Gateway Engineers/U.S. Gypsum Save with Flo-Dar

In January 2001, U.S. Gypsum Company requested assistance in measuring the sewage flows from their manufacturing facility in the City of Aliquippa, Beaver County. They had been charged for sewage treatment based on water usage, despite the fact that 95% of their potable water usage was used to make a gypsum slurry as part of the drywall manufacturing process. At a flow rate of over 200 gallons per minute, they believed that they were paying approximately $10,000 per month too much for sewage charges. The City agreed to reduce their bills if they could accurately measure their sewage flows to support their contention.

Realizing the critical accuracy of the measurement, we recommended using a new technology, which utilizes radar to measure velocity and ultrasonic sensors to measure depths to within hundredths of an inch.  Two Flo-Dar flowmeters manufactured by Marsh-McBirney, Inc. were purchased and were in the ground within three weeks of signing the contract.  While using the continuity equation (Average Velocity x Area = Flow) to measure flows, the extreme accuracy of the meters fit the application to accurately measure flows within gallons.

Since there is no sensor in contact with the sewage flow as with conventional meters, there is nothing to foul and limited maintenance is required.  The meter sites were visited monthly to check their calibration, download the data, and service the meters.  The meters functioned flawlessly and produced data that did indeed agree with the clientâs production records.  This information was used to negotiate a reduced sewage charge with the City officials.

This article was written by The Gateway Engineers, Inc.