Reducing pressure in pressure reducing valve (PRV) measurements with VEGABAR 18
One of Tennessee’s largest water and wastewater utility districts treats wastewater for over 100,000 residents, amounting to over 34 million gallons per day. As the first facility in the state to earn a Class A biosolids permit, they’ve set their standards high, producing biosolids that can be reused as low-grade fertilizer.
Maintaining their reputation as a high-quality wastewater treatment facility isn’t an easy feat. Having accurate and reliable pressure measurements on both sides of their pressure reducing valves (PRVs) is a small but important part of keeping the operation afloat.
Leveraging a trusted partner
Plant operators knew immediately where to look when it came to installing new pressure devices for their PRVs. They reached out to their familiar VEGA representatives who had previously successfully installed VEGAPULS C 21 radar sensors throughout their facility.
The VEGABAR 18 quickly came up as a cost-effective and durable solution to control pressure between the inlet and outlet sides of their PRVs. Plant personnel were impressed with the VEGABAR 18’s durable ceramic measuring cell, which alleviated maintenance and measurement drift concerns. Operators no longer have to put their safety and EPA compliance at risk from faulty sensors, and the devices were easily installed with the new sensors’ Bluetooth connectivity. As always, plant workers have 24/7 access to VEGA’s support team, meaning help is always just a phone call away.
Maintaining pressure control
In wastewater treatment, PRVs perform their namesake duty by reducing pressure to protect equipment further downstream, ensuring smooth water flow, and maintaining consistent overall system pressure. Measuring pressure on both the inlet (upstream) and outlet (downstream) sides of a PRV allows plant operators to determine that the valve is functioning as intended.
Without accurate measurements, overpressure could damage the system, leading to pipe bursts, pump damage, inefficient operations, non-compliance with high regulatory standards, and put operators at risk.
The VEGA Difference for PRV pressure measurements
With the VEGABAR 18 sensors in place, process monitoring drastically increased at this facility. Knowing precisely how much pressure is on either side of the PRV prevents pipe bursts and pump damage. Overall efficiency has increased, and the sensors support the plant’s Class A biosolids certification, allowing operators to continue to produce low-grade fertilizer while maintaining EPA compliance.
Fostering positive and helpful relationships are the cornerstone of any successful business. Increasing safety, environmental compliance, efficiency, and safety are just an added bonus of a partnership with VEGA. That’s why this plant chose the VEGABAR 18 and continues to partner with VEGA for radar and pressure measurement solutions.
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Wastewater treatment
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