How to accurately measure water turbidity in a hydroelectric power plant? Customer's problem

Directly supplying a hydroelectric power plant with water from a river poses a considerable risk, especially when the source is located in a mountainous region where storms often wash away large amounts of sediment. This is the case in Ecuador, where CELEC EP operates a hydroelectric power plant located on the Mazar River. After heavy rainfall, turbidity levels rise rapidly, and suspended solids and sand enter the intake channel, which can contaminate the system and damage the turbine.

Until now, the response to such events has been based mainly on visual observation and the experience of operators. However, in conditions of rapidly changing weather and difficult terrain, this is not enough. What was needed was precise and continuous measurement of water turbidity – with digital data transmission to the SCADA system and resistance to strong water flow in the channel. The solution also had to be resistant to contamination and reliable throughout the year.

How does the NTU turbidity sensor support reliable turbidity measurement? Our solution

To ensure accurate measurement of turbidity in water, a JUMO ecoLine NTU digital sensor was installed in the power plant's inlet channel. The turbidity meter works on the basis of light scattering at an angle of 90°, which allows for stable measurement even with high flow rates and variable concentrations of suspended solids. The turbidity meter operates on the basis of the 90° light scattering method, which allows for stable measurement even with high flow rates and variable suspended solids concentrations. The measuring range from 1 to 4000 NTU allows for the detection of both slight increases in turbidity and extreme spikes after violent storms.

The turbidity sensor is mounted on a movable arm in the inlet channel – this allows the sensor to rise with the current in the event of larger contaminants flowing in, reducing the risk of clogging or damage. Additional stabilizing chains keep the sensor in the optimal position relative to the flow. The measurement is digitally processed directly in the device and then transmitted via an RS485 interface with Modbus RTU protocol to the JUMO AQUIS 500 RS converter and on to the power plant's SCADA system.

An additional control cabinet has been installed to protect the equipment from weather conditions. This ensures that the solution operates reliably around the clock, even in difficult terrain and weather conditions.

How did accurate water turbidity measurement affect the operation of a hydroelectric power plant? Customer benefits

The implementation of an automatic system for measuring water turbidity at a hydroelectric power plant has brought a number of measurable benefits to the operator. Firstly, the reliability of the turbine has been significantly increased. Thanks to continuous monitoring of water turbidity, operators can detect the risk of sediment inflow earlier and react before overload, rotor damage, or plant downtime occurs.

Secondly, it has become possible to optimally plan sand trap cleaning without having to rely on rigid schedules or subjective assessments. When the turbidity level reaches a certain threshold, the device automatically notifies the user that action is required. This reduces both unnecessary downtime and operating costs.

In addition, the JUMO digital turbidity sensor operates completely autonomously and does not require frequent intervention or calibration in the field. Thanks to the use of a movable suspension in the inlet channel and resistance to contamination adhesion, the system remains effective even under difficult hydrological conditions. Equally important, measurements are continuously transmitted to the SCADA system, providing full control over water quality and enabling decisions to be made based on reliable data.

As a result, the power plant can operate more safely, efficiently, and predictably, even in situations where natural conditions change from hour to hour.

Don't leave turbidity determination to guesswork. Contact us to ensure accurate measurement of liquid turbidity. If you have any questions about turbidity meters, turbidity measurement methods, or solutions for monitoring other water parameters, don't hesitate to write to us.

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