Qua-vac specializes in the construction of vacuum sewerage. A vacuum sewer is an ideal solution when a standard sewer is difficult to install. Think of areas with high groundwater or with a hard surface such as rock or coral.
Delmation supplies the hardware to work with a LoRaWAN network to continuously monitor the sewerage. We spoke with Qua-vac director Ivar Quatfass about the concept, the collaboration with Delmation and the first LoRaWAN project in the Maldives.
Monitoring vacuum sewerage crucial
A vacuum sewer is a beautiful, efficient and durable system for the discharge and collection of waste waterIt is virtually maintenance-free and the closed system prevents sewage from escaping and polluting surrounding areas.
Ivar Quatfass: “Our system Vacuflow consists of pipes, collection pits and a vacuum station. Waste water flows to a collection pit, where the water is stored. When the waste water reaches a certain level, the float is activated and the waste water together with air is discharged to the vacuum station. Such a vacuum can only be built up if all valves of the pits are properly closed.
It can happen once that a valve does not close properly because there is waste in between, for example. In order to get the system working again, the valve that is not closed must be found.
In some projects this can mean checking hundreds of wells. By monitoring this online we know exactly where we need to be. Also when there is a blockage, for example by a tennis ball, we automatically receive a notification, because the water is too high.”
LoRa system ideal for abroad
In the Netherlands, a SCADA system to keep an eye on the sewerage. In other countries there are often no standards that you have to comply with.
Ivar Quatfass explains: “We want to offer our own system for these countries. With LoRaWAN we can easily and free of charge set up a local own wireless network make. In each pit there are several sensors that can be LoRaWAN connected to the Gateway (MileSight UG67 outdoor LoRaWAN Gateway). This gateway sends all data via Ethernet or a SIM card to the monitoring software environment.
When there is a deviation somewhere, the software sends a message via email or text message to the manager. This sounds simple, but there are challenges. Think for example of the range in the wells.
Together with Delmation we have succeeded in developing a robust system. On the Maldives the first vacuum sewer project has now been installed. The client is very satisfied with the first results so far. We are ready for the next projects!”
Delmation reliable partner for LoRa solutions
Ivar Quatfass: "In recent years we have been looking for the best solution and the best partner. We develop the software ourselves, so our partner had to be a specialist in hardware and LoRaWAN connectivity.
Delmation has a lot of knowledge and mainly delivers standard solutions. However, for this purpose of Qua-vac, in collaboration with Alflex, a 'custom' LoRaWAN node developed specifically for sewer applications.
The LoRa sensors communicate via the MileSight gateway and Private LoRaWAN server with our monitoring system. We are very satisfied with the collaboration. In addition to the reliable products and available knowledge, the mentality of Delmation suits us well. An agreement is an agreement!”