PRESENTATION
2017 - Users Conference - London - Process Industries
Prediction of Combined Sewer Overflow Chamber Water Levels using Rainfall Forecasts
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) release untreated sewage to the environment during times of heavy rainfall. If spills can be predicted in advance there are techniques available for prevention e.g. removing blockages, or mitigation e.g. load balancing via active system control. United Utilities, in conjunction with University of Exeter, have developed a methodology to accurately predict CSO spills in near real-time and provide an early warning for overflows. The novel methodology is based on the analysis of CSO water levels, observed and forecasted rainfall data by means of Evolutionary Artificial Neural Networks. As part of a proof-of-concept study, this methodology has been implemented in a fully automated prototype system using the latest PI System components. This system can offer significant business value by allowing potential issues to be addressed before the customers and environment are adversely effected and it also offers opportunities for energy cost reduction.
Industry
- Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Company
United Utilities
Speaker
Kevin Woodward
Kevin Woodward has a wealth of experience in the water industry having worked in water, wastewater, network and process, for over 30 years. He is passionate about delivering innovative strategies and solutions to enable business vision and outcomes to be realised. He specialises in the adoption of real-time monitoring and data analytics to create business value via improved asset management and operational efficiency.
Kevin Woodward holds a Masters in Hydroinformatics and Management Systems and is a Member of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (MCIWEM). He has significant experience of working with Academic and Industry partners for the research, development and delivery of innovative solutions and associated knowledge transfer. His involvement in the Periodic Reviews for Ofwat has focused on planning investment to minimise risk and maximise value (lowest Totex to deliver Outcomes) via Operational Technology solutions.
Company
United Utilities
Speaker
Michele Romano
Dr. Michele Romano obtained his PhD in Engineering at the Centre for Water Systems, University of Exeter in 2013. He is presently working for United Utilities in the Operational Technology data analytics team. His research interests and expertise are centred around the development and application of novel (geo)statistical and Artificial Intelligence based methodologies aimed at addressing a wide range of issues in urban water systems. Dr. Romano is Member of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, Associate of the Higher Education Academy, Member of the Hydroinformatics Society of Singapore and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter.