710228Waste Water MeterClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKOur Project, Waste Water Meter (WWM), will develop a proof of concept prototype microwave sensor for the measurement of water levels and contaminants in plastic and clay waste water pipes. The WWM will be an external sensor that will work at microwave frequencies to measure the water flow and water content inside the pipes, transmitting data to a processor for analysis. Treatment of waste water is the most costly operation for water companies, yet they do not currently measure waste water volumes, but utilise proxies. The processing and disposing of waste, and removing contaminants, such as heavy metals, from waste water is particularly costly. Occasionally illegal contaminants or high levels of contaminants are found in waste water entering the treatment process. There is a general desire to be able to attribute contaminants to their source, enabling the ‘polluter’ to pay, and allowing water companies to apportion costs more fairly. WWM will accurately calculate the volumes of waste water generated and detect the contaminant levels and types in water leaving individual premises. Our product is technically innovative as it will use transceiver circuitry to transmit a microwave signal which is reflected by the water and the received signal sent to a processor for analysis. The use of this technology will allow it to be situated outside the water pipe, removing significant problems with flow blockage and accurate measurement associated with current flow and volume measuring devices situated inside the pipe. The nature of this technology also allows it to accurately measure contaminant types and levels in waste water, combining two essential operations in one device. The product is fitted externally to the pipe enabling retro-fitting and reduction of installation costs.