400 suspended solids density meter and MSP900SP level sensor are all now available with Profibus, enabling cost and efficiency savings for water processing and industrial effluent treatment plants. The Profibus industry standard communications protocol allows system integrators to multiplex a whole series of instruments from different manufacturers on one two-wire loop.

Set-up and interrogation, including data logging and analysis for all the instruments, can be carried out from a single PC or hand-held communicator in the control room, or anywhere on the loop.

As a result companies can significantly reduce costs associated with installation and commissioning.

The Solartron Mobrey range for water and effluent processing includes instruments for level measurement in wet wells and settlement tanks, and measurement of percentage suspended solids in sludges and slurries.

Systems are available for applications from basic compliance with Environmental Agency regulations for final effluent discharge, to more complex measurements including clarifier tank levels and suspended solids measurements, flocculent dosing and sludge density.

Marketing Manager Tim Chettle comments: 'We are the first manufacturer to be able to offer Profibus for sludge monitoring.

We have taken this step in response to demand from the industry and the growing popularity of Profibus, especially for new-build sites.

The installed base of Profibus instruments world-wide has topped 10M and there are now more than 2,500 Profibus-compatible products.

It is a growing market, and Solartron Mobrey is committed to maintaining its lead by continuing to bring out new products which help customers monitor their processes more efficiently.'