FOR CONSULTING AND UTILITY ENGINEERS. Delivering the Next Generation in I&I Detection and RDII Modeling

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1 FOR CONSULTING AND UTILITY ENGINEERS Delivering the Next Generation in I&I Detection and RDII Modeling

2 itracking Overview 4-5 I&I Micro Detection 6-11 Data-Rich RDII Modeling itracking Explained 18 2

3 A New Standard in I&I Detection and RDII Modeling The latest EPA Report (EPA/600/R-12/690) and WEF Fact Sheet (WSEC-2017-FS-001) recommending solutions for mitigating the adverse effects of inflow and infiltration (I&I) focuses on enhanced methods for resolving the problem. These include: The use of long-term data collection rather than single event simulations to evaluate collection system performance and potential improvements. Prioritization of sub-sewersheds for field investigations to support condition assessment. Performing pre and post-sewer rehabilitation RDII analysis. itracking is a next generation technology capable of achieving the most current goals of both the US EPA and WEF. itracking doesn t just detect sources of I&I, it micro detects them down to a pair of adjacent manholes and it does it all safely and cost-effectively without the requirement for confined space entry, repetitive maintenance and hazardous in the road data retrieval. itracking : High Resolution I&I Detection and RDII Modeling Current Method itracking itracker Regional Flow Meter Regional Flow Meter 3

4 Collection System Intelligence Where and When You Need It In order for consulting and utility engineers to increase their success rate in building models from which reasonable predictions of future performance can be made in addition to pinpointing the 20% of the collection network responsible for contributing 80% of the I&I, an advanced technology needed to be developed that was not just inexpensive but also had the capability to accurately monitor the lower flows found in the upper reaches of wastewater conveyance networks. Thanks to recent advances in digital technology, micro-detecting areas of I&I is now possible through the seamless integration of low cost sensors, wireless connectivity and high powered analytical software. itracking s capability to quickly locate and measure I&I after just a single rainstorm is only one of its many advantages. Its patented technology also eliminates the need for confined space entry, repetitive maintenance, on-site data retrieval and costly and labor-intensive nighttime flow isolation. It All Starts with the Sensor State-of-the-art itracker sensors operating on userselectable time schedules continuously track system performance by measuring and recording volumetric changes in wastewater levels between dry days and wet weather events. Upon downloading of logged data to a laptop or PC running itracking software, uniquely developed algorithms convert each volumetric change to its corresponding value in gallons per minute. Non-Contact Sensor Weight: 1.9 lbs Dual Lithium Batteries Wi-Fi or Cellular Enabled Minute Installation Integrated Data Logger itracker sensor installation is accomplished in just minutes without confined space entry. Sensor calibration is completed in less than 5 minutes with any Wi-Fi enabled smart device. Messing with cables and wires along with continual sensor maintenance becomes a thing of the past. 4

5 Technology Overview Results with the Click of a Button A critical step for successful I&I evaluation studies and RDII modeling of wastewater collection systems is the ability to decompose all of the collected dry and wet weather performance data into base discharge volume, groundwater contribution and the extraneous amounts of volume due to the effects of inflow and infiltration during both dry and wet seasons. The analytical process of determining base, groundwater and I&I contributions can then be utilized to determine the sources and quantities of flows within the network. Additionally, the resulting analytics will determine whether the contribution of excessive RDII and groundwater flow components are the cause of SSOs and other operational problems. With conventional flow monitoring methods, once the data has been collected and transferred to a software analysis program, the tedious and time-consuming process of analyzing the information and creating reports begins. Not so with itracking. ITracking s advanced analytical programs perform each operation automatically within a few minutes. After downloading of sensor data to the itracking software program, by simply pushing a button, proprietary algorithms perform the functions necessary for producing a wide array of charts, graphs and reports describing the exact state of the collection infrastructure as it relates to the effects of both groundwater and Rain-Derived Inflow and Infiltration (RDII). Wastewater Grid Analysis Why is itracking analytical software so powerful? In addition to the fact that simple to understand bar charts are generated at a glance depicting those basins most responsible for contributing the greatest amounts of RDII, the EPA s recommendation that a need exists for the prioritization of sub-sewersheds for field investigations to support condition assessment can now become a standard part of the sewershed analysis process by utilizing itracking s enhanced software capabilities. Everyone agrees with the EPA concerning the sub-sewershed recommendation, but when looking at real world conditions, in most situations, sub-sewersheds are configured in a serial pattern and one must now be capable of subtracting the flows from one micro-basin (sub-sewershed) from the one directly above it. Not an easy task to accomplish with presently available flow monitoring software. itracking accomplishes the subtraction procedure automatically with just the click of a button allowing for the analysis of micro-basins as small as a single set of adjoining manholes. Data is wirelessly transmitted from field-based itracker sensors to any location designated by the user. Simple to comprehend charts, graphs and consolidated reports are presented with the click of a button. Once a site map is configured, the process of subtracting one site from the next is automatically initiated. 5

6 6 Driving the Digital Revolution in I&I Detection

7 I&I Micro Detection Introducing I&I MICRO DETECTION What municipalities and utilities are ultimately interested in accomplishing is NOT to measure each gallon of I&I but to quickly and cost-efficiently PINPOINT those areas within the collection network responsible for contributing the greatest influx of rain and groundwater. This is exactly what Eastech s itracking Micro Detection technology is designed to achieve; locate inflow and infiltration down to an adjacent pair of manholes simply, safely, quickly and affordably. Hundreds of independent flow studies have confirmed that 80% of I&I resides in just 20% of the collection network. It is in this 20% of the system that I&I needs to be exposed. Conventional Doppler-type flow meters, while able to measure flows in larger basins (2-4 miles) where wastewater levels remain at heights satisfactory for covering their "bottom-sitting sensors, have proven themselves incapable of providing the necessary high resolution monitoring required for micro detecting I&I in the smaller diameter pipes (8"-12") that make up 85% of almost every collection system. This shortcoming presented itself to Eastech as an opportunity for developing a solution not currently available with conventional flow metering devices. The key to itracking is the seamless integration of low-cost sensors, wireless connectivity and automated analytical software, delivering results where portable flow meters fall short. itracker Wi-Fi and cellular-enabled sensors simply and safely record wastewater levels from 0 100% pipe ID between dry day periods and wet weather events and then convert those changes in level to volumetric differences in flow through the use of uniquely developed algorithms embedded within the itracking software program. With the simple click of a button, bar graphs, pie charts and operating performance reports are clearly presented detailing the contribution of I&I for each mini and micro-basin within the area under investigation. In many instances, the problem is pinpointed down to an adjacent pair of manholes without the requirement for expensive monitoring equipment, confined-space entry, repetitive maintenance or "in the road" data retrieval. The time period to pinpoint faulty infrastructure could be as quick as a single rain event. This one storm approach is the biggest factor in delivering a successful and cost saving I&I detection study. 7

8 I&I Micro Detection I&I Micro Detection is achieved by strategically placing itracker sensors upstream of a regional flow meter allowing for changes in wastewater volume to be observed in mini and micro-basins down to 1/10. Unlike conventional flow meters that suffer from the effects of debris and measurement limitations, itracker maintenance-free sensors are capable of accurately measuring collection system performance on streets with a minimal amount of homes or commercial facilities. itracking (Mini Basin I&I Detection) itracker sensors are strategically distributed within each major basin responsible for allowing the entry of excess volumes of ground and storm water Flow Meter 1 itracker At a glance itracking analytics automatically identify the mini basins (1, 2, 5 & 8) responsible for contributing the highest percentages of I&I. GPD 60,000 50,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 AVERAGE I&I VOLUME (GPD) ,000 5, MINI BASINS 8

9 I&I Micro Detection Zeroing in on the Problem By simply relocating the itrackers from a mini to a micro-basin configuration, itracking technology pinpoints the location of I&I after only a single storm event. itracker sensors provide the high resolution required for pinpointing the 20% of faulty infrastructure responsible for the majority of I&I all the way down to adjoining sets of manholes. Sensors are installed from the street level without the need for confined-space entry and sensor calibration is accomplished in 5 minutes using any Wi-Fi enabled mobile device. itracking (Micro Basin I&I Detection) Having discovered that mini basin 1 is responsible for 30% of total I&I, itracker sensors are relocated creating (4) micro basins within mini basin 1. 1A 1B 1C Flow Meter 1D itracker itracking analytics immediately discover that micro basin 1C, comprised of adjacent manholes 1B - 1C, is contributing 75% of the I&I within all of mini basin 1. GPD 60,000 50,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 AVERAGE I&I VOLUME (GPD) ,000 5, A 1B 1C 1D MICRO BASINS 9

10 Advanced Analytics for Micro I&I Detection After downloading of sensor data to the itracking software program, proprietary algorithms convert each measurement of volumetric change to actual volume in gallons per minute. Then by the simple push of a button, charts, graphs and reports are automatically created describing the exact state of the infrastructure as it relates to Inflow & Infiltration. I&I Volume/Day I&I Cost/Day RDII Volume Peak RDII Volume Groundwater Infiltration Location Analysis Smart algorithms embedded within the itracking software program calculate mathematical factors representing exact volumetric increases in flow between dry weather days and wet weather events for each major, mini and micro-basin under investigation within the collection system. High visualization bar graphs, developed for each set of collection basins under investigation, instantly highlight all Major, Mini and Micro-Basins responsible for the greatest influx of I&I. Simple to understand bar charts depict at a glance the sites most responsible for contributing the greatest amounts of storm water inflow and infiltration along with bar graphs depicting dry day and groundwater volumes. By visually presenting all of the data within a single chart, the most problematic sites can be quickly identified. 10

11 I&I Micro Detection Detailed Hydrographs Hydrographs report exactly what is transpiring within the collection system on a 5, 10 or 15-minute incremental basis. itracking analysis programs start off at the Major Basin level and then drill down to greater detail as areas and sub-areas of I&I are identified and ranked by volume. This approach, in concert with a fully comprehensive set of hydrographs, greatly speeds up the process of dry and wet weather analysis for understanding the effects of inflow and infiltration. Hydrographs display an array of engineering functions, including rain data, which assist in providing a complete understanding of collection system performance. Consolidated Reports Consolidated analysis reports are generated detailing the effects that both dry and wet weather have upon specifically designated areas within the wastewater collection network. Location, volume and cost data is clearly organized and presented for every major, mini and micro-basin undergoing investigation for suspicion of contributing excessive amounts of inflow and infiltration. Concise Results Reports are efficiently presented on a single page that organizes in full detail all pertinent data relating to each site under analysis. 11

12 12 Bringing Real Data Sets to Hydraulic Models

13 Data-Rich RDII Modeling Introducing DATA-RICH RDII MODELING The power to create Real Data Sets across the entire span of any Wastewater Network Wastewater collection system models should be capable of simulating sewer flows at all locations and times by measuring the volume at each point of entry and then applying certain hydraulic principals to calculate the flow throughout the system for purposes of development planning, enhanced maintenance, risk aversion and infrastructure condition assessment. Unfortunately, with the present recommended basin size for RDII analysis being 5 to 10 miles per flow meter (a number based purely upon economic considerations), discovering the 80% of the problematic infrastructure located somewhere within the 20% of the upper reaches of the collection grid has not been easily achievable until now. With the introduction of itracking technology, data-starved hydraulic models become a thing of the past. By leveraging the integration of sensor-driven software and wireless connectivity, hydraulic models can now be simply, safely and cost-effectively developed with the aid of real 24/7 data sets acquired from within the highest reaches of the wastewater collection network. The ability to highlight differences between observed conditions and modeled results enable engineers to refine their simulations with the utmost of confidence. Confirming the need for Real Data Sets Dynamic rainfall-runoff simulation models are the most effective way to predict the behavior of sewer collection networks under various external loads and operating conditions. To be effective however, these models require an accurate, continuously updated view of the collection network. - Paul F. Boulos Ph.D., BCEEM - Innovyze A model is only as good as the data used to create it. - Thomas M. Walski Ph.D., P.E. - Bentley Systems 13

14 THE NEXT STEP IN THE EVOLUTION OF MODELING Breakthroughs in technology have greatly lowered the expense for data acquisition and are poised to create a revolution for hydraulic modelers. itracking provides the ability for adding real measured values to any hydraulic modeling platform. Model engineers can now initiate the higher spatial resolutions required for accurately simulating an entire wastewater collection network. Cost Effectively Initiate a Fully Data-Centric System As the requirement for hydraulic models has become more detailed, the amount of data considered necessary to build a model from which reliable predictions of future performance characteristics can be made has exponentially increased. The one-storm approach has been replaced by a demand for not only higher resolution flow data but also for gathering that information for longer periods of time. Model engineers now recognize that in order to provide a more reliable basis for the design of conveyance infrastructure, the need for data from both dry and wet weather seasons is required and can extend the monitoring period for several years; including both before and after any modifications. Now with the ability to cost effectively initiate a fully data-centric system in lieu of one based primarily on theoretical conclusions, hydraulic modelers are armed with the information required for presenting a detailed model that very closely approximates the performance of the wastewater network under investigation. ITRACKER SENSORS Low Cost Wi-Fi or Cellular Street Level Installation Maintenance-Free itracker collection system performance sensors are installed over the center of the manhole trough directly from the street level in minutes. Once operational, itracker sensors immediately begin collecting sewer performance characteristics on a 24/7 basis. Data can be simply and safely retrieved in the field via any Wi-Fi enabled smart device or conveniently transmitted to one s office by cellular means. 14

15 Data-Rich RDII Modeling itracking software has the ability to map underperforming infrastructure down to the smallest reaches of the collection network itracking software has developed proprietary algorithms to convert each measurement of volumetric change to actual volume in gallons per minute. Collection network performance is analyzed in reference to changing conditions within the system. Hydrographs report exactly what is transpiring within the collection system on a 5, 10 or 15-minute incremental basis. itracking analysis programs start off at the major basin level and then drill down to greater detail as mini and micro basins of I&I are identified and ranked by volume. Hydrographs display an array of engineering functions, including rain data, which assist in providing a complete understanding of collection system performance. With the simple click of a button, analytics within the itracking software program refines the search for underperforming infrastructure down to the smallest reaches of the collection network. It s that simple! The entire process from click to results takes only a few moments with each result being presented in clearly understandable formats. Results are delivered utilizing various visual presentation tools that include color-coded bar graphs for instant identification of problematic areas, pie charts for economic analyses and time-series hydrographs for detailed analysis along with simple condensed reports compiling all pertinent data on a single page. 15

16 Getting into the Upper Reaches of the System Traditionally, because municipalities and utilities have limited measurement abilities within their wastewater networks, it is the difficult task of the hydraulic model engineer to turn what was observed by a few flow meters over a short period of time into a full-blown accurate interpretation of a collection system. The power of itracking technology lies in the fact that a densely deployed network of permanent sensors will produce enough data whereby the data becomes the model. Additionally, intelligence garnered by these low-cost sensors can be shared with managerial personnel across the entire utility platform Performance Analysis itracking is a new technology for hydraulic modelers that can greatly improve the design and planning of SSO reduction and I&I detection. Besides having the ability to obtain base flows from water use records one also needs to know upstream storm flows. Without having data upstream of regional flow meters, models remain little more than guesses of the distribution of those flows. The success or failure of attempts to locate actual sources of I&I does not only depend on the length of the data period recorded but also on the spatial resolution of the data. Since 80% of the I&I problem is located in 20% of the system, increasing the number of data points while concurrently extending sensor monitoring further up into the network will create independent groups of micro-basins allowing for the pinpointing of problematic areas down to a pair of adjacent manholes. 16

17 Data-Rich RDII Modeling Model Calibration Model calibration is an essential part of the modeling process. This process is required for developing models that can be used with confidence in making reliable and cost-effective recommendations regarding design and operational improvements. Unfortunately, calibrating wastewater networks is an exhaustive trial-and-error process of adjusting model input parameters until the model results coincide with observed field conditions. itracking technology makes it possible to quickly and reliably calibrate models of all sizes. Real data sets are provided along with hourly and daily CSV files that provide a clear and concise picture of the actual performance characteristics of any major, mini or micro basin within the collection network. Network Capacity Wastewater collection capacity issues, whether due to population changes or the effects of inflow and infiltration, are immediately brought to light in real time. itracking, utilized in conjunction with hydraulic modeling, provides planning teams with the necessary tools to make concrete decisions based not on theory alone but on actual models derived from empirical data. Asset Management Wastewater collection system models are the cornerstones of asset management. A collection network model having access to real-time data so as to constantly update the model in order to accurately reflect what the true situation is on the ground is the perfect scenario for any utility. itracking provides wastewater collection system modelers with the ability to empirically, rather than theoretically, develop models utilizing real-time geospatial data. Regulatory Compliance itracker SITE 063 Date Time Level Flow 5/5/ : /5/ : /5/ : /5/ : /5/ : /5/ : /5/ : /5/ : /5/ : /5/ : /5/ : /5/ : /5/ : Models are only as good as the data used to create them. Data-rich CSV files developed with itracking software provide model engineers with high spatial density information detailing collection system performance. Regulatory Compliance is a round-the-clock job that touches every department within the utility including outside consulting engineering firms. Without the correct tools, the task becomes nearly impossible. Model developers, utilizing itracking, are now able to share real-time collection network performance data across the entire utility management platform. The sharing of real-time data enables each department to closely collaborate with regulatory agency personnel, ultimately providing all parties with repeatable and defensible documentation as it relates to operational integrity of the utility. 17

18 itracking Explained itracking Analytics Explained Advanced proprietary algorithms allow each itracker sensor to function as a volumetric comparator capable of ascertaining percentage changes in wastewater volume as levels fluctuate within the collection system. itracking analytical software, using population discharge rate models, then converts these fluctuations in volume, especially between dry days and wet weather events, to flow in gallons per minute. Level 1 Average Dry Day itracker performance sensors measure and record wastewater levels during both dry and wet weather. Volume Average Dry Day 2 6 Average Dry Day 2 Average Dry Day 2 Increase in Volume 728% Increase in Volume 965% Increase in Volume 1198% 7 8 Smart algorithms calculate percentage changes in wastewater volume between the average dry day norm and wet weather events. Flow 100 GPM 828 GPM 100 GPM 1065 GPM 100 GPM 1298 GPM Increase in Flow 728 GPM Increase in Flow 965 GPM Increase in Flow 1198 GPM itracking analytical software converts percentage changes in wastewater volume to flow in gallons per minute. Above example represents 12 ID pipe. 18

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20 To learn more about itracking, please contact us directly at or visit: smartwastewater.com Fax: S. 76th E. Avenue Tulsa, OK