Deployment of networks ofOptiqua EventLab refractive index sensors

for distribution network monitoring

- a practical case study -Joep van den Broeke

Fraser Williamson, Melchior van Wijlen, Marcel Klein Koerkamp, Jos-Willem VerhoefOptiqua Technologies

Water Quality - distribution networks are the weak link

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Water quality in distribution networks remains largelyunknown and unmonitored• Water Quality is controlled during production• Distribution network is a black box

Water distribution systems are (physically) vulnerable• Accidental contaminations (backflow, ingress, pipe bursts)• Intentional contaminations• Impossible to protect by physical security measures• Ageing assets

Current approach• Relies on grab sampling• incapable of effective monitoring quality and its dynamics• (Pro-)active informing of customers impossible

Need for online, real-time monitoring throughout thedistribution network

Need for online, real-time monitoring throughout thedistribution network

Enables utilitiesto improve

understandingand control of

Infra-structurecondition

TreatmentprocessDistribution

process

Early warning ofwater quality

incidents

Continuousoperational feedback

on water quality

Real time water quality monitoring makes a water networksmarter

Cost savings in multipleareas

Lower operating risk

Improved processstability

Greater safety andsecurity

Improved customersatisfaction

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EventLab:real time monitoring of Drinkwater

MiniLab:System for on site target sensing

Optiqua: provider of innovative sensor technology andsmart monitoring solutions for the water industry

Optical sensor platformPatented and awarded technology

EventLabBased inThe Netherlands & Singapore

MiniLab

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Generic online waterquality monitoring in

the distribution network

Specific (water quality)measurement for

sample based analysis

EventLab

No calibrationNo calibration

Refractive IndexRefractive Index

Minimalmaintenance

Minimalmaintenance

ppm sensitivityppm sensitivity

Full spectrumdetection

Full spectrumdetection

OpticalOptical

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Optiqua EventLab: complete solution for real time continuouswater quality monitoring throughout the network

Controller transmits sensorreadings to SCADA and through

wireless protocol (e.g. GPRS)

Controller transmits sensorreadings to SCADA and through

wireless protocol (e.g. GPRS)

• Sensor network informationprocessed at central data server

• Software algorithms determinenatural variations and flag waterquality incidents

• Network overview accessible viaweb based user interface

• Sensor network informationprocessed at central data server

• Software algorithms determinenatural variations and flag waterquality incidents

• Network overview accessible viaweb based user interface

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3 InternetInternet Internet/VPNInternet/VPN

InternetInternet

ftp server DB server

Web Access to Data

Remote data transmission

EventLab data

How refractive index compares to other water qualityparameters

6 False sense of security

Traditional ArraysResponds to all chemical substances(including chemicals invisible to all other sensors)

Response linear with concentration

Sensitivity for all substances in same orderof magnitude

Sensitivity independent of chemicalreactivity of substance

Response independent of water matrix(temp., ion activity, …)

• Long term stability (no aging)• Fast response time (immediate)

EventLab

How refractive index compares to other water qualityparameters

Responds to all chemical substances(including chemicals invisible to all other sensors)

Response linear with concentration

Sensitivity for all substances in same orderof magnitude

Sensitivity independent of chemicalreactivity of substance

Response independent of water matrix(temp., ion activity, …)

• Long term stability (no aging)• Fast response time (immediate)

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RefractiveIndex

RefractiveIndex

Inorganic

Organic

Full spectrum of dissolvedcomponents

Case Study: Public Utilities Board SingaporeEventLab network deployed throughout Central Business District

PUB is the Singapore national water and wastewater companyproviding services to approx. 5.5 million customers

Vision: implement real-time monitoring in their distributionnetworks

EventLab is a part of water safety and security program

Currently 25 EventLab systems deployed in CBD area (plus 5 attemporary locations)

300 locations identified for island wide roll out

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Case Study: Vitens (the Netherlands)

Vitens is the largest water utility in the Netherlands providingdrinking water to 5.4 million customers

Investing heavily into intelligent water supply. First implementationin Province of Friesland (7300 kilometers of pipes, 300,000connections)

Network of 80 EventLab systems deployed

EventLab formally approved for full scale implementation

Pumping stations/ Reservoirs

Pumping stations/ ReservoirsProduction plantProduction plant End user pointsEnd user points

“The Optiqua EventLabworks and is reliable.The water company isnow determining its

roll-out plan.”

In H2O vol 7/8, 2014the Dutch magazine for

water professionals

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Notification of critical customers

Case study shows how EventLab tracks water quality incidentsthroughout the Vitens network

Sequence of events that led to disruption of waterproduction for 36 hours and water quality incident

Incident was completely missed bytraditional sensors

Software issues at treatment plantafter maintenance led to increase

in water hardness

EventLab detected incident at thesource and tracked it in real time

through the network

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Vitens Case 2: Coloured water distribution resulted incustomer complaints

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Power Outage

During plant restart issues withdecolouring reactor

Plug of Coloured water distributed

Alarm SignalAlarm SignalAlarm Signal

Refractive IndexRefractive IndexRefractive Index

10 m3/h(34 kPa)

31 m3/h(39 kPa)

27 m3/h(32 kPa)

17 m3/h(? kPa)

13 m3/h

18:58

19:01

19:08

19:03

19:04

19:02

Van HallRes. Greuns Makro

Camminghaburen

Carwash

Aldlanstate

EventLab part of smart water network solutionintegration with other components = maximum added value

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Vitens Conclusions

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Added value of Optiqua Eventlab has been demonstrated based on:• Laboratory experiments• Controlled experiments in distribution network• Real events

Challenges:• Optimize Sensor Placement• Reponse strategy• Embed in Utility Organisation

Next Step - Friesland Live!• Province of Friesland will become showcase of Vitens of Next Generation Water

Company

Power OutagePower Outage

Optimising Sensor Placement

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Modelling Sensor Placement Cost Benefit Analysis

Power Outage

Practicalities of sensor placement

Mekorot (Israel)

National water company of Israel.

eThekwini (South Africa)

EventLab network in city of Durban.

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Strong international interest and fast growing commercialtraction

Acciona Agua (Spain)

Network of sensors in Burgos (Spain).

Las Vegas (USA)

EventLab selected for smart water network.Optiqua’s products have been developedin partnership with leading utilities

Further customers include:

Summary

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There is a need for online, real-time water quality monitoring throughout thedistribution network

Optiqua EventLab• Validated and proven in operational networks• Basis for WQ monitoring strategy

Implementation requires organisation• Sensor placement is critical for success• Operational and organisational integration

Optiqua’s Refractive Index Measurement• One technology for monitoring the whole spectrum of dissolved components• Meets requirements for system suitable for deployment throughout distribution

networks where traditional monitoring technologies fall short

For more information

Optiqua Technologies

info@optiqua.com www.optiqua.com

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Thank you for your attention!

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