Development of radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors suitable for smart-monitoring applications in sewer systems. (15th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tatiparthi, Sundra R.; De Costa, Yashika G.; Whittaker, Colin N.; Hu, Shihu; Yuan, Zhiguo; Zhong, Ray Y.; Zhuang, Wei-Qin
• Is Part Of: Water research. Volume 198(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06-15
• Subjects: Radio-frequency identification (RFID) -- Smart sewer networks -- Passive UHF-RFID sensors -- High-throughput monitoring -- Sewer blockages -- Surface flow rate; CCTV Closed-circuit television -- D Maximum antenna dimension -- DTS Distributed temperature sensing -- dBiC Decibels relative to circularly polarized isotropic radiator radiator -- dBi Decibels relative to isotropic radiator -- df Effective reading distance -- Gr The gain of the receiving tag antenna -- Gt The gain of the transmitting antenna -- HRT Hydraulic retention time -- IC Integrated circuit -- IoT Internet of Things -- IPS Insulated paper substrate -- PLA Polylactic acid -- Ptag Tag sensitivity -- r Radiating near field distance -- Re Reynolds number -- RFID Radiofrequency identification -- RF Radiofrequency -- RSSI Received signal strength indication -- SGT Stormwater gully trap -- SWM Stormwater utility hole -- UHF Ultra-high frequency -- WGT Wastewater gully trap -- WWM Wastewater utility hole -- Zd Maximum reading distance -- λ Wavelength; Water -- Pollution -- Research -- Periodicals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117107
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1354

Abstract

Highlights: Sewer blockages and Illicit-connections are hidden issues causing pathogen release. Flushable UHF-RFID-based sensors are designed to tackle the issues and more. Our sensor system is easy to operate, high-throughput, accurate, and low-cost. Several field trials were successfully conducted in Auckland, New Zealand. UHF-RFID sensors can be a feasible approach for the digital water concept. Abstract: Sanitary and stormwater sewers are buried assets that play important roles in the prevention of diseases and the reduction of health risks for our societies. Due to their hidden nature, these assets are not frequently assessed and maintained to optimal conditions. The lack of maintenance can cause sewer blockages and overflows that result in the release of pathogens into the environment. For cities, monitoring sewer conditions on a large-scale can be costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive if using current low-throughput technologies, such as dye testing or closed-circuit television. Alternatively, smart sensor systems can provide low-cost, high-throughput, and automatic data-driven features for real-time monitoring applications. In this study, we developed ultrahigh-frequency radio-frequency identification (UHF RFID)-based sensors that are flushable and suitable for sanitary and stormwater pipes quick surveys. 3D printed RFID sensors were designed to float at the water-air interface and minimize the water interference to RF signal communications. The optimal detection range was also determined to support the design and installation of the reader in various utility holes. Field trials demonstrated that the UHF RFID system is a low-cost, high-throughput, and robust solution for monitoring blockage, illicit-connection, and water flow in sewer networks. Graphical abstract: Image, graphical abstract