The function of an online monitoring system for drainage pipe networks

　　 Online Monitoring System for Drainage Networks The overall operational condition is far from satisfactory, with frequent waterlogging on roads during rainy weather, severely impacting the urban environment and residents’ daily lives. These issues are primarily attributable to combined stormwater–sewage systems, excessive groundwater infiltration, inadequate pipeline infrastructure, and pipe siltation and blockages, all of which have reduced drainage capacity. Moreover, due to the complexity of online monitoring systems for drainage networks, coupled with a widespread lack of technical drawings and documentation and an absence of reliable, scientifically sound inspection methods, the condition of these systems often relies on subjective expert judgment rather than data‑driven analysis. This deficiency in objective diagnostic evidence poses significant challenges to decision‑making regarding maintenance strategies for online monitoring systems, particularly in terms of management.

　　Accurately monitoring changes in water flow within pipelines helps to precisely assess their operational condition and enhances the scientific basis of decisions regarding the upgrade of online monitoring systems for drainage networks, as well as the overall level of system operation and management. This paper presents an online monitoring system for domestic wastewater networks that enables real-time measurement of underground wastewater flow in urban sewer systems and leverages the collected data to support the management and maintenance of these networks.

　　The online monitoring system for drainage networks can also be used to track both flow volume and water quality within the network. It is deployed in conjunction with telemetry terminals, which are powered either by grid electricity or a solar‑powered system. Flow meters and water‑quality sensors are securely mounted inside the conduits. The telemetry terminals periodically collect data from the flow meters and transmit it remotely to a server via GPRS. This data can then be accessed through a web‑based platform.

　　Maintenance of drainage pipelines is lagging behind. In addition to the failure to promptly detect problems and defects in these pipelines, inadequate cleaning and maintenance result in sludge accumulating within the pipes, which is discharged into rivers during rainfall, thereby polluting waterways. For drainage systems installed above the groundwater table, sewage leakage has become a major contributor to the contamination of both groundwater and soil.

　　A large volume of groundwater infiltrates the pipeline through leakage interfaces, while sediment is washed out, leading to void formation around the pipeline, a reduction in the bearing capacity of the pipeline foundation, pipe disconnection and misalignment, and even pavement collapse. When these voids reach a critical extent, the pavement may subside or experience sudden failure.

　　Characteristics of the online monitoring system for drainage pipe networks:

　　1. Pipelines are linear transmission channels that exhibit a cascading effect: a blockage at one point can disrupt the entire system. As long as the pipeline has severe defects, it is sufficient to paralyze the entire network.

　　2. Clearly affected by “control deficiencies.” Certain localized major defects often become control points in the operation of the piping system.

　　3. Online Monitoring System for Drainage Networks It locates the discharge point in real time and provides monitoring personnel with relevant flow‑rate data, ensuring that adjustments can be made during the maintenance of the water supply and drainage network based on this information. This helps to keep the city’s underground pipeline system unobstructed and prevents clogging.