PROBLEM
The military needed a safer, and more autonomous system to deal with wastewater treatment in remote locations. Sam Houston State University developed an initial product design, but the unit required constant technician attention and had poor sensing, control, and auditing capabilities.

PROCESS
PCDworks designed advanced controls, sensors, and logging capabilities, and implemented a LabVIEW-based control system, complete with a host of remote pressure, depth, and flow sensors and pumps. Additionally, PCDworks improved the function of the device to provide greater removal of sediment and greater cycling rates for wastewater.

RESULT
A new self-sustaining, portable, and “smart” wastewater bio-digestion system that holds great promise for the nation’s military operations and disaster relief efforts worldwide. This self-contained, completely autonomous system can be monitored via the internet. It automatically adjusts flow and fluid levels, sends reports and alerts, and shuts down when needed. Initial units are scheduled for delivery to Iraq in 2010, and the unit holds potential for wastewater clean up efforts worldwide.