Street-Level Smart Water Quality Monitoring

ATi’s tried and trusted MetriNet technology has been developed into a new, innovative Street Level Smart Water Quality Monitoring solution.  Housed within a secure and serviceable telemetry bollard, we now offer a new way of delivering ultra-low powered, multi-parameter, real-time monitoring for optimised, smart networks.

Featuring our class-leading M-Node digital water quality sensors and Q52 controller, incorporated inside a robust, flame retardant and vandal resistant telemetry bollard, this new solution enables distributed water quality monitoring without the concerns associated with below ground-level installations.

ATi’s KIWA UK Regulation 4 (KUKreg4) approved system, utilises all the experience and expertise that ATi has earned over three decades of working closely with water utilities around the world. Analysing water quality data from the range of MetriNet smart M-Node sensors, we are able to extract deeper, real-time insights, allowing water utilities to enhance operational efficiencies.

Housing the MetriNet system within a robust, flame retardant and vandal resistant telemetry bollard delivers a safe and serviceable solution that enables distributed smart water quality monitoring, without the worries associated with below ground-level installations.

MetriNet is a pioneering, field-proven breakthrough in water quality monitoring, with 16 parameters to choose from.

Its smart sensor technology offers a sustainable solution with zero water wastage, helping to meet environmental targets, drive down complaints and create real-time awareness of water quality throughout the network. By using actionable insights, MetriNet ensures the efficient delivery of high-quality water in an environmentally friendly way.

Deploying a neural network of MetriNet’s digital smart M-Node sensors at critical locations throughout the water distribution system offers customers continuous, real-time assurances and evidence-based proof that the water is safe. MetriNet will predict events, loss of disinfection, taste, odour, discoloration, bursts or leaks, providing a network that measures, thinks, predicts and takes actions. Timely warnings and analysis of network anomalies then allows operational staff to react before costly failures develop.

MetriNet’s KIWA approved, smart technology also allows samples to be immediately returned back to the network*, resulting in zero wastage. There is no cumulative leakage as the sampled water re-joins the mains flow.

*Requires 0.5 bar difference between inlet and outlet.

Features & specifications

• Accepts up to 8 M-Node sensor inputs
• Stores data at user defined intervals from 0.1-60 minutes
• Stores over 300K values, or 30 days of data for 8 sensors at 1 minute data interval
• Options for cellular modem, Wi-Fi, or wired Modbus, Ethernet/IP, or Profibus DP
• Internal Micro-SD RAM card provides data backup in the event of communication problems
• Addition of a low power solenoid valve allows intermittent sample flow
• Sensor diagnostics report problems in clear message form
• Zero and span data stored internally so calibration can be done anywhere
• Internal clock records total run time on the sensor
• Calibration timer can alert users when calibration is due
• Two alarm set points are available

Applications

Due to it’s modular build flexibility, individual M-Node sensors and RTU’s can be specified creating unique and bespoke monitoring solutions for:

• Mains Conditioning
• Chlorine Decay Modelling
• Leakage
• Flow Reversal
• Flushing
• Network Resilience
• Legionella
• Renal Dialysis
• HVAC
• Food and Beverage

M-Node digital water quality sensors

At the heart of the MetriNet solutions are ATi’s industry-leading M-Nodes, complete smart, digital sensors and transmitters housed in miniaturised bodies with the ability to measure 16 water quality parameters.

M-Nodes are equivalent to traditional online instruments and are connected to the water supply using a purpose designed ‘click-connect’ flow cell arrangement. M-Nodes are connected in series to minimise water usage and can run at pressures up to 6 bar. M-Nodes are ultra low-powered and run autonomously for years at a time on small batteries. Alternatively, they can be powered from a local plc or telemetry system.

Flexibility is key with M-Nodes, they can be connected to any data gathering system. The modular nature enables users to assemble a bespoke monitoring package that fits individual site requirements. All M-Nodes plug directly into the MetriNet system and are powered directly from the communications bus.

MetriNet Q51 Portable Controller

The Q51 is a battery-powered device that supports our digital M-Node water quality sensor applications. It can be used with our MetriNet smart water quality system to calibrate or configure individual sensors, or as a complete stand-alone data logger to run M-Node sensors directly. The controller communicates with the Modbus RTU protocol.

Each M-Node is a complete Modbus smart transmitter with a submersible multi-pin connector on the back. If only one sensor is being used, the sensor is connected directly to the controller. If more than one sensor is used, the controller plugs directly into the multi-sensor bus bar, allowing for easy access to all M-Node sensors.

MetriNet User Interface (MUI)

For a complete solution, M-Nodes can also be connected to the MetriNet User Interface (MUI). The MUI connects to up to 8 M-Nodes and connects to the outside world in via any ‘ftp’ based system – operating as independent modules that can be linked via a communication bus. The MUI also has on board data-logging with vast data storage capabilities. All M-Nodes plug directly into MetriNet systems and are powered directly from the communications bus. M-Nodes may be added or removed as needed and removal of an M-Node will not affect system measurements. Sensor and bus connectors are IP-67 rated for maximum signal protection.