Remote Pressure Monitoring System
Several years ago, Mueller began a journey to develop a user friendly and cost-effective technology to continuously and remotely monitor pressure at any point within a potable water distribution system. The technology involves threading a sensor onto a corporation valve to transmit pressure readings. The pressure sensor, typically installed two (2) per District Metering Area (DMA), reports at user-defined intervals via cellular service and a Mueller-hosted secure web server. Beginning with pressure monitoring, Mueller has created a communications backbone that utilities can integrate into its monitoring systems or use as a stand-alone monitoring platform. This technology is currently available in North America.
Why Monitor Pressure in the Distribution System?
Pressure management in pipe networks are fundamental to providing safe drinking water. The loss of pressure can allow ground water to contaminate the distribution system. Fluctuations in pressure can affect the physical integrity of pipes. Surges in pressure have been known to create additional leaks, main breaks and/or dramatically reduce infrastructure life. Pressure management can also save money. Accurate pressure data allows system operators to reduce leakage volumes, energy costs, system maintenance costs, customer complaints, and water quality problems.
- Reduce unaccounted for (non-revenue) water (NRW)
- Identify potential infrastructure failures related to pressure fluctuations which can lead to significant repair costs.
- Reduce pumping and energy costs
- Improve public safety