VODA CZ s.r.o. and VODA CZ Service s.r.o. operate throughout the Czech Republic and currently have more than 350 contractual partners. Over the course of more than 20 years, they have completed a large number of projects for both municipalities and operating companies. The company does not focus solely on sewerage and drainage networks and wastewater treatment plants, but also deals with the implementation and supply of technologies for drinking water and distribution networks. This includes the implementation of water treatment plants, automatic pressure stations, water reservoirs, pumping stations, etc.
Šťáhlavy WWTP 2500 PE, Losiná WWTP 1700 PE
Challenge
VODA CZ s.r.o. operates and manages wastewater treatment plants in smaller municipalities together with its sister company VODA CZ Service s.r.o. The problem was insufficient monitoring of the condition of the treatment plants over time. Emergency situations at the WWTPs were often detected with a delay, even though there were technological possibilities to avoid such situations or prevent them from occurring in the first place. Ongoing or emergency interventions were often addressed too late or with the wrong technology (WWTP operators are often temporary workers or pensioners, for example). Investing in standard sensor solutions was financially demanding, and the goal was not to equip WWTPs with a large number of expensive measurement and control elements.
Solution
TUL CXI, a partner of the EDIH Northeast consortium, proposed using computer vision to monitor key parameters of wastewater treatment plants. A camera system and image analysis were used to evaluate the presence of sludge and water quality in tanks. As part of the EDIH Test before invest service, a proof of concept was carried out, which confirmed the possibility of replacing expensive sensors with cheaper image analysis.
Result
- Confirmation of the solution’s functionality and effectiveness.
- VODA CZ and TUL CXI subsequently submitted a joint project to the Trend programme (TA ČR) and were successful.
- Based on this success, the company was able to continue implementing the technology, which had been successfully tested using EDIH NEB.
- The project contributed to the development of new technology and the protection of intellectual property.
Benefits for the customer
- Cost savings on testing and equipment.
- Streamlining of operations and service interventions.
- Obtaining financing for continued innovation.
- Establishment of long-term cooperation with TUL CXI in the field of technological development.
Reference
‘Thanks to cooperation within EDIH NEB, we were able to test image recognition technologies and verify that our original idea was feasible. We were also able to better estimate the final costs of development, implementation and operation, and what else would be needed to implement the project.’
Kateřina Jílková, Regional Director, Prague
Církvice WWTP Q 3 l/s Církvice water supply system – water source and treatment plant
Would you also like to try out computer vision technology to monitor key parameters in your operations? Don’t hesitate to contact us!