Automatic Drainage Monitoring and Control System

Abstract

This paper presents the development and implementation of an automatic monitoring and control system for manholes. The system integrates sensors to monitor temperature, altitude, pressure, and gas levels in drain water. An ultrasonic sensor, controlled by Arduino, detects water levels, triggering a motor to pump out water when a specific threshold is exceeded, thereby preventing clogs. A GPS module provides real-time location data, aiding municipal personnel in efficient management. The system aims to enhance urban drainage maintenance, ensuring prompt response to potential hazards and maintaining optimal functionality of the drainage network.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Drainage systems are essential for maintaining clean and safe cities. These systems manage wastewater and stormwater through a network of pipes and manholes. Traditional methods for inspecting and maintaining manholes are labor-intensive and often reactive, addressing issues only after they occur. This can lead to delays in resolving problems like blockages, overflow, and the accumulation of hazardous gases.

Manholes frequently face issues such as clogs from debris and sediment, which can cause waterlogging and unsanitary conditions. Additionally, the buildup of gases like methane poses serious health and safety risks. To address these challenges, we developed an automatic monitoring and control system for manholes.

Monitoring various factors within drainage systems is crucial to prevent blockages and water overflows. Our project focuses on designing and implementing an automated system that continuously monitors key parameters such as gas levels, temperature, pressure, and altitude within the drainage. By proactively detecting potential issues, this system helps prevent clogs and overflows, ensuring the efficient and safe operation of drainage infrastructure.

A GPS module provides real-time location data, enabling municipal personnel to quickly locate and address issues. When a problem is detected, such as high water levels or hazardous gases, the system sends an alert to a control room. The alert includes the manhole's unique ID and GPS coordinates, facilitating a swift response.

Upon detecting a blockage in a manhole, the system automatically sends the location details to the municipal corporation via email or SMS. This prompt notification ensures that the relevant personnel are alerted immediately, allowing them to address the issue in a timely manner. By removing the blockage quickly, this system helps prevent traffic jams and enhances the overall efficiency and convenience of urban infrastructure management.

This automated system enhances the reliability and efficiency of urban drainage maintenance, ensuring timely detection and intervention. It helps shift maintenance from reactive to proactive, reducing the risk of severe drainage problems and improving urban infrastructure quality.

II.  LITERATURE REVIEW

The research paper focuses on the development and implementation of an automatic monitoring system for gas drainage boreholes with the objective of enhancing operational efficiency and safety. The study details the methodology involving the design and installation of a sensor-based monitoring system to track gas pressure, temperature, and flow rates in real-time, leading to improved accuracy in monitoring gas levels and timely intervention in case of anomalies. The results demonstrate enhanced safety standards and improved operational efficiency, highlighting the system's capability to provide early warnings regarding potential hazards. The study concludes that the automatic monitoring system significantly enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of gas drainage borehole operations, offering valuable contributions to the mining industry. Future research directions include incorporating predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms to further enhance the monitoring system's capabilities, with recommendations for mining companies to consider adopting similar systems to improve gas drainage practices and ensure worker safety[1].

It provides an overview of a wireless real-time system aimed at monitoring the storage of urban storm drainage. The research proposed the development and implementation of a wireless sensor network that continuously tracks the water levels, flow rates, and storage capacity in urban storm drainage storage facilities to provide real-time data on enhancing urban drainage management and flood control. The results thus show the system's ability to improve monitoring accuracy for the level of stormwater storage and to provide better response times for decision making to dynamic conditions and, hence, as a potential enabler of a fully real-time system for monitoring and enhancement of urban storm drainage storage [2].

In addition, the paper suggests directions on future research focus, particularly through the integration of predictive modeling to incorporate proactive responses in potential flooding events and optimization of infrastructure as recommendations to urban planning authorities and infrastructure managers to adopt similar wireless real-time monitoring systems to further enhance stormwater management and increase urban flood resilience [3].

This paper develops a smart pleural effusion drainage monitoring system for fast volume estimation of effusion and safety confirmation. It is the idea of making the entire process efficient regarding pleural effusion drainage as well as safe during medical intervention. The proposed methodology is to form and implement a monitoring system using advance technology that can be used for estimating real-time effusion volume and confirmation of safety using necessary adjustments in procedure during drainage process. The studies show the effectiveness of the system in providing immediate estimation of volume and safe effusion with rapid adjustment in drainage procedures. This system makes safety confirmation more possible because it is sure to strictly follow the patient safety protocols for drainage processes. Conclusion Overall, just as the paper suggests, the creation of this advanced system for monitoring remarkably enhances the efficiency and safety of drainage procedures in cases of pleural effusion as important contributions to medical science. Further future directions of such an effort may include further integration with medical imaging and diagnostic technologies in order to enhance the capability of the system. Recommendations should be made to the medical practitioners to adopt similar smart monitoring systems in order to improve the procedure of pleural effusion drainage, and, hence, safety for the patient. [4]

This paper deals with the implementation of IoT sensors into smart city applications focusing on real-time monitoring of urban drainage. It takes a case study from Hong Kong. The advancement of sensor technology and data analytics is used in this study to improve the management of urban infrastructure and flood control. Methodology The method used in this study was the deployment of IoT sensors, through which key parameters like water levels, flow rates, and weather conditions could be monitored for real-time insights into urban drainage systems.

It is demonstrated here how the IoT sensor network effectively improves the decision-making processes, optimized drainage operations, and reduced the risk of flooding in an urban area. It outlines the significance of adopting IoT technology in smart cities toward realizing sustainable urban development and resilience. Future research directions may further integrate IoT technologies with predictive modeling for proactive flood management strategies while recommending that various designs of such applications be considered for uptake by urban planners and policymakers as a way of bolstering urban infrastructure resilience and preparedness in the face of disaster, as in the case study of Hong Kong.[5]

III. METHODOLOGY

A. System Integration

Gas and pressure sensors are integrated into every manhole in order to sense hazard gas and water level. The selected gas sensors have a high sensitivity to the most common hazardous gases, and are calibrated in such a way to understand levels that may pose a health risk. Pressure sensors measure the water level in the manhole, provide immediate data about the likelihood of overflows.

- Every manhole is installed with a GPS module to track location in real time. This GPS module is configured such that power consumption will be kept at a minimum rate to continue the process of reporting locations constantly.

All data from the sensors and also from the GPS are transmitted to a monitoring system at the central level.

B. Alert System

Alerts will send notifications to the municipal authorities through the Blynk app and also via email.  When the manhole accumulates a dangerous level of gas, an automatic alarm is sent, with the specific manhole ID, as well as the precise GPS location, to effect prompt action. Alert Integration The API-based integration in the Blynk system was utilized to send real-time alerts directly to mobile devices and e-mail in order that municipal workers could be made immediately aware and take appropriate action.

C. Automatic Control of Drainage Systems

- We installed a motor-driven drainage system in every manhole to prevent overflow, where we have managed this motor to work automatically with an automaticity trigger once the water level has reached a certain threshold of water. In achieving the above, we selected a strong and waterproof motor capable of handling large volumes of water and ensured that the motor is protected from interference resulting from debris.

- Activation threshold of the drainage system is coded within the system to deactivate the motor as soon as water levels again become safe limits for a proper, optimal lifetime and minimum energy consumption. It contains a safety feature: shutdown automatically when it goes overburn due to excessive use.

D. Unique ID assignment

- Each manhole is individually assigned an ID for easy identification within the system, and the ID of that manhole stored at the centralized database is reflected with the GPS data, therefore, making easy tracking and location identification possible.

- This system cross-checks the manhole ID with GPS data, thus ensuring proper and efficient reporting in case of a triggered alert. Since the structure of this ID is unique, it simplifies the tracking and response process for the corporation in question, thus ensuring response in cases of emergencies.

E. Maintenance and Monitoring

We had already made a provision for scheduled maintenance procedures that would ensure that the system operates to its utmost capabilities. Sensors of gas and pressure are serviced regularly using known reference gases and pressure levels which ensure that these sensors are always accurate and responsive.

- Motors are inspected at regular time intervals to determine whether their performance integrity meets the defined standards, which also includes cleaning and mechanical testing to ensure free from breakdown. We also check the overall system periodically and log data for analysis of sensor readings and historical trends for preventive maintenance. This monitoring does allow early detection of possible causatives so that hazard detection over time may be reliabile and fairly accurate.

IV. RESULTS

Image 1: Alert via SMS

Image 2: Gas Level Monitoring

The system interface displaying the four parameters that are being monitored in image.They are temperature inside the drainage,pressure inside,methane gas level and altitude of water.If any of the following parameters exceeds the defined threshold a notification will be sent to the municipal corporation.

Image 3 : Alert via Email

In the images (1) and (3) a message is been sent after the blockage is detected in  the specified manhole location.The location of that manhole is also been sent with the help of gps module.

Image 4: Levels of: Gas,Altitude, Temperature and Pressure

Image 5: Gas Detection Timeline

If gas leakage is detected the following interface will be disaplyed to the user indicatinf the time at which the leakage is detected.

V. DISCUSSIONS

A. System Effectiveness

1. Real-Time Monitoring: The system continuously tracks environmental parameters, including temperature, pressure, gas concentration, and water levels within each manhole. This real-time data collection allows for early detection of issues, such as dangerous gas accumulations or rising water levels, enabling quick responses and preventive measures.
2. Automatic Response  The integration of an automatic drainage control mechanism ensures that the motor activates when water levels exceed a set threshold. This response reduces the risk of overflow and clogs, which can lead to urban flooding, by quickly draining excess water without requiring manual intervention.

B. Reliability and Accuracy

1. Sensor Accuracy: The selected sensors—BMP180 for pressure, MQ-4 for methane gas, and ultrasonic sensors for water levels—provide precise readings. The accuracy of these sensors is critical for detecting hazardous conditions accurately. Regular calibration ensures their reliability and performance under various environmental conditions.
2. GPS Precision: The use of GPS modules in each manhole enables accurate tracking of locations, which is vital for efficient response times. The GPS data enhances the municipal corporation's ability to pinpoint the exact manhole location needing attention, facilitating prompt maintenance.

C. Communication and Data Transmission

1. ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module: This module is used for transmitting data from the manhole system to a central server. While the ESP8266 enables efficient communication, potential interference from urban Wi-Fi congestion remains a limitation that could impact real-time data transfer.
2. Alert System: Through integration with the Blynk app and email, the system is designed to push alerts to municipal personnel in case of emergencies. This dual-alert mechanism ensures that critical notifications reach the control room quickly, helping minimize response time to address safety hazards.

D. System Integration and Scalability

1. System Integration: Successful coordination between sensors, Arduino, motor control, and communication modules is essential for the system’s smooth operation. The robust integration of these components allows for continuous monitoring, alerting, and response to detected hazards.
2. Scalability: The system is designed for scalability, allowing it to be easily expanded to monitor additional manholes as needed. New manholes can be added to the system without substantial modification, making it adaptable to various urban infrastructures.

VI. FUTURE SCOPE

1. Advanced Data Analytics and Predictive Maintenance: This would be the connection of machine learning algorithms. The system could, through analyzing past sensor data, predict which such events are likely to happen in the future: clogging trends or sensor failures. This capability should help to maintain the systems proactively in advance and reduce even more the time lost.
2. Mobile App Development: A mobile application exclusively for the municipal workforce can make the process of alert and management much easier. The application would be capable of real-time observation and control of each and every manhole along with alerting, monitoring of status, and remote activation/de-activation by staff.
3. Enhanced Environmental Monitoring : In addition, the use of more environmental sensors, that might be air quality or humidity sensors, would supply additional information concerning the conditions inside the manholes and increase the sensitivity of the system to other sorts of hazards inside manholes, enhancing public safety, and ensuring better infrastructure maintenance.
4. Better Communication Protocols: More robust communication protocols to transfer data faster, securely, and reliably; it would overcome the interference of urban Wi-Fi. Use of other communication technologies such as LoRa or GSM might reduce latency and increase reliability in most populated cities.

Conclusion

The manhole monitoring and control system as developed actually is an enhancement of the urban drainage management systems since it is an automated real-time monitoring system, which improved the abilities of response towards hazards. It keeps a constant track on gas levels, pressure, and water levels to offer a reliable source in cases of detecting hazards and preventing potential problems with the infrastructure. Its ability to identify quickly and trace location makes GPS technology and multiple sensors useful in helping municipal personnel to respond more effectively. Automated drainage control not only mitigates risks associated with clogging and flooding but also provides the possibility to reduce manual intervention needs and improve the overall reliability of a drainage system. It offers the scalability needed for good uptakes in urban setups and can expand as required to suit an urban infrastructure management system. As a holistic system, it opens onto future developments, such as predictive maintenance and wider environmental monitoring, all aimed at making cities more resilient and safe.

References

[1] OU Sheng-nan, Jin Long-Jhe, LU Yao, LI Ya-Ge ”Study on Automatic Monitoring System of Gas Drainage Borehole\". [2] Jiing-Yih Lai, Tsung-Chien Wu, Watchama Phothong, Douglas WYin Hailong Xu Zuxin*“Wireless Real-time System for Monitoring the Storage of Urban Storm Drainage”2011 International Conference on Network Computing and Information Security. [3] PI-YUN CHEN, CHIA-HUNG LIN, CHUNG-DANN KAN,NENG-SHENG PAI, WEI-LING CHEN, AND CHIH-HSIEN LI ”Smart Pleural Effusion Drainage Monitoring System Establishment for Rapid Effusion Volume Estimation and Safety Confirmation” Digital Object Identifier 10 [4] K.L. Keung, C.K.M. Lee, K.K.H. Ng, C.K. Yeung “Smart City Application and Analysis: Real-time Urban Drainage Monitoring by IoT Sensors: A Case Study of Hong Kong” [5] Ka-Heng Chan, Chi-Seng Cheang and Wai-Wa Choi Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China “ZigBee Wireless Sensor Network for Surface. Drainage Monitoring and Flood Prediction” Proceedings of ISAP 2014, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Dec. 2-5, 2014.

Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Girish Bagul, Vedant Bailmare, Shrey Barve, Prof. Rupali Gavaraskar . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.