Vacuum Sewage System Monitoring for Blockage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum sewage systems in buildings and marine vessels face challenges with blockages and leakage due to deposit formation and small pipe diameters, making detection and localization of issues difficult in large piping networks.
Innovation Solution
Monitoring the operation of the vacuum unit by tracking running time and vacuum levels at multiple positions, using sensors and a counter unit to detect deviations and localize blockages or leaks, and comparing data against reference values to identify and address issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If vacuum piping with small diameter (40-60mm) is used, then space efficiency is improved, but blockage and deposit formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of vacuum level and running time to detect early signs of blockages or deposits before they cause complete system failure. By continuously tracking parameters and comparing against reference values, the system can identify problems in their incipient stages and alert operators to take preventive action.
2Area of stationary object
If large piping network is used, then coverage area is improved, but detection and localization of problems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The piping network is divided into multiple segments or zones, each equipped with its own vacuum sensors. By monitoring vacuum levels in different segments independently, the system can localize problems to specific areas rather than the entire network, making detection and maintenance much more efficient in large-scale installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring through vacuum sensors distributed throughout the piping network. By comparing real-time vacuum level data against reference values and analyzing running time patterns, the system provides feedback that enables automatic detection and localization of blockages, leaks, or deposits in specific segments of the network.
3Productivity
If extended operation is used, then productivity is improved, but leakage and deposit formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system provides continuous feedback on system performance parameters including vacuum level, running time, and sensor readings. By comparing these parameters against reference values established during normal operation, the system can detect deviations that indicate developing problems such as leaks or deposits, enabling early intervention before extended operation causes system failure.
4Reliability
If vacuum unit runs continuously, then vacuum level maintenance is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the vacuum unit operates periodically based on monitored needs. The system uses vacuum sensors and running time monitoring to determine when vacuum levels drop below acceptable thresholds, triggering vacuum unit activation only when necessary. This periodic operation maintains vacuum level stability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for controlling a vacuum sewage system for a building or for a marine vessel, which includes a vacuum unit (11), vacuum piping (7), a source of sewage (91, 92, 93, 94), and a discharge valve (8) between each source of sewage and the vacuum piping, wherein the vacuum unit generates a predetermined vacuum level in the vacuum piping, in which method the operation of the vacuum sewage system is monitored. In order to ensure an efficiently operating vacuum sewage system, the running time of the vacuum unit is monitored and the vacuum level of the vacuum piping is monitored.