Case Studies

Temporary and Long-Term Flow Monitoring, Philadelphia PA

Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)

CSL has been performing long term and temporary flow metering services in the PWD system since 2003. The projects involve all aspects of flow meter installation, calibration, operation and maintenance, data collection, data analysis and monthly reporting. Flow meters are installed from time periods ranging from one month to one year. In mid-2011, CSL was awarded a long-term contract that consists of extensive site investigations and evaluations, flow meter installation and calibration, operation and maintenance, data analysis and reporting for over 70 locations throughout the PWD collection system. ADS Flowshark Tritons and American Sigma Model 920 flow meters with wireless capabilities are installed in this project. Data accuracy is critical on this project as the data presented is being used for hydraulic modeling and validation of grey and green infrastructure initiatives. Pipe diameters range from 12” to 210”.

In addition, CSL has also performed dye dilution tests and high quality video footage of in-pipe hydraulics which were both in turned used to make recommendations based on the findings. For example, in the 2009 dye test study, recommendations such as relocation, sensor recalibrations, sensor offsets, equipment changes, and extra verifications (velocity profiles) were made to ensure the flow meters were running properly and producing the most accurate and reliable data.