Micromonitoring Weir for Sewer Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring wastewater flow in sanitary sewer systems are inefficient and costly, as they often require invasive installation, obstruct the flow, and struggle with low flow rate measurements, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
A micromonitoring device and method that uses a surface-insertable design with a micromonitoring weir having a zero-slope leading edge and short central radial height to minimize obstruction, allowing for accurate measurement of low and high flow rates without clogging, and enabling long-term installation without causing build-ups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flow measurement devices are installed in sewer systems, then flow rate can be measured, but the devices obstruct flow and cause clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow measurement function from a solid obstructing device and implements it through a surface-insertable sensor that measures flow parameters (velocity, depth) without physically blocking the sewer stream. The sensing probe detects flow characteristics at the pipe surface rather than requiring the device to be submerged or installed within the flow path, eliminating the obstruction problem while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical flow measurement devices (which physically obstruct flow) with a sensor-based measurement system. The sensing probe uses electromagnetic or acoustic fields to measure flow velocity and depth non-contactingly, substituting mechanical obstruction with field-based detection. This allows accurate flow rate measurement without the device generating harmful flow obstruction or clogging.
2Measurement precision
If invasive installation methods are used for flow measurement devices, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow measurement function into separate measurable parameters (velocity, depth) that can be detected by surface-insertable sensors rather than requiring a single complex invasive installation. The device can be installed at the pipe surface using simple insertion mechanisms, avoiding the need for complex underground installation procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy through multi-parameter detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a surface-insertable sensor as an intermediary between the flow and the measurement system. Instead of directly installing measurement devices within the sewer stream (invasive method), the sensor acts as a mediator that detects flow parameters at the pipe surface, providing accurate measurements without requiring complex invasive installation. The surface insertion point serves as the intermediary location for non-intrusive measurement.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If devices are installed long-term in sewer systems, then continuous monitoring is possible, but maintenance costs increase due to build-ups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from devices that remain permanently embedded in the flow path (which accumulate debris) and implements it through surface-insertable sensors that can be easily removed and replaced. The sensing probe is designed to be inserted at the pipe surface and can be quickly withdrawn for maintenance or replacement, eliminating the maintenance burden associated with long-term embedded devices while enabling continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static, permanently installed measurement devices to a dynamic installation approach where the sensor can be easily inserted and removed from the pipe surface. This dynamic characteristic allows the device to maintain long-term monitoring capability while enabling simple maintenance operations. The sensor can be quickly replaced if debris accumulation or damage occurs, reducing maintenance costs compared to permanent installations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables cost-effective and efficient measurement of wastewater flow, reducing maintenance costs and allowing for prolonged device usage, while effectively identifying infiltration and inflow sources through iterative measurements and secondary identification methods.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing probe attached to the band for measuring wastewater characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for monitoring sanitary sewer systems designed to carry away wastewater through a system of buried pipes, often referred to as “sewer lines”, to a sewage treatment facility, the apparatus and method use a weir which facilitates the collection of flow rate data in the sewer lines which in turn facilitates the determination of infiltration and inflow (“I/I”) of rain water, or clear water, into the sewer system in a manner which further allows the identification of specific I/I locations so that repair and construction of sewer systems can be efficiently coordinated.