Statistical features and expert knowledge for monitoring operating efficiency and conditions of wastewater treatment pumps

Abstract

Wastewater treatment requires energy-intensive technology. The demand for industrial and residential wastewater treatment is increasing, and it has been widely accepted that low energy consumption and high operating efficiencies are essential to achieve high operating benefits in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, characteristic parameters of equipment operation were collected and subject to statistical analysis for trend observations in combination with expert knowledge to monitor equipment operating conditions. A methodology was developed to monitor and assess operating efficiencies of industrial equipment while not interfering with the existing operation. The proposed methodology was applied to monitor the pump efficiency in a WWTP. The results showed that the new methodology resulted in real-time acquisition of statistical operating data and enabled online detection of abnormal pump operation. The energy loss to low operating efficiencies of a malfunctioning pump was prevented, thereby allowing the pump to operate at high efficiency with an extended equipment life.