This paper introduces the application of fibre-optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS) in combined sewer systems. The DTS-technique uses a fibre-optic cable that is inserted into a combined sewer system in combination with a laser instrument that performs measurements and logs the data. The DTS-technique allows monitoring in-sewer temperatures with dense spatial and temporal resolutions. The installation of a fibre-optic cable in a combined sewer system has proven feasible. The use of a single instrument in an easy accessible and safe location that can simultaneously monitor up to several hundreds of monitoring locations makes the DTS set-up easy in use and nearly free of maintenance. Temperature data from a one-week monitoring campaign in an 1,850 m combined sewer system shows the level of detail with which in-sewer processes that affect wastewater temperatures can be studied. Individual discharges from house-connections can be tracked in time and space. With a dedicated cable configuration the confluence of wastewater flows can be observed with a potential to derive the relative contributions of contributary flows to a total flow. Also, the inflow and in-sewer propagation of stormwater can be monitored.
[1]
Luc Thévenaz,et al.
Distributed fiber‐optic temperature sensing for hydrologic systems
,
2006
.
[2]
Sam Johansson.
Seepage monitoring in embankment dams
,
1997
.
[3]
M. Parlange,et al.
Fiber optics opens window on stream dynamics
,
2006
.
[4]
Jean-Luc Bertrand-Krajewski,et al.
Practical aspects, experiences and strategies by using UV/VIS sensors for long-term sewer monitoring
,
2006
.
[5]
R P S Schilperoort,et al.
Temperature and conductivity as control parameters for pollution-based real-time control.
,
2006,
Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research.