Optimized collaboration through transparency

Every day, sewage treatment plants generate large amounts of data from the cleaning process. Without the right tools, it is virtually impossible to classify all of this data in a meaningful way, let alone evaluate it efficiently. With the RITUNE optimization platform, Rittmeyer has developed a tool that takes on this extensive task and, with targeted recommendations for action and optimization, can make a decisive contribution to conserving resources and, as a result, saving costs. Operations manager Roman Bieri and planner Reto von Schulthess recognised this potential and have been successfully integrating the software solution into their daily work for some time now.

"The RITUNE optimization platform creates the transparency needed to optimize a plant."

Improved communication

Both see a particular benefit of the RITUNE optimization platform in the improvement of communication between them. "It's really straightforward. I often check it in the morning and send Roman Bieri a screenshot if I notice anything unusual," says von Schulthess, adding: "Of course, it works the other way round too." This used to be more difficult, as many things could not be identified so quickly with the process control system alone. On the RITUNE optimization platform, it is literally visible whether something is in the green or red zone. Thanks to improved communication, planner von Schulthess no longer has to be on site for every task.

High error transparency

The load-dynamic operation of the Langmatt wastewater treatment plant is relatively complex and also includes a biological low-load stage. The transparency of the individual processes therefore plays a particularly important role. However, the software platform not only reveals connections, but also errors. "Of course, you have to be prepared to respond to this. The system indicates when a process is not running correctly or, for example, when internal back charges have been incorrectly dosed," says Bieri. In his estimation and experience, a good 80 per cent of errors are caused by the plants themselves and only 20 per cent by unforeseen loads outside the plants. "It's important to be open to improvements. It's okay to make mistakes, and the RITUNE optimization platform uncovers them," says von Schulthess. A lot of money is lost because errors are not detected at all or are detected too late.

"It is important to be open to improvements. Making mistakes is allowed, and the RITUNE optimization platform uncovers them."

A worthwhile investment

Both the operations manager and the planner are convinced of the platform's benefits. This also applies to the acquisition costs. "On some systems, for example, a slide valve is installed that is never used and has cost more than the RITUNE optimization platform," says von Schulthess, adding: "Of course, purchasing the software also costs money, but it opens up considerable potential in terms of lower resource consumption and associated cost savings."

There are plans to potentially expand the use of the software solution in the future with the introduction of the RITUNE optimization platform. RITUNE combined control could optimize the distribution of loads before they arrive at the sewage treatment plant, which would make operation much easier.

"Whether you want to work with the RITUNE optimization platform or not depends primarily on how much transparency you want and whether you are prepared to get involved," Roman Bieri is convinced. At the Langmatt wastewater treatment plant, everyone involved agrees that they have taken the right path. Roman Bieri concludes: "Of course, a plant can run without the RITUNE optimization platform, but it definitely runs better with it."