Project Files
|
Wastewater Sludge Detector |
Printer Friendly Version ,
requires Acrobat
Reader
A
wastewater treatment facility needed to detect the interface
between sludge and decanted water. The facility previously
had needed to replace their standard off-the-shelf optical
detectors every few months; the existing optical detectors
operated off of fixed density thresholds and gave false
readings as their components aged. |
 |
System Overview
Bolton Engineering designed an adaptive circuit that dynamically
adjusts itself as components age and external parameters
vary. The circuit uses two control loops, one with a long
time constant that maintains a steady light intensity through
the fluid and another with a short time constant that sets
a threshold against which to detect radical fluid density
variations.
Results
- System has operated for several years without failure.
- Diagnostic output indicates whether the sensor is operating
properly.
- Fully analog circuit is cost-effective and low-power.
- System operates over a wide –40oC to +85oC temperature
range.
Project Scope
Bolton Engineering was responsible for all schematic design,
simulation, mechanical design, construction, testing, and
documentation. Two prototype units were supplied to the
client.
|
| |
|
|
|
Consumer and Computer
