How does the Entech Sludge Blanket Monitor actually work?

Entech EchoSmart uses underwater ultrasound. Smart sensors send ultrasound signals down through the water column and detect changes in densities. Based on the process, you may see two interfaces, maybe a lighter fluff blanket, as well as a denser sludge below. The system can typically track either interface that you are interested in, depending on how well defined they are.

Applications for a Water or Wastewater Plant

In wastewater, this works for any type of settling application: primary clarifiers, secondary or final clarifiers. It can also be used for gravity thickeners.

In clean water, this works in sedimentation basins and any settling applications where solids are settling to the bottom.

This is used for some power applications and food processing as well.

While a manual technique like a Sludge Judge will give you a one-time snapshot of what that process is at that particular time. The EchoSmart offers 24-hour continuous monitoring.

Here’s why that is important:

  • You will see trends and cycles in the process.
  • Continuous monitoring allows for better control of the process.
  • You will see and can record upsets in the process over time.

How do you measure layers that settle at different rates?

This equipment is very sensitive. If there is a defined interface between the supernatant and the fluff layer, you will see that interface, as well as the denser interface between the fluff layer and the denser sludge below.

What about clarifiers with skimmer arms?

We use a “multiflex” assembly.  This simple device is very effective at protecting and moving the sensor out of the way of the skimmer arm. It consists of a section of metal pipe that screws into the sensor with a guide bar that’s welded onto the pipe, with a piece of the flexible tube above that. As a skimmer arm or chain-of-flight mechanism, the sensor is lifted out of the water.  It settles back into the water and continues to read after the arm has passed. The standard sensor works in this environment because the motion of the sensor coming out of the water every 20-30 minutes is enough to keep any air bubbles from forming on the surface of the sensor.

A wiper sensor is also available for applications which require the sensor to be underwater continuously, a. This sensor has a wiper which wipes away any air bubbles that may form on the surface.

Does each sensor require separate transmitters?

Actually, one Entech EchoSmart Analyzer can monitor up to 16 remote sensors. This can be set up in a wireless or hardwired network.

Unique Feature: Entech’s support team we can program the equipment for you using a built-in removable cell modem.

This modem can be put inside the controller, which allows us to access all 16 points in the network, so we can go in and setup all the parameters for you. The great thing about this is that we can dial it in for your specific process and we can look at the sensors on a demand basis if needed.

Providing quality solutions is our main focus. 

To see Entech EchoSmart work for you, call for a demo 630-655-1080