In Ninove, Belgium, wastewater was mistakenly entering the rainwater drainage system, but traditional methods failed to locate the exact sources. De Watergroep partnered with Fluves to deploy a high-precision Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) system, using fiber optic technology to detect and resolve these discharges efficiently. Here’s how our innovative approach led to actionable insights and improved wastewater management.
Challenge
In the residential area of Ninove, Belgium, wastewater discharges were detected in the rainwater drainage system. However, pinpointing the exact locations of these discharges proved challenging with conventional methods. De Watergroep turned to Fluves for a high-precision solution using a Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) monitoring system.
Solution
Fluves Sewer uses fiber optic-based DTS technology to detect inflow and infiltration in sewer systems by measuring temperature variations. DTS systems can continuously monitor temperature along fiber optic cables with high accuracy (≤ 0.5°C), providing precise data every meter for up to 50 kilometers. To identify wastewater discharges, Fluves installed four fiber optic cables - totaling approximately 2.5 km - in the sewers of the affected residential area. These cables, connected to a battery-powered DTS system, continuously monitored temperature fluctuations over a two-week period. Since wastewater entering a rainwater system increases the sewage temperature, any hotspots detected along the fiber optic cables indicated potential discharge locations.
Results
Fluves Sewer software successfully identified multiple wastewater discharges within the drainage system. The analysis pinpointed four locations where household wastewater systems were incorrectly connected to the rainwater drainage pipes. This data provided De Watergroep with the insights needed to take corrective action, improving wastewater management and ensuring environmental compliance.
This innovative monitoring approach demonstrates the power of fiber optic DTS technology in solving complex sewer infiltration challenges efficiently and accurately.
More information
Visit Fluves Sewer download our leaflet about sewer monitoring with fiber optics or let’s have a chat via about s monitoring with fiber optics or let’s have a chat via sales@fluves.com.
