IoT Platform for chemical dosage control in ETA/ETEs: validation in an expressive partner in the basic sanitation segment

• Grant number: 22/13676-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Electronics, Electronic Systems and Controls
• Agreement: SEBRAE-SP
• Principal Investigator: Lucas Carvalho Gonçalves
• Grantee: Lucas Carvalho Gonçalves
• Company: Supply Comércio de Produtos Químicos Ltda
• CNAE: Comércio atacadista de produtos químicos e petroquímicos, exceto agroquímicos
• City: Mogi Guaçu
• Pesquisadores principais: Ana Carolina Moralles Barbosa Silva ; Brandon Silva de Araujo ; Jessika Campos de Sousa ; João Paulo Salles de Oliveira ; Juliana Cortez Borges ; Luiz Octávio Martini Lima
• Associated researchers: Marcos Rechi Siqueira
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/10060-2 - IoT Platform for Chemical Dosage Control in ETA/ETEs: Validation in an Expressive Partner in the Basic Sanitation Segment, BP.TT; 23/04961-7 - IoT Platform for Chemical Dosage Control in ETA/ETEs: Validation in an Expressive Partner in the Basic Sanitation Segment, BP.TT

Abstract

The control of flocculation processes was identified as a problem in the water treatment sector. The variability of raw water makes frequent adjustments in the dosage of chemicals necessary, requiring constant human interference and numerous treatability tests to achieve optimal dosages and avoid waste of inputs and guaranteeing the final quality of the water and the reduction of waste. The present proposal aims to solve this problem from an integrated chemical dosage control system with low acquisition cost and infrastructure, making the system accessible, even for smaller plants, increasing the efficiency of treatment processes. The system can work connected to the internet or in stand-alone mode, enabling operation in remote areas through edge computing. At the end of the project, the team will validate the gains obtained in Iguá Saneamento's water treatment units.The field experiments will be used to collect information related to end users (operators, supervisors and managers) to improve the user experience, helping to overcome barriers to technology adoption by customers. The data collected will be used in the development of the user interface, as well as in the training that will be developed in the commercialization phases to raise awareness about water quality and the importance of using the solution to maintain the distribution of quality water to the population. These trainings aim to train operators in the use of the system. Exhaustive tests will also be carried out to assess the product's ability to operate full-time and with little or no human interference in the flocculation process, ensuring, however, the correct dosage. The correct dosage of flocculants directly impacts two aspects: The aspect of saving resources and the aspect of health. The overdose of chemical products, besides wasting public resources, which are often scarce, with the purchase of chemical products, causes more chemical products to be taken to the taps of the population. Coagulants are aluminum or iron compounds that, in the long term, can cause damage to population health. In addition, these products are corrosive, and their excess can cause corrosion in the sanitation company's equipment. On the other hand, underdosing products can significantly reduce the quality of wastewater, impacting the health of communities. In cases where non-standard water is discarded, there is concern about the waste of water resources, in addition to the financial resources mobilized (electricity, chemicals, employee hours) to treat the discarded water batch. The lack of local inspection makes, in some cases, water quality control not efficient, easing the charge on operators, who in turn become less concerned with the correct balance and operation of the station. The proposed solution also results in the automation of the flocculation process, ensuring water quality over time. (AU)