Smart Decant

Project Description

SMART POND is a concept for a fully automated, IoT connected sediment retention pond which ultimately will have predictive capability by being able to “talk” between the decant system and chemical distribution device.  Ultimately the real time data gathered from the pond and its catchment, will enable enhanced treatment efficiencies requiring a rethink of the conventional pond sizing.  The overall SMART POND system will be a suite of IoT devices to control, monitor, and gather and utilise data for chemical treatment, particle settling, water quality assessment and maintenance prediction.

The SMART POND contains two key components: SMART POND: DECANT and SMART POND: INLET.  The SMART POND: INLET forms part of an upcoming project and is outside of this design brief.  The SMART POND: DECANT is the decanting part of the system. This device replaces the traditional PVC T-bar system with an automated smart decant that continuously monitors water quality, pond level, and weather conditions to control the outflow of clean water and ensure the efficiency of the decanting process is optimised.  This process enables a more controlled release of water into the receiving environment.

Compliance monitoring has also identified that there are common issues occurring with elements of the decant design.  For example, movement between the manhole riser and decant arm often leads to leakage and thereby short circuiting occurs.  In addition, the decants do not sit parallel to the water level and drainage does not occur within the specified decant rate.  These are all design issues which the SMART POND: DECANT seeks to re-engineer.  We will draw upon manufacturing aspects where a higher degree of precision is required and apply sustainability principles for its continuous application.

A preliminary rendering of the SMART POND: DECANT is outlined below.

Project Manager

Michael Dunphy will be the project manager for this project.

Delivery Outcome and Timeframe

Phase 1: Material investigation and design
Complete

Phase 2: Prototype Build
In progress – due for completion Late 2021

Phase 3: Site Trials
Roll out during 2021/2022 earthworks season