Remote monitoring is, in essence, all about return on investment. That’s because monitoring wastewater treatment equipment is an economical way to provide immediate notification of potential malfunctions that can lead to costly breakdowns. Modern treatment systems typically include alarms that alert operators when a malfunction occurs. However, remote monitoring systems also offer data logging functionality and are available with a variety of different sensors. This enables operators to perform predictive maintenance, prevent unscheduled shutdowns and optimize the best efficiency point of the pumps and components.

The Sentinel PRO from Sensaphone is just such a system, providing water and wastewater facility operators easy, cost-efficient 24/7 remote monitoring of equipment and environmental conditions. The system seamlessly interfaces with any water or wastewater processing equipment that uses a programmable logic controller. And according to the company, the system is ideal for water and wastewater professionals because it easily integrates devices, polls Modbus registers from other equipment and delivers critical system-wide data.

The proof is in the system’s capabilities. Supporting both Modbus RTU-485 and TCP protocols, the system can monitor up to 64 Modbus registers. In addition, the system accommodates 12 universal external digital or analog status sensors to monitor conditions including power, pump status, tank level, turbidity, flow rate, pressure, temperature, humidity and water leaks. It sends immediate notification via text, email or phone call when sensor readings move outside of preset parameters, which can indicate potential costly threats to pumps and systems, along with environmental and safety impact.

For instance, if treatment systems are left unattended and the equipment malfunctions, it could be some time before someone realizes the system failed. This could result in releasing untreated effluent, contaminating the environment, and receiving fines and citations from regulators as well as public scorn. 

The cloud-based Sentinel PRO system is also a data acquisition device that lets users log information quickly and easily. Operators review data, set alarms, acknowledge alerts and generate reports from a mobile device, tablet or computer via the dedicated website or free app. Sensaphone manages and provides its own secure cloud platform that its in-house engineering and IT team services 24/7. For remote locations without internet or Ethernet connectivity, a 4G cellular Sentinel PRO system is available.

855-807-1887; www.sensaphone.com