IOT – Enabled Aeration Basin Monitoring and Control System
Our goal is to create a smart aeration basin monitoring system that:
- Tracks critical parameters such as DO, pH, temperature, ammonia, TSS, flow rate, and sludge level.
- Automates blower and device controls to optimize energy use.
- Enables real-time remote monitoring and triggers alerts for unusual conditions.
Sensor Integration and Placement
Critical Parameters and Sensors
| Parameter | Sensor | Purpose | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissolved Oxygen (DO) | IoT-compatible DO Sensor | Monitors oxygen for microbial activity | Near aeration diffusers (~1-2 ft below surface) |
| pH | IoT pH Sensor | Tracks acidity/alkalinity for suitable discharge | At the outlet |
| Temperature | IoT Temperature Sensor | Ensures water temperature supports biological activity | Submerged in the center of the basin |
| Ammonia/Nitrate | Ammonia/Nitrate Sensor | Monitors nitrogen levels for treatment | Mid-basin or near the effluent |
| TSS (Turbidity) | TSS Sensor | Evaluates suspended solids and treatment efficiency | Near the outlet |
| Flow Rate | Flow Meter | Monitors water flow entering and exiting | On inlet and outlet pipes |
| Sludge Level | Sludge Blanket Sensor | Tracks sludge depth to prevent overflow | Bottom-center of the basin |
IoT-Enabled Equipment
Hardware Requirements:
- Sensors: IoT-enabled sensors with Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, or Bluetooth capabilities.
- IoT Gateway: Raspberry Pi, ESP32, or LoRaWAN gateway for data collection.
- Cloud Platform: ThingSpeak (free), Blynk, or Ubidots for storage and visualization
Installation and Integration
Sensor Installation
- Secure submersible sensors using brackets or clamps.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for positioning and calibration.
Connect Sensors to Gateway
- Wired Sensors: Use analog-to-digital converters if necessary.
- Wireless Sensors: Connect via Wi-Fi, LoRa, or Bluetooth.
Setting Up IoT Connectivity
Configure the Gateway
- Use Raspberry Pi with software like Node-RED for data handling.
- Connect the gateway to a local Wi-Fi network.
Send Data to the Cloud
- Use APIs like ThingSpeak’s REST API to send sensor data.
- Create separate data channels for each parameter.
Design Dashboards
- Visualize data using graphs for DO, pH, temperature, etc.
- Enable real-time updates and configure thresholds for alerts.
Automate Alerts and Controls
Set Alerts:
- DO < 2 mg/L: Alert to increase blower speed.
- pH < 6.5 or > 8.5: Adjust chemical dosing.
- High sludge blanket: Trigger sludge removal alert.
Integrate Controls:
- Configure the gateway to control actuators (e.g., blowers, valves).
- Example: Increase blower speed automatically when DO drops.
Testing the System
- Simulate various conditions to ensure proper operation of sensors and alerts.
- Example: Manually reduce DO to verify blower response.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Regular Maintenance:
- Clean DO, pH, and TSS sensors monthly to prevent fouling.
- Calibrate sensors periodically as per manufacturer instructions.
Dashboard Monitoring:
- Continuously review data trends for early detection of issues.