Urban Pipeline Network

Online Monitoring System Solution for Drainage Networks

The Online Monitoring System for Drainage Networks installs monitoring devices within drainage pipes, channels, and ancillary structures (manholes) to monitor parameters such as liquid level, flow velocity, flow rate, and on-site conditions in real-time. It features automatic alarm triggering for data exceeding limits and utilizes 4G/5G/NB-IoT wireless networks to transmit field data to the central monitoring software. This system provides strong guarantees for the safe and healthy operation of drainage networks, offers effective data support for network operation scheduling, maintenance management, and renovation design, and enhances the informatization management level of drainage networks. The system is expandable to include water quality monitoring, manhole cover displacement monitoring, hazardous gas concentration monitoring, and pressure monitoring.

Overview

Summary

Key Advantages

Comprehensive and Accurate Perception of Network Elements

High Adaptability to Harsh Underground Environments

Stable and Reliable Underground Communication Capability

Intelligent Early Warning and Network Diagnosis

Visualized Management and Integrated Scheduling

Lightweight Operation & Maintenance and Remote Management

Challenges

The high humidity, high corrosion, and sediment/debris-laden environment inside pipelines can easily cause sensor probe clogging and electrode passivation, affecting the accuracy of water level, flow, and water quality monitoring.
The confined space and poor ventilation in manholes make heat dissipation difficult for equipment, leading to potential failures during long-term operation.
Underground environments shield wireless signals; 4G/5G signals struggle to penetrate, while LoRa/NB-IoT transmission distances are limited, leading to data packet loss and delays. Gateway deployment locations are restricted, making signal relaying challenging.
Underground nodes lack stable mains power supply. When relying on battery power, endurance is limited by battery capacity.

Results

Hangzhou Xihu District Liuxia Sub-district Mountain-River Diversion Monitoring Service Project
Beijing Drainage Group Beijing West Railway Station Square Flow Monitoring Pilot Project
Shanghai Drainage Group Binhai New Area Drainage Monitoring Project

Solution Details

Online Monitoring System Solution for Drainage Networks

The Online Monitoring System for Drainage Networks is a comprehensive IoT solution designed for real-time monitoring and intelligent management of urban drainage infrastructure. It provides critical data on liquid level, flow, and environmental conditions to ensure the safe operation of drainage networks, support flood control efforts, and enhance urban water security.

Online Monitoring System for Drainage Networks control interface

Solution Background for Urban Drainage Management

As critical infrastructure, urban drainage systems are vital for environmental protection, flood control, and public well-being. The increasing complexity of these networks due to urbanization demands more advanced monitoring and management solutions.

Effective drainage network monitoring technology is a key component in ensuring urban water security, alleviating flood control pressure, and improving overall water environment quality.

System Overview & Core Functions

Real-Time Multi-Parameter Online Monitoring

The system installs monitoring devices in pipes, channels, and manholes to track liquid level, flow velocity, and flow rate in real-time. It uses 4G/5G/NB-IoT networks to transmit data to a central platform, enabling intelligent analysis and operational scheduling for the drainage network.

The platform is highly expandable, allowing for the integration of water quality monitoring, manhole cover displacement detection, hazardous gas concentration sensing, and pressure monitoring.

Level & Flow Monitoring

Provides foundational data for network analysis and flood forecasting.

Water Quality Monitoring

Tracks pH, temperature, conductivity, suspended solids, and dissolved oxygen.

Safety & Security Monitoring

Monitors manhole cover displacement and hazardous gases like H₂S and methane.

Intelligent Early Warning and Alarm System

The system features configurable warning thresholds for all monitored parameters. It automatically triggers alarms for data limit exceedance, low battery, network issues, or device failure, enabling timely intervention.

Integrated video surveillance aids in the visual confirmation of alarms, helping operators promptly identify issues like siltation or sewage overflow within the drainage network.

Multi-Dimensional Data Analysis and Reporting

The software automatically generates statistical reports (hourly, daily, monthly) and dynamic charts. It creates thematic maps for level, velocity, and flow rate to visualize trends.

This capability supports online analysis, siltation analysis, and waterlogging analysis, providing a scientific basis for network renovation, maintenance, and emergency flood control decision-making.

Key System Advantages

Comprehensive and Accurate Network Perception

The system delivers a holistic view of drainage network elements, from flow metrics to environmental conditions. This accurate perception is fundamental for effective urban drainage management and infrastructure planning.

High Adaptability and Reliable Communication

Designed for harsh underground environments, the hardware is highly integrated, robust, and easy to maintain. It features stable and reliable underground communication capabilities using modern wireless protocols.

A self-contained external power supply allows for deployment in areas without grid power, ensuring continuous monitoring system operation.

Intelligent Operation and Visual Management

Beyond simple monitoring, the system provides intelligent early warning and network diagnosis. Its software platform offers visualized management and integrated scheduling tools for a centralized view of network health.

The solution enables lightweight operation & maintenance through remote configuration and management of all devices, significantly reducing the need for physical site visits.

Software System & Technical Features

The central software system is the brain of the Online Monitoring System for Drainage Networks. It aggregates data, manages devices, generates alerts, and presents information through an intuitive, visual interface for efficient drainage network management.

Core Software Capabilities

Real-time Data Dashboard: Live view of all monitoring points across the drainage network.
Remote Device Configuration: Adjust parameters and thresholds for any sensor remotely.
Historical Data Analysis: Deep dive into trends with customizable reports and charts.
Alarm Management Center: Log, review, and assign actions for all system alerts.
Thematic Map Generation: Visualize data geographically for flood and siltation analysis.

System Integration & Scalability

This drainage network monitoring solution is built to integrate with existing city management systems and scale as needed. New monitoring points for water quality, pressure, or video can be added seamlessly, making it a future-proof investment for smart city water management and urban flood control initiatives.

Approach

How we implement intelligence into your infrastructure step by step.

Requirement Survey & Network Census

Investigate network topology, pipe diameter, material, and operating conditions to clarify monitoring priorities. Liaise with water, environmental protection, and flood control departments to determine monitoring elements, accuracy, and warning requirements. Collect basic network data and correct deviations in outdated pipeline drawings.

Solution Design & Point Planning

Design the 'Perception - Transmission - Platform - Application' architecture, selecting IP68-rated anti-corrosion equipment. Plan monitoring points according to the principle of 'denser coverage at overflow risk points, full coverage of key pipe sections,' avoiding pipe bends and diameter change points. Determine the LoRa + gateway communication and battery/mains power supply方案 (scheme).

Infrastructure Construction & Device Deployment

Modify pipelines to install mounting bases, ensuring waterproofing and anti-corrosion treatment for井下点位 (manhole points). Install level, flow, water quality sensors, and manhole cover monitoring terminals,调试防堵塞功能 (debugging anti-clogging functions). Deploy above-ground gateways, establish communication links, and test the stability of underground-to-ground data transmission.

Platform Setup & Function Configuration

Deploy cloud-based and/or local monitoring platforms, building a GIS-based network visualization system. Configure异常预警阈值 (abnormal warning thresholds) for overflow and blockage. Develop data analysis modules and interface with city flood control and wastewater treatment plant scheduling platforms to establish data sharing interfaces.

Trial Operation & Optimization

Conduct a 1-3 month trial run covering different weather conditions (dry/rainy) to optimize warning thresholds and model parameters. Troubleshoot device failures and data deviations, and rectify issues遗留 (left over) from construction.