Wireless technology leader HWM has launched an innovative network monitoring system that uses battery-powered radio transmitters to collect data without any wires, mains power or expensive communication charges. The OmniColl system is a wireless infrastructure network for remote sensors and dataloggers, linked to a sophisticated online viewing platform that offers more and costs substantially less than a conventional data logging system.

In order to manage water and energy consumption effectively, it is necessary to monitor what, where and how resources are being used; it is only by accurately measuring and monitoring usage that efficiencies can be identified and savings made. In addition, recognising and reacting to potential network events such as leakage or overflow as quickly as possible allows issues to be addressed before they become major incidents.

OmniColl from HWM offers remote network monitoring and datalogging without wires or hidden costs

The OmniColl system efficiently collects, orders and presents data for quick and easy analysis, enabling potential cost savings and network events to be identified almost immediately. It uses a modular, radio-based communications platform to provide rapid data transfer at minimal cost, with the ability to integrate many different measurement parameters. The system can automatically collect data from thousands of monitoring points every fifteen minutes for up to ten years, without any wired connections or even mains power. Its unique infrastructure design eliminates many of the costs traditionally associated with a communications network, such as installation, wiring and ongoing data transmission charges. This makes it a highly cost effective and convenient platform which maximizes the user’s return on investment of time, effort and expense.

OmniColl is suitable for all currently available sensors, allowing for a huge range of versatility. For example, the same system can be used to monitor usage in a District Metered Area (DMA), identify leakage, control pressure, read meters, analyse building performance, provide energy efficiency modelling and track rising or falling water levels. Collected readings are sent securely by GPRS, SMS, Wi-Fi or Ethernet to HWM’s DataGate portal, where they can be forwarded directly to a third party software system, or viewed from any internet-enabled device using the secure HWM Online graphing, reporting and alert management website. Amongst the wide range of data management tools available, users can view, compare, chart and create custom fleet reports. Automatic alarms can also be configured to send alerts to specified phone numbers and email addresses when pre-set alarm conditions are met.

The OmniColl system is designed to give businesses a near real-time view of their resources without the shadow of hidden costs. No wiring, no mains power, and no data fees enable customers to log more for longer for less, making this HWM’s most cost-effective remote monitoring and datalogging platform to date.

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Flooding, both predicted and sudden, has become an increasingly common phenomenon in recent years. Many suffering localities have been un- or under-prepared, with little reason to believe they were at risk until it was too late. A reliable and cost-effective advance warning system that continuously monitors rivers, storm drains and overflows for rising water levels can save lives and protect property, alerting authorities and communities to impending danger.

The SonicSens 2 battery-powered ultrasonic level and flow sensor, from specialist manufacturer HWM, offers non-contact, accurate, remote and wireless monitoring of water levels and flow rates. The ultrasonic sensor precisely measures the distance to (and therefore level of) the water surface, and can automatically send alerts to up to 16 phone numbers when the level reaches specified thresholds. When an alarm condition activates, it can also provide accelerated dial-in functionality, allowing users to quickly access detailed, relevant and timely new information when they have to.

SonicSens ultrasonic level sensor from HWM for early flood warning systems

For early flood warning systems, the device’s versatile telemetry options, robust construction and long battery life make SonicSens 2 particularly well-suited: not requiring any ongoing maintenance or supporting infrastructure, it is perfect for “fit and forget” operations in hard to access locations. Once installed, it will continue to function as programmed without the need for local access, upkeep or interaction.

The system is supplied with user-friendly PC-based software that significantly speeds and eases the installation and setup process. The intelligent sensor features adjustable range settings, a variable dead band or blanking distance, self-diagnostics and an alarm condition in the event of echo loss. Intrinsically safe and ATEX versions are available for use in potentially hazardous environments, and a second channel capability (digital or analogue) allows for additional temperature, pressure (depth) or flow logging via an external device.

The SonicSens 2 includes both the intelligent ultrasonic sensor and a Multilog LX telemetry data logger, which transmits the data via SMS or low cost GPRS. Two-way connectivity enables the unit to be reprogrammed remotely without the need for expensive and time-consuming site visits – really improving convenience and cost-efficiency for hard to access locations.

New alarm conditions such as rate-of-rise have been added, which can now trigger an alert to up to sixteen specified telephone numbers. When an alarm condition is activated, SonicSens 2 can provide accelerated dial-in functionality, which allows data to become rapidly available during these events. This will ensure that operators have detailed information with which to quickly assess the situation and promptly respond to changing levels.

HWM has used specifically-designed low-power electronics for the SonicSens 2 to give it a five year battery life expectancy, which is particularly useful when flow or level sensing is required in remote, hard to reach locations. A low cost extended battery pack is also available to maintain this five year battery life even when the device is transmitting data every 15 minutes.

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HWM has launched the SonicSens 2 ultrasonic level and flow sensor, which builds on the success of its predecessor with enhanced functionality, ease of use and extended remote telemetry options. The versatile, battery-powered device is ideal for remotely monitoring open channels, combined sewer overflows, storage tank levels, storm drains and flood warning systems.

HWM Launches SonicSens 2 ultrasonic level and flow sensor with enhanced remote communications options

One major benefit of ultrasonic measurement is that it is non-contact: this means it is non-contaminating and requires little to no maintenance. This, combined with versatile telemetry options, robust construction and long battery life make SonicSens 2 well suited to “fit and forget” operations in hard to access locations. Once installed, it will continue to function as programmed without the need for local access, maintenance or interaction.

The system is supplied with user-friendly PC-based software that significantly speeds and eases the installation and setup process. Integrated level to flow conversion software enables the operator to easily configure the device to measure flow rates by selecting from a preset list of channel types and simply entering the dimensions.

The intelligent sensor features adjustable range settings, a variable dead band or blanking distance, self-diagnostics and an alarm condition in the event of echo loss. Intrinsically safe and ATEX versions are available for use in potentially hazardous environments, and a second channel capability (digital or analogue) allows for additional temperature, pressure (depth) or flow logging via an external device.

The SonicSens 2 includes both the intelligent ultrasonic sensor and a Multilog LX telemetry data logger, which transmits the data via SMS or low cost GPRS. Two-way connectivity enables the unit to be reprogrammed remotely without the need for expensive and time-consuming site visits – really improving convenience and cost-efficiency for hard to access locations.

New alarm conditions such as rate-of-rise have been added, which can now trigger an alert to up to sixteen specified telephone numbers. When an alarm condition is activated, SonicSens 2 can provide accelerated dial-in functionality, which allows data to become rapidly available during these events. This will ensure that operators have detailed information with which to quickly assess the situation and promptly respond to changing levels.

HWM has used specifically-designed low-power electronics for the SonicSens 2 to give it a five year battery life expectancy, which is particularly useful when flow or level sensing is required in remote, hard to reach locations. A low cost extended battery pack is also available to maintain this five year battery life even when the device is transmitting data every 15 minutes.

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The new COMLog smart metering datalogger from HWM’s Radio-Tech range makes energy and water monitoring easier and more convenient with the latest technology, wireless communication options and innovative data handling. With the UK Government’s Smart Metering Initiative requiring all homes and businesses to have smart meters installed by 2020, this new cost-effective commercial data logger is designed to fit the bill for almost any installation.

New COMLog commercial data logger for energy and water use monitoring

Compatible with any volt-free pulsed output meter, the COMLog does everything smart meter should – with added user benefits. Efficient GPRS telemetry transmits the data quickly and at low cost, and the specifically-designed low power electronics mean a battery life of over 5 years for the compact device when transmitting every 8 hours. Data output is designed to be easily integrated into 3rd party software suites directly by GPRS, via API HWM’s DataGate data transfer and fleet management portal, or viewed and analysed with the web-based HWM Online system.

The tough ABS moulded casing is IP68 rated, and inside the technology offers benefits unique in the marketplace: fast logging down to 1 second intervals for detailed consumption analysis, a comprehensive range of alarm conditions, fail-safe SMS data transmission in the event of GPRS downtime, and two-way communication for remote programming and upgrading.

A range of accessories enhance the COMLog’s features and functionality even further when required: with an external battery pack, the 5-year battery life can be maintained at 15 minute data transmission intervals.

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In order to help building owners, operators and facilities managers, the Radio-Tech range of wireless monitoring technology has been developed to be as easy to install, use and maintain as possible. The company’s suite of products includes pulse meter, temperature, humidity, CO2, PIR and status monitors. The battery-powered sensors require no invasive cabling, and centralised or individual sensor transmission options allow the network to be scaled to perfectly suit the requirements of any installation size.

Wireless monitoring from Radio-Tech/HWM for effective building energy management

To effectively and efficiently manage and reduce energy use and carbon impact, accurate and reliable monitoring of the current building status is obviously necessary. The ideal solution to this should be flexible, cost-effective and easy to install, use and maintain; recent advances in wireless technology and battery efficiency mean that this is in fact an affordable reality, so that an almost instant insight into a building’s performance and characteristics is available without an eye-watering bill.

Radio-Tech, now a part of HWM, is a wireless telemetry specialist that is recognised as the Technology Partner of Choice for many of the UK and Europe’s leading data collection and carbon management service providers. The entire range has been specifically designed to meet the standards of the Energy Saving Trust (EST), and the combination of reliable sensing, wireless telemetry, ease of installation and intelligent data management makes the range suitable for a wide variety of installations.

The RF based products are fully approved in the UK and Europe and are available on 434MHz, 869MHz, 153MHz (UK Only) and 169MHz ERMES band for many European countries. Data collection intervals are typically 5 minutes for building management applications, with data fed straight into an existing building management system (BMS) or to an off-site third party application via the customer’s choice of GPRS, Wi-Fi or wired ethernet (LAN) options.

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The MicroCorr Touch from HWM is the world’s first standalone water leak noise correlator to feature a high visibility colour touchscreen, and it now features the unique Automated Filtering Intelligence System (AFIS) software to make accurate leak pinpointing quicker, easier and more accurate than ever.

New MicoCorr Touch Touchscreen Leak Noise Correlator from HWM uses AFIS to automatically optimise pipe parameter filter settings

Like most traditional correlators, the MicroCorr Touch provides default filter settings for a wide range of different pipe materials and sizes. However, due to the number of unknown variables that can change the frequency of leak noise, default filter settings will never be optimised for every leak situation. Experienced users can manually change the filter settings to find the leak, but this is often a time consuming process involving multiple correlations. Even then it can be ‘hit or miss’ to successfully locate the leak. With AFIS, the MicroCorr Touch effectively builds an expert user into the unit.

AFIS works by automatically applying multiple filter settings to determine the best possible correlation result every time. The system runs 55 different filter combinations on the correlation data, checking the quality of the result and optimising the filter settings as required, until the clearest and most accurate result can be presented. Working on live or pre-recorded data, tests have shown AFIS to significantly improve leak pinpointing on almost any pipe – effectively making manual filter setting a thing of the past.

In addition to this advanced software, HWM has incorporated the latest technological developments into the MicroCorr Touch’s hardware: best-in-class sensors, the VGA touchscreen, and an innovative carrying case that can charge the components from a mains or vehicle connection.

AFIS builds an expert user's knowledge into the MicroCorr Touch, making leak pinpointing quicker, easier and more accurate than ever before

Specially developed by HWM for the new correlator, the new accelerometer sensors offer unparalleled sensitivity in the marketplace. In a recent project in Shandong, China, the local water company had visibly identified a leak presence, but correlators from three different companies were unable to even detect a leak signal – let alone pinpoint where it was on the pipe. When the MicroCorr Touch was deployed it immediately identified the leak and then determined its position to within 0.1m, confirmed by ground microphone and subsequent excavation.

The full colour touchscreen makes entering data incredibly easy, with an intuitive menu system quickly guiding operators step-by-step through the correlation process. By maximising the screen space without the need for button controls, viewing results and analysing the data is also easier and clearer than on traditional units. A high contrast mode for increased clarity in bright sunlight has also been built in, and the on-screen controls designed and tested for use with gloves, ensuring that the MicroCorr Touch retains its usability and functionality in all weather conditions.

The compact, purpose-designed charging case not only carries and protects all components, but also enables the base station and outstations to be charged from the mains or a vehicle via a single power lead. The charging status of each component is displayed on a panel inside the case, and units can be stowed with the sensors still connected. This means that a leak finding team can simply stow the kit safely in the case between jobs for it to be charged and ready for immediate deployment upon arrival.

MicroCorr Touch has been designed from the ground up by experts in both the technology and its application in the field. The result is a correlator that combines cutting edge design and highly innovative functionality to deliver outstanding results with the minimum amount of effort required from the operator.

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Following the merger of Radio-Tech with HWM last year, the highly respected and popular Economise range of wireless energy management equipment has been further strengthened with the integration of HWM’s market leading range of SMS and GPRS Data Loggers. The company’s offering to the energy management market is well suited to all types of project, providing new and continuing customers with a ‘one-stop-shop’ for their remote monitoring requirements.

Radio-Tech Merger with HWM brings new wireless energy and environmental monitoring products for all sized premises

Radio-Tech is already established as the Technology Partner of Choice for many of the UK and Europe’s leading data collection and carbon management service providers. This new enhancement to the Economise range will now enable Radio-Tech and its partners to offer an innovative, cost-effective and robust battery-powered data logging option for single point monitoring applications that compliments the existing fixed-network systems.

Radio-Tech’s RF based products are fully approved in the UK and Europe and are available on 434MHz, 869MHz, 153MHz (UK Only) and 169MHz ERMES band for many European countries.

Rob Fish, Managing Director of HWM, said: “It’s great to have the Radio-Tech operation here now, and we think we can really build on the existing technology, products and markets they’ve developed. Our expertise in the production and design of long-lasting, reliable and precise monitoring and data management systems is already helping us to develop the full potential of wireless environmental and energy monitoring.”

Since the merger, Gavin Farrand and Matt Dillane have joined the Radio-Tech team as the account managers for UK North and UK South respectively, and will be keen to introduce customers new and old to the finer points and latest developments in the Economise and Observe product ranges. The company also welcomes Matthew Hoblyn as a Technical Support Engineer, and Phil Tomlinson who will be developing Radio-Tech’s Export business.

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FCS SoundSens “i” features redesigned correlator pod case for corrosion resistance

Milford, OH (April 26, 2011) – For high performance, versatility and speed of operation in the field, Fluid Conservations Systems (FCS) offers the SoundSens “i” system of correlating leak noise loggers.  The system provides wireless monitoring of water lines and leak detection for public utilities.

The SoundSens “i” system of correlating loggers from FCS.

SoundsSens “i” includes 2 to 8 correlator pods that magnetically attach along a distribution system’s pipelines.  The pods activate at preprogrammed intervals and use an internal accelerometer to detect leak noise within the pipeline.  Data from the pods is transmitted wirelessly via an infrared signal back to the SoundsSens “i” hub, where up to a week’s worth of survey data can be stored before it is downloaded to a PC for analysis.  Groups of pods can be connected to allow simultaneous programming and downloading of data.  

SoundSens pods are completely submersible.  Each pod features a newly redesigned case machined from solid aluminum and hard-coat anodized for corrosion resistance.

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Leak noise amplification system identifies and locates leaks

Milford, OH (September 10, 2010) – Leaking pipes in a water distribution network produce a distinct noise that travels along the pipe, through the water and sometimes to the surface.  To detect and locate this noise, Fluid Conservation Systems (FCS) offers the S30 Surveyor leak noise amplification system.

The S30 Surveyor leak noise amplification system from FCS.

By placing the S30’s sensor in contact with any access point (valve, hydrant, etc.) in the distribution system, sound from the pipeline is transmitted through the S30’s aviator-quality headphones allowing the operator to listen for leak noise.  The device’s analog meter measures the noise intensity in the pipe and, by listening at several points in a given area, the user can determine the general location of a leak.  The S30 is also supplied with a surface sounding plate, which attaches to the ground sensor and allows operators to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.

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Athenea is the new chlorine monitoring system for potable water networks from Halma Water Management (HWM). It is an autonomous, battery powered chlorine analyser that provides continuous monitoring of concentration levels and transmits data automatically via cellular telemetry. This greatly reduces the need for time-consuming on-site ‘spot’ testing, and obviously allows for much more frequently updated results.

New Continous Battery Powered Chlorine Monitor for Water Networks from Water Management Specialist HWM

The product uses proven amperometric technology for chlorine measurement, and also records pH and temperature levels for complete and accurate analysis. By using an innovative power-saving process, battery life is maximised and a full charge will power the analyser for at least 6 months. By drawing fresh water from the network for each reading, results are always current, and as no chemicals are used in the test the water can be either re-introduced into the network or siphoned off as waste.

The result is a system that requires no external power source, can be deployed anywhere, sends results automatically to a chosen remote location, and produces accurate results comparable to those used at a mains-powered treatment works. Athenea is therefore ideally suited for installation in tanks, reservoirs and non-powered network locations. A portable version, housed in a Pelicase, is also available for survey use, where the unit’s waterproof IP68 rating could prove particularly useful.

The analyser can be calibrated and programmed remotely, and operates at a range of 0-20ppm, effective within 0-50 degrees Celsius and pH 4-8. Logged readings are then transmitted by a Radcom datalogger using GSM/SMS telemetry, providing open-protocol results compatible with any SCADA system. Athenea has already been extensively tested in Spain, where over 50 units have been deployed successfully in numerous cities. HWM also has a demonstration system installed at their test site in Cwmbran (South Wales), where interested parties are invited to view it in action and find out more about the features and benefits it can offer.

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