Standard vs. Quiet Sump Pump Check Valve
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What’s The Best Tank Level Sensor?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept that you’ve probably heard of if you follow technological advancement in the industrial sector. The IoT is fundamentally altering the game, and now is the time to participate.

But where do you even begin? Tank level monitoring is one example.

Tank level monitoring (TLM) is an excellent first step towards becoming familiar with the IoT, whether you’re tracking frac tank levels for a well stimulation project or monitoring a straightforward water tank. The objective of tank level monitoring, as with any IoT project, is to gather accurate and trustworthy data so that you can take action and produce results. People won’t trust your tank monitoring system if your data is inaccurate, lacking, or late, and you won’t receive the desired business outcomes.

Tank level sensors are the “bedrock” of any solution for remote tank monitoring. Your sensors are the first stop on the data route for tank level monitoring since they produce the information that eventually supports decision-making. Nothing else matters if your tank level sensors don’t get reliable data. The greatest analytics and most attractive dashboards cannot compensate for subpar tank sensors.

It’s true what they say: “Garbage in, garbage out.”

We wanted to discuss how to select the best tank level sensor for your project because of how crucial tank level sensors are to your whole tank monitoring system. You may purchase accurate and trustworthy tank sensors that generate excellent field data without spending a fortune with a little help.

Five Typical Tank Level Sensor Types
Tank level sensors come in five different categories:

water-pressure sensors
ultrasound detectors
Infrared sensors
Float detectors
Sensitive capacitors

Your application will determine which tank level sensor is ideal, so we’ll outline the main benefits and drawbacks of each sensor to assist you in making an informed decision for your tank level monitoring project.

Sensors for Hydrostatic Tank Level
A tried-and-true method for obtaining affordable, precise tank level data is using hydrostatic tank level sensors. These sensors are used to gauge the fluid column’s hydrostatic pressure. Typically, hydrostatics are mounted to discharge piping at the bottom of tanks, submerged in the liquid at the tank bottom.

Hydrostatic tank level sensors can be installed in various types of tanks without the need to create a new sensor because they are affordable, accurate, power-efficient, and have variable ranges.

Unfortunately, because hydrostatic sensors are frequently entirely submerged in liquid, they can experience greater failure rates. This can be quite difficult, especially with corrosive or caustic solutions. The cable gland, where fluids can enter and short circuit the delicate electronics that power the sensor, is one of the most frequent locations for failure in hydrostatic sensors.

Tank level ultrasonic sensors
Ultrasonic tank level sensors, as their name suggests, assess liquid levels using sound waves. They are installed on top of your tanks, use ultrasonic waves to “bounce” off the liquids’ surfaces, and gauge level by timing how long it takes to hear the “echo.”

The fact that ultrasonic sensors are non-contact, meaning they don’t make direct contact with the liquid in the tank, is one of its key advantages. They can operate well in tanks with mixers or other moving mechanical parts in the liquid, and you don’t have to worry as much about their compatibility with those fluids. However, the mixers must be turned off for accurate level readings because sloshing and turbulence interfere with ultrasonic sensors.

Additionally, the cost of these sensors is reasonable, ranging from $300 to $400 per sensor. If you want greater performance or hazardous area certifications, though, budget closer to $1,000.

The fact that ultrasonic sensors use a lot of electricity is one of their key drawbacks. They can need 10-100 times as much power as hydrostatic sensors, hence they are often not appropriate for battery-powered installations.

Additionally, compared to other sensors, ultrasonic sensors typically require more upkeep. They must be installed correctly, a dead band or “blanking zone” must be maintained between the sensor and the fluid, and the detecting element must occasionally be cleaned (certain fluids can produce a film that degrades performance).

Last but not least, noise interference is a major threat to ultrasonic sensors. The ultrasonic waves that travel to and from your sensors can encounter problems if there is foam or vapor present.

Tank level sensors using radar
In that they gauge tank levels by the amount of time it takes radio waves to travel between the sensors and fluid surfaces, radar sensors are comparable to ultrasonic sensors in this regard. Like ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors are non-contact, which appeals to operators. However, compared to their sound-based predecessors, radar sensors are more accurate and better equipped to withstand interference because of more precise electronics.

 

Radar sensors are often substantially more expensive when compared to the other two gadgets we’ve discussed so far. A competent radar tank level sensor should cost more than $2,000 in total. Radar still requires a substantial blanking zone between the bottom of the sensor and the top of the tank despite the more precise electronics. It can be challenging to obtain precise measurements as tanks fill due to the fact that light waves move so much more quickly than sound.

One advantage of radar sensors is their ability to measure fluid interfaces, such as the presence of oil in water. Even a small amount of emulsion between the interface can be taken into account by more sophisticated electronics while maintaining reliable measurements.

Sensors for Float Tank Level
Float sensors extend a probe into the liquids near the bottom of your tank, and they have continuous detecting elements along the probe that are activated by floats. Float tank sensors may be made to be extremely accurate using this approach. They can even monitor fluid interfaces by utilizing numerous floats for various liquid densities because they don’t suffer from noise or interference issues.

Float sensors, on the other hand, can be very pricey. The price of a float sensor is almost immediately inversely correlated with tank height. You might pay $1,000–$2,000 for shorter tanks (less than 5 feet tall). On the other hand, larger tanks exceeding 25 feet may cost up to $3,000 or more.

“Sticking” is one problem that float tank sensors may have. Although some manufacturers’ recent technological innovations have addressed this issue in some circumstances, it can still arise in certain circumstances. For instance, floats may adhere to the probes in liquids that result in sticky or waxy substances, leading to inaccurate static level measurements. Investing in oleophobic probes that don’t stick or performing routine cleaning can assist guarantee float sensors are accurate.

Sensors for capacitive tank levels
Capacitive sensors will be the final category we discuss. These sensors consist of two electrodes, which are conductive probes that protrude into your tank. These probes track variations in capacitance when the fluid level in the tank rises and falls to determine the amount of fluid present.

The adaptability of capacitive tank level sensors is one of its main selling points. They can be applied to a variety of media, including solids and powders that aren’t liquids. They are also comparatively affordable. Capacitive sensors fall somewhere between radar/float sensors and hydrostatic sensors in terms of cost compared to the other sensors we’ve covered.

 

It’s crucial to be aware of the sensitivity and susceptibility of capacitive sensors before making a purchase. Capacitive level sensor readings can be impacted by temperature, humidity, and fluid type. Capacitive sensors provide another degree of operational complexity by requiring operators to calibrate equipment while tanks are both empty and full.

Keeping the Big Picture in Mind
All of this was just thrown at you. But let’s not lose sight of the main goal: you want better tank level information so that you can make business decisions more quickly. Choosing the right sensors for your tanks is crucial to achieving this objective.

To assist you in choosing the optimum tank level sensor for your application, we have created this summary matrix. For your project, use it to find the best tank level sensor.

Why Choose Water Line Controls

All of our water level controls and water level control systems are assembled right here in the U.S.A. where we monitor every step of the process.

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Types of Automation for Oilfield Water Management

Automation Oil & Gas Sustainability & ESG Water & Wastewater Oilfield Waterfield engineer water wastewater pipeline valve control It’s a good time to be an oilfield water services company. Oil prices have stabilized above $100/bbl, the US rig count is the highest it’s been since pre-pandemic times, and the combination of domestic water shortages and ESG fund growth places a premium on sustainable water use.

All together, oil & gas producers are willing to pay a premium for quality oilfield water management services so they can continue to ramp drilling programs using recycled and reused produced and flowback water.

As the market for oilfield water services grows, so too does competition. Despite the labor shortage, the oilfield water services market is growing, with water management stalwarts such as Select Energy Services (7%), Oilfield Water Logistics (25%), DHI (22%), and Breakwater (20%) showing strong headcount growth over the last 2 years. Nearly every week it seems a new water transfer or water midstream company pops up.

Rising competition means established companies and newcomers alike will be looking for an edge to outpace their competition. In our last blog, we discussed why we think that automation is a great way for oilfield water management companies to differentiate. In this one, we want to talk more about what we mean by “automation,” breaking the idea down into 3 core categories.

The 3 categories of automation are:

  • Remote Monitoring
  • Remote Control
  • Autonomous Operations

Let’s talk about what each is, and the benefits it offers for oilfield water services companies.

Remote Monitoring for Oilfield Water Services

As the name implies, remote monitoring is a concept that involves using sensors and transmitters to relay up-to-date operational information back to human operators to enable oversight from a distance.

In oilfield water management applications, this usually looks like installing wireless level, temperature, pressure, and flow sensors and transmitting the data they create via long-range wireless networks like cellular or satellite. Once transmitted, data is visualized in software tools that helps operators prioritize their operations. In certain cases, operators may also remotely monitor existing PLCs or RTUs that are connected to equipment like pumps or compressors.

In simple terms, Remote Monitoring connects assets to people, regardless of the distance between them.

Remote monitoring has many safety, sustainability, and efficiency benefits. It allows oilfield water service technicians to avoid higher-risk behaviors and windshield time, and it generally decreases the time to insight by getting information in front of operators more quickly. Furthermore, remote monitoring can enable water transfer and treatment companies to share information with their customers in real-time.

Of course, Remote Monitoring only provides information to operators. It’s what they do with that information that matters, which leads us to the next level of automation.

Remote Control

Remote Control reverses the flow of information created by Remote Monitoring. Instead of connecting assets up to people, Remote Control connects people back to their assets, giving them the ability to actuate changes in real-time whether they are 100 feet or 100 miles from the asset.

In oilfield water applications, Remote Control generally looks like connecting equipment controls –  such as relays, VSDs, or stepping actuators – to a remote connectivity network such as cellular or SCADA. Operators then use software to send commands to these equipment controls, actuating changes.

The benefits of Remote Control essentially “double up” on the benefits of Remote Monitoring by completing the trip back to the asset and offering the same safety, sustainability, and efficiency benefits. 

With Remote Monitoring and Remote Control, there is always a human in the loop. The human applies their experience and logic to infer necessary actions from Remote Monitoring systems and, in some cases, take those actions via Remote Control systems.

In many cases, humans should be in the loop. But in others, it can be beneficial to take humans out of the loop, which takes us to the next and final level of automation.

Autonomous Operations

Autonomous Operations involve both Monitoring & Control, but instead of human logic placed between them, we instead insert machine logic.

Certain operational tasks are highly repeatable, and the logic to complete them is routine and well-understood. In this case, Autonomous Operations can be used to connect insights to actions more quickly.

In oilfield water management applications, Autonomous Operations generally looks like connecting those things we are remotely monitoring, like pressure, temperature, level, and flow, to those things we are remotely controlling, like pumps and valves. In between these things we used algorithms and logic to determine how and when changes are made.

Of course, when implementing Autonomous Operations, it’s always a good idea to include oversight. This brings us full circle, back to Remote Monitoring & Control. By adding remote monitoring characteristics, such as alarming, to Autonomous Operations, we can determine if the machine logic has failed to achieve the desired state. Furthermore, we can take action through emergency shutdowns, to stop unsafe autonomous operations.

Is automation right for you?

There are many more examples of how Remote Monitoring, Remote Control, and Autonomous Operations can be applied in oilfield water services. Not every application will require any or all of these types of automation. Still, oilfield water companies look to carve out more efficiency, drive sustainability programs, or improve safety numbers will benefit from adding automation in certain cases.

Choose the type of automation that provides the most benefit. In many cases, Remote Monitoring serves as a great starting point, opening up opportunities to discover where the higher “levels” of automation can provide benefit.

Source

https://blog.wellaware.us/blog/the-three-types-of-automation-for-oilfield-water-management

Waterline Controls™

Our level sensors and controls aren’t just for use in residential potable water holding tanks; some of the other applications include cooling towers, sump pumps, wastewater, boilers, water storage tanks, and building fire protection water tanks.

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Why Install a Sump Pump Check Valve?

Why Do Sump Pump Float Switches Fail?

Pumping Efficiency

When the float switch signals the pump to start, it forces the pump to push water through the valve, and out through the discharge pipe. When the water level drops, the float switch signals the pump to stop, stopping the water. Gravity then causes the water that is in the discharge pipe to drain back into the pit. 

The check valve is there to prevent the pump from having to re-pump that volume of water over again. Eliminating this issue will save on electricity costs. 

Pump Protection

Short cycling of a sump means that the pump turns on and off too quickly or too frequently. Short cycling causes the pump motor to run hotter. Heat is an enemy of electric motors and can shorten the life of a sump pump significantly. By installing a check valve, it will reduce the risk of short cycling, especially in smaller size sump basins. A check valve will extend the life of the sump pump, and save you money. 

Location

The most suitable location for a sump pump check valve is between 8″ up from the pumps discharge to approximately 12″ above floor level. Installation above the floor level is convenient for easy inspection, servicing, or replacement of the valve. You want to install a check valve 6″ above the pump discharge when installed down inside the sump basin to allow for the drilling of air release or weep holes to protect against air lock for sump pumps that do not have a built-in air lock prevention system. 

Always refer to the sump pump manufacturers installation instructions. 

Installing the sump check valve down in the sump basin below the cover can reduce the noise caused by water hammer if a standard gravity closing valve is installed, however, making inspections and servicing is not not nearly as convenient.

Improper Installation or Not Installing one at all

Not having a sump pump check valve installed causes the water in the discharge pipe to empty back into the sump pump pit. This makes the water level in the sump pit rise and a high water level can cause the pump to run more often, increasing your energy costs.

If the check valve is installed in the incorrect spot such as too high up on the discharge pipe, the pump will empty the pit during the run cycle but when it shuts off, the water below the check valve will drain back into the basin causing the water level to rise very quickly. When that happens, it will trigger the float switch to start the pump again right away, eventually wearing out your pump prematurely. 

Sump pump check valves are available in three basic types, shown in the pictures below. Each type is available in a variety of sizes and connection types.

Source

https://blog.boshart.com/why-are-sump-pump-check-valves-important

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Types of Metering Devices
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What’s The Best Tank Level Sensor?

If you follow technological advancement in the workplace, you’ve probably heard about the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is fundamentally altering the game, and now is the time to participate.

But where do you even begin? Tank level monitoring is one example.

Tank level monitoring (TLM) is an excellent first step towards becoming familiar with the IoT, whether you’re tracking frac tank levels for a well stimulation project or monitoring a straightforward water tank. The objective of tank level monitoring, as with any IoT project, is to gather accurate and trustworthy data so that you can take action and produce results. People won’t trust your tank monitoring system if your data is inaccurate, lacking, or late, and you won’t receive the desired business outcomes.

Tank level sensors are the “bedrock” of any solution for remote tank monitoring. Your sensors are the first stop on the data route for tank level monitoring since they produce the information that eventually supports decision-making. Nothing else matters if your tank level sensors don’t get reliable data. The greatest analytics and most attractive dashboards cannot compensate for subpar tank sensors.

Garbage in, garbage out, as the saying goes.

We wanted to discuss how to select the best tank level sensor for your project because of how crucial tank level sensors are to your whole tank monitoring system. You may purchase accurate and trustworthy tank sensors that generate excellent field data without spending a fortune with a little help.

Five Typical Tank Level Sensor Types

Tank level sensors come in five different categories:

Water-pressure sensors
Ultrasound detectors
Infrared sensors
Float detectors
Sensitive capacitors

Your application will determine which tank level sensor is ideal, so we’ll outline the main benefits and drawbacks of each sensor to assist you in making an informed decision for your tank level monitoring project.

Sensors for Hydrostatic Tank Level

A tried-and-true method for obtaining affordable, precise tank level data is using hydrostatic tank level sensors. These sensors are used to gauge the fluid column’s hydrostatic pressure. Typically, hydrostatics are mounted to discharge piping at the bottom of tanks, submerged in the liquid at the tank bottom.

Hydrostatic tank level sensors can be installed in various types of tanks without the need to create a new sensor because they are affordable, accurate, power-efficient, and have variable ranges.

Unfortunately, because hydrostatic sensors are frequently entirely submerged in liquid, they can experience greater failure rates. This can be quite difficult, especially with corrosive or caustic solutions. The cable gland, where fluids can enter and short circuit the delicate electronics that power the sensor, is one of the most frequent locations for failure in hydrostatic sensors.

Tank level ultrasonic sensors

Ultrasonic tank level sensors, as their name suggests, assess liquid levels using sound waves. They are installed on top of your tanks, use ultrasonic waves to “bounce” off the liquids’ surfaces, and gauge level by timing how long it takes to hear the “echo.”

The fact that ultrasonic sensors are non-contact, meaning they don’t make direct contact with the liquid in the tank, is one of its key advantages. Fluid compatibility is less of a concern, and they can function effectively in tanks where the liquid contains mixers or other moving mechanical components (note that the mixers must be off for accurate level readings, as sloshing and turbulence interfere with ultrasonic sensors).

Additionally, the cost of these sensors is reasonable, ranging from $300 to $400 per sensor. If you want greater performance or hazardous area certifications, though, budget closer to $1,000.

The fact that ultrasonic sensors use a lot of electricity is one of their key drawbacks. They can need 10-100 times as much power as hydrostatic sensors, hence they are often not appropriate for battery-powered installations.

Additionally, compared to other sensors, ultrasonic sensors typically require more upkeep. They require precise installation, maintenance of a dead band or “blanking zone” between the sensor and the fluid, and periodic cleaning of the detecting device (some fluids can create a film that affects performance)

Last but not least, noise interference is a major threat to ultrasonic sensors. The ultrasonic waves that travel to and from your sensors can encounter problems if there is foam or vapor present.

Tank level sensors using radar

In that they gauge tank levels by the amount of time it takes radio waves to travel between the sensors and fluid surfaces, radar sensors are comparable to ultrasonic sensors in this regard. Like ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors are non-contact, which appeals to operators. However, compared to their sound-based predecessors, radar sensors are more accurate and better equipped to withstand interference because of more precise electronics.

 

Radar sensors are often substantially more expensive when compared to the other two gadgets we’ve discussed so far. A competent radar tank level sensor should cost more than $2,000 in total. Radar still requires a substantial blanking zone between the bottom of the sensor and the top of the tank despite the more precise electronics. It can be challenging to obtain precise measurements as tanks fill due to the fact that light waves move so much more quickly than sound.

One advantage of radar sensors is their ability to measure fluid interfaces, such as the presence of oil in water. Even a small amount of emulsion between the interface can be taken into account by more sophisticated electronics while maintaining reliable measurements.

Sensors for Float Tank Level

Float sensors extend a probe into the liquids near the bottom of your tank, and they have continuous detecting elements along the probe that are activated by floats. Float tank sensors may be made to be extremely accurate using this approach. They can even monitor fluid interfaces by utilizing numerous floats for various liquid densities because they don’t suffer from noise or interference issues.

Float sensors, on the other hand, can be very pricey. The price of a float sensor is almost immediately inversely correlated with tank height. You might pay $1,000–$2,000 for shorter tanks (less than 5 feet tall). On the other hand, larger tanks exceeding 25 feet may cost up to $3,000 or more.

“Sticking” is one problem that float tank sensors may have. Although some manufacturers’ recent technological innovations have addressed this issue in some circumstances, it can still arise in certain circumstances. For instance, floats may adhere to the probes in liquids that result in sticky or waxy substances, leading to inaccurate static level measurements. Investing in oleophobic probes that don’t stick or performing routine cleaning can assist guarantee float sensors are accurate.

Sensors for capacitive tank levels
Capacitive sensors will be the final category we discuss. These sensors consist of two electrodes, which are conductive probes that protrude into your tank. These probes track variations in capacitance when the fluid level in the tank rises and falls to determine the amount of fluid present.

The adaptability of capacitive tank level sensors is one of its main selling points. They can be applied to a variety of media, including solids and powders that aren’t liquids. They are also comparatively affordable. Capacitive sensors fall somewhere between radar/float sensors and hydrostatic sensors in terms of cost compared to the other sensors we’ve covered.

It’s crucial to be aware of the sensitivity and susceptibility of capacitive sensors before making a purchase. Capacitive level sensor readings can be impacted by temperature, humidity, and fluid type. Capacitive sensors provide another degree of operational complexity by requiring operators to calibrate equipment while tanks are both empty and full.

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Importance of Fire Safety and Prevention Planning
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Flow Measurement

Flow measurement is the quantification of bulk fluid movement. Flow can be measured in a variety of ways. The common types of flowmeters with industrial applications are listed below:

 

  1. a) Obstruction type (differential pressure or variable area)
  2. b) Inferential (turbine type)
  3. c) Electromagnetic
  4. d) Positive-displacement flowmeters, which accumulate a fixed volume of fluid and then count the number of times the volume is filled to measure flow.
  5. e) Fluid dynamic (vortex shedding)
  6. f) Anemometer
  7. g) Ultrasonic
  8. h) Mass flowmeter (Coriolis force).

Flow measurement methods other than positive-displacement flowmeters rely on forces produced by the flowing stream as it overcomes a known constriction, to indirectly calculate flow. Flow may be measured by measuring the velocity of fluid over a known area. For very large flows, tracer methods may be used to deduce the flow rate from the change in concentration of a dye or radioisotope.

Water metering

Water metering is the practice of measuring water use. Water meters measure the volume of water used by residential and commercial building units that are supplied with water by a public water supply system. They are also used to determine flow through a particular portion of the system.

In most of the world water meters are calibrated in cubic metres (m3) or litres,[1] but in the United States and some other countries water meters are calibrated in cubic feet (ft.3) or US gallons on a mechanical or electronic register. Modern meters typically can display rate-of-flow in addition to total volume.

Several types of water meters are in common use, and may be characterized by the flow measurement method, the type of end-user, the required flow rates, and accuracy requirements.

Waterline Controls™

Our level sensors and controls aren’t just for use in residential potable water holding tanks; some of the other applications include cooling towers, sump pumps, wastewater, boilers, water storage tanks, and building fire protection water tanks.

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Importance of Fire Safety and Prevention Planning
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Fire Water Systems

A fire sprinkler system is an active fire protection method, consisting of a water supply system, providing adequate pressure and flowrate to a water distribution piping system, onto which fire sprinklers are connected. Although historically only used in factories and large commercial buildings, systems for homes and small buildings are now available at a cost-effective price. Fire sprinkler systems are extensively used worldwide, with over 40 million sprinkler heads fitted each year. In buildings completely protected by fire sprinkler systems, over 96% of fires were controlled by fire sprinklers alone.

A firewater system generally has four main sections:

1. A supply of firewater. This can come from storage tanks, a firewater lagoon, or a natural body of water such as the sea or a lake or river.

2.A pumping system that provides a sufficient flow of water to extinguish the fire.

3.A header network of pipes, often in the form of a ring main that transfers the water from the pumps to the fire.

4.Hydrants, nozzles, sprinklers, or other local devices for directing the firewater to the location of the emergency.

Source 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_sprinkler_system

Waterline Controls™

Our level sensors and controls aren’t just for use in residential potable water holding tanks; some of the other applications include cooling towers, sump pumps, wastewater, boilers, water storage tanks, and building fire protection water tanks.

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Standard vs. Quiet Sump Pump Check Valve
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Standard vs. Quiet Sump Pump Check Valve

It’s difficult to perceive the difference between a Standard Check Valve and a Quiet Check Valve, but it’s easy to grasp the distinction because it’s in the name. A Standard Check Valve is placed if you hear a loud noise whenever the pump stops. This noise is the check valve closing, which causes a slamming sensation as the water reverses direction in the discharge pipe after the pump stops. If you have never noticed it, you probably have a Quiet Check Valve.

Let’s take it a step further and compare the advantages of installing a Standard Check Valve with a Quiet Check Valve, which will make it easier for you to determine what is ideal for your home.

What is a standard check valve for a sump pump?

A Standard Check Valve safeguards your sump and sewage pump installations against backflow. The angled seat reduces the distance the flapper must travel from the open to closed position. When closing, significantly reduce the force with which the flapper touches the seat. The tilted seat design reduces the flapper’s travel distance, hence reducing flow reversal, noise, and possibly damaging hydraulic shock (water hammer). This, combined with corrosion-resistant non-metallic components, produces a durable and dependable valve.

The graphic below depicts the closing action of gravity. Clearly, there will be a flow reversal when the pump stops, until the poppet reaches its fully closed position.

Definition of a Quiet Sump Pump Verify Valves?

When ultra-quiet operation is necessary, a Quiet Check Valve is an excellent option. Quiet Check Valves are identical to ordinary check valves, with the addition of a spring-loaded hinged flapper mechanism that compels the flapper to fully close against fluid flow when the pump is turned off. This quick closing motion against pressure eliminates noise caused by hydraulic shock before flow reversal may occur (water hammer).

The spring-assisted closing action prevents flow reversal when the pump is turned off. The poppet moves to its fully closed position before to the complete cessation of water flow.

It boils down to individual preference

The Standard Check Valve vibrates when the pump cycles and is resistant to corrosion. Providing a longer-lasting check valve and the assurance that you can hear your sump pump operating.

The Quiet Check Valve’s spring-loaded flapper design removes noise, resulting in a silent sump pump. Providing a peaceful environment throughout the day, morning and night.

Why Choose Water Line Controls

All of our water level controls and water level control systems are assembled right here in the U.S.A. where we monitor every step of the process.

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Why Do Sump Pump Float Switches Fail?

Why Do Sump Pump Float Switches Fail?

 

The main mechanical cause of the problems of the deposit of the pump is the exchange problem. Here are some common causes of tank pump float switch failure:

Float Change Frequently, the float falls into the trap between the pump and the reservoir wall and is unable to rise sufficiently to be effective. Due to the pump’s modest vibration during operation, it is able to “pass” through the well’s bottom, assuring buoyancy between it and the well wall.

Sometimes, after so many lifting and lowering cycles, the float switch simply gives up and ceases to respond to the rise and fall of the well’s water level. It frequently stops when the pump is operating. When this occurs, the pump stays on until the fuel burns.

Power outage due to inclement weather is a formula for a flooded basement. The entire tank’s float switch and pump are electrically powered. When the unit is turned off, the pump stops draining water altogether.

Why Is A Float Switch Valuable?

The float switch on a sump pump is the mechanism responsible for turning on and off the sump pump system. It functions using a small, floatable attachment that rises and falls with the sump pit’s water level.

As the water level in the sump pit rises, the float switch is raised. As it reaches a specific height, the mechanism is activated. The sump pump switches off once again as the water level in the sump pit decreases.

When this float switch fails to rise or becomes locked in the “on” state, the problem develops. At certain situations, the sump pump will either fail to turn on or be unable to turn off, eventually causing the motor to overheat and die. Regardless, you can anticipate a basement flood during the next rainfall.

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Sump Pump Float Work
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Choosing The Right Sump Pump

Sump Pump Float Work

Pumps vary widely in quality. Pumps are used in a variety of applications, such as chemical vats, fuel depots, and swimming pools, but each one may present a different set of difficulties. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests the following factors to think about when choosing a pump:

Fluid: Pumps that weren’t designed for the job can be destroyed by chemicals and fuels. Select a pump that is made to handle the fluid’s corrosiveness and consistency to prevent degradation or clogging from slurry or debris. Similar to this, be aware of the fluid’s viscosity to make sure the pump has sufficient force to draw the liquid through.

Calculate the desired flow rate by dividing the total volume by the desired transit time for the liquid. For instance, if a 500-gallon pond requires full circulation once every hour, you should choose a pump with a 500 GPH minimum rated flow rate (gallon per hour).

Although pumps can function in a wide range of temperatures, if you are working with liquids that are hotter than 200°F, make sure the pump is rated for the highest liquid temperature you will be pumping.

Vapor pressure: The force per unit area that a fluid exerts when changing from a liquid to a vapor is known as vapor pressure, and it can be used to reduce the risk of cavitation by making sure the pump is rated for it.

Choosing a Pump from a Variety of Types

You can start comparing your options for pumps once you know the materials they must handle and the capabilities they need. The most typical pump designs and operating principles available today are listed below:

Centrifugal pumps: A centrifugal pump draws fluid into one or more impellers, such as a paddle wheel or propeller, to maintain a steady flow of a large volume of fluid at high speed. It can be used to pump a variety of low viscosity liquids, including those containing solid components like wastewater, and is one of the most popular pumping systems. A wide range of industries, including agriculture, water utilities, industry, power generation, petroleum, mining, and more, use centrifugal pumps.

Diaphragm pumps: Also called membrane pumps, a diaphragm pump is a device that moves fluid by a series of diaphragms moving back and forth. In a cycle, fluid is forced out of one chamber as it enters the other. These pumps are useful for pumping liquids with high solid content or high viscosity, such as chemicals, paints, or syrups, because there are no moving parts within the diaphragm chambers themselves.

Pumps that circulate fluids within a system are used instead of pumps that move liquid from one location to another. In order to ensure that the hot water is evenly distributed with the incoming cold water and to maintain a constant temperature, circulating pumps are frequently used in water heating systems. A circulating pump can also be used to evenly distribute chemicals that have been mixed into a container or to move water around a pond to oxygenate the water.

Pumps for moving oil, fuel, and other materials from one container to another, such as transferring fuel from a tank into large machinery, are known as fuel and oil transfer pumps. Oil transfer pumps are made for use with high viscosity fluids and are toughly constructed for higher flow rates.

Pumps for chemicals: Chemical pumps are made specifically for the creation, use, and disposal of chemicals. They are constructed of corrosion-resistant materials like glass, rubber, plastic, rubberized steel, titanium, and stainless steel. Use a pump made specifically for the chemical you want to pump because different chemicals have different corrosive effects on materials.

Drum pumps: These pumps are designed to help you suction out fluids from drums, barrels, pails, and totes to reduce the risk of spills when pouring the container or to draw fluids out of a heavy container. Hand-powered pumps are useful for low-volume or remote pumping applications where electricity is not available, whereas electric-powered pumps are useful for tasks requiring high volume transfer. A pneumatic pump that runs on compressed air is a good choice if you need higher flow rates than a hand-powered pump and more precise flow control than an electric drum pump without electricity.

Sump pumps are set off automatically once the water level in the sump pit gets to a predetermined height. A homeowner can calibrate the pump to start at any depth they wish by adjusting the float device of the sump pump.

Water runoff and/ or seeping water is collected inside the sum pit. As the water gathers, a float rises as the water level rises. The float has control of an on/ off switch for the pump. Once the float rises to a predetermined height, the pump turns on. The pump continues to function until the float falls low enough to disconnect the switch. The pump is inactive once more until the water level increases again.

Types of Sump Pump Floats

Different types of floats are used by different types of sump pumps. Pedestal pumps will typically have a bulb type float connected to a metal rod that turns on the pump motor’s switch. Other types of pumps utilize floats attached to arms that will raise and lower as the water level rises and lowers. A tethered float is a float that is attached to the pump utilizing a tethering mechanism.

Old Sump Pump Float Working Principle

When the water level rises, the float will rise too. As the float rises the tether steadily releases. The tether is predetermined to start the pump when a specific amount of tether gets released. When the water levels lower, the tether becomes loose and the float falls back to its starting position.

New Sump Pump Float Working Principle

Float switches and water level controls typically start out open, meaning there are no alarms that are required to be activated since the water level is at its lowest.

  1. When the cooling tower stops using the water for its industrial operations, the water level starts to rise. No alarms have been activated up to this point.
  2. When the water level reaches the probes, a signal is transferred between the probes informing the high alarm to activate.
  3. When the high alarm is activated it can be programmed to tell the fill to stop filling up the water.
  4. Finally, when the water reached the predetermined limit, the fill stop kicks in and the process starts all over again.

With correct maintenance, your cooling tower float switches could last for years of operating. A lot of float switch failures typically occur due to degrading, wearing out, or fouling. Cooling tower coatings can safeguard the storage tanks, but what is safeguarding the float switches? Our water level controls can replace your old float switches once and for all and won’t degrade, wear out, or foul, because of any water quality.

Why Choose Water Line Controls

All of our water level controls and water level control systems are assembled right here in the U.S.A. where we monitor every step of the process.

Sump Pump Float
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Why Do Sump Pump Float Switches Fail?
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Water Management in Intelligent Buildings and IoT

Intelligent buildings are the culmination of technological advancements that enable cost containment, efficiency, sustainability, and occupant satisfaction through system optimization. While solutions for intelligent buildings have traditionally been positioned to promote energy efficiency, as the market matures, vendors are emphasizing broader benefits. One such benefit is the conservation and management of water, which is becoming an increasingly important issue in commercial buildings. Advocates have long struggled to increase widespread investment in water-saving technologies and the adoption of intelligent building solutions.

Sensor technology and Internet of Things (IoT) devices are becoming more prevalent in commercial building management. This intelligent building management technology provides building owners and occupants with real-time data that can be used to drive or automate decisions, resulting in cost savings and resource conservation.

For example, the growing trend of remote, telecommuting office workers can be addressed through occupancy sensors that detect the presence or absence of employees in work areas, ensuring that the building is lit, cooled, or heated only when necessary. According to a recent study, smart technologies can help the average office building save 18% of its energy consumption. 1

Several of these systems can also take into account tenant or office worker feedback. Comfy, a smart workplace phone or computer app, collects user preferences for workplace temperature settings, aggregates the data, and then instructs the building’s smart energy system to adjust temperatures automatically to maintain a comfortable working environment.

Why is Smart Water Management Gaining Traction?

While the primary focus of IoT devices in smart building management has been on energy savings, their ability to save water is gaining traction. Ecova found that 57% of energy, facility, finance, and sustainability managers had invested in water conservation measures in 2016. Water conservation efforts, such as irrigation controls and behavioral change, were viewed as low- or no-cost priorities by the surveyed group. 2

Today’s investments in smart water management are simple to implement and quickly pay for themselves.

By 2025, the water management technology market is expected to reach $2.8 billion.

Following irrigation, the next step is to integrate smart water technologies into facility management, which is the direction in which the industry is headed, according to a Navigant Research report.

Trends in Intelligent Water Management

Global investment in water management technologies and services is expected to double to $2.8 billion by 2025, the report states, as water management becomes a standard component of smart buildings. As corporate sustainability and energy efficiency become more important, vendors of smart building technology are demonstrating more comprehensive tools, including some designed specifically for water conservation and management.

Significant corporations are under increased pressure from shareholders and customers to demonstrate sustainability action. Customers are seizing the opportunity to manage their water consumption through targeted actions that make economic sense, as the bottom line remains the primary driver of business investment today. Three emerging technology areas are water-efficient plumbing, irrigation management, and monitoring software.

Manage Facility Water Use Effectively Using Smart Water Management Technology

Smart water management technology provides the data and tools necessary to manage water use more effectively. The data collected by smart water devices is integrated with building management systems to demonstrate how much water is being used and to identify areas where water can be used more efficiently.

Here are some ways that HydroPoint’s smart water management tools can assist you in reducing water waste:

Integrated dashboards that display real-time water use data assist you in adhering to water restrictions or budgets for outdoor irrigation.

Water leaks, large and small, indoors and outdoors, can be detected and reported 24 hours a day with 24-hour water usage monitoring and reporting. Alerts can be sent to a computer or a mobile device in the event of a leak.

Automated irrigation schedules based on weather or soil moisture data promote plant health and prevent overwatering landscapes, resulting in decreased plant loss, hardscape damage, common area hazards, and stormwater runoff.

Controlling the system remotely via computer or mobile device eliminates the need for site visits and wet checks.

Sustainability, as well as corporate commitment to intelligent buildings, are significant drivers for early movers in the water management market. However, a lack of regulation and a disparity between the true cost of water and its price are two impediments to water conservation and management. Investment in three segments of water management—software and services, water-efficient plumbing, and irrigation management—provides economic and environmental benefits, but adoption rates and scale vary significantly by region and customer sector. Global investment in water management solutions is expected to increase from $2,007.9 million in 2016 to $2,862.3 million in 2025, according to Navigant Research.

This Navigant Research report examines the opportunities and challenges associated with deploying water management technologies and services in intelligent buildings. The study investigates the major market dynamics influencing water management solution adoption at the macro level, as well as by customer sector (building type) and region. Revenue forecasts for the global market are provided through 2025, segmented by customer sector, technology segment, and region. Additionally, the report examines key water management technologies for intelligent buildings, as well as the competitive landscape.

Significant Issues Addressed:

  • What is motivating interest in intelligent building water management?
  • Which of the following are the primary impediments to investing in intelligent building water management?
  • What are the advantages of intelligent building water management?
  • Which customer segments stand to gain the most from intelligent building water management?
  • Which technology segments in the intelligent building water management market will experience the fastest growth?
  • Which water management solutions are gaining the most traction?

Waterline Controls™

Our level sensors and controls aren’t just for use in residential potable water holding tanks; some of the other applications include cooling towers, sump pumps, wastewater, boilers, water storage tanks, and building fire protection water tanks.

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