Efficient wastewater treatment is a process that directly influences the operational efficiency of treatment plants, the quality of water reintroduced into the environment and long-term operating costs. In Romania, for example, although the collected volumes are significant, only approximately 15% of urban wastewater is treated in compliance with European standards, compared to an EU average of over 75%.
To support this transition toward more efficient and predictable wastewater treatment sector, we have started a partnership with Valmet, a company with an extensive portfolio of equipment for process automation and measurement. Through this partnership, we can provide advanced monitoring and control solutions for wastewater processes, capable of transforming process data into fast, actionable decisions, reducing losses and optimizing energy consumption.
Valmet solutionsare recognized for their real-time solids measurement in wastewater treatment flows, a field that, until recently, depended on manual analyses and delayed responses. With robust sensors, dedicated software solutions and full integration with existing SCADA systems, these solutions provide operators with a clear view of sludge, centrate and filtrate behavior, enabling immediate action without process interruptions.
At the same time, we are committed to complementing the equipment portfolio with our own expertise for complete integration – from design, commissioning and calibration to continuous local support – essential elements for reliability and predictable results.
Valmet solutions for wastewater process control
In wastewater treatment plants, every stage, from sludge thickening to dewatering and centrate management, has a direct impact on operating costs. What was once controlled by periodic laboratory measurements can now be monitored and adjusted in real time through Valmet solutions integrated into automation systems.
The Valmet Wastewater Measurements range enables continuous solids analysis at every critical point of the process:
- Valmet TS (Total Solids) – measures in real time the total solids concentration (0–50%) in sludge and provides precise data for optimal polymer dosing and centrifuge operation control.
- Valmet LS (Low Solids) – delivers accurate insight into suspended solids in centrate and filtrate, an area notoriously difficult to monitor through conventional methods.
- Valmet DS and HS (Dry/High Solids) – optimize solids content in dry cake, reducing transportation and energy costs during drying or incineration stages.
- Valmet PCM (Polymer Concentration Measurement) – continuously monitors polymer concentration, allowing for precise dosing and reduced chemical consumption, with a direct impact on process efficiency and operating costs.
- Valmet SDO (Sludge Dewatering Optimizer) – a predictive control software that correlates sensor data and automatically adjusts process parameters for maximum sludge dewatering efficiency.
- Samplers – ensure automatic, precise and repeatable sampling from sludge flows, eliminating human errors and improving equipment calibration and analysis accuracy.
All these solutions are fully automated, resistant to variations in flow rate and water quality, and provide real-time data that can be integrated into existing SCADA systems.
Why Valmet monitoring and automation solutions matter for operators in the Eastern European market
For water and wastewater utilities, as well as for industries managing large wastewater volumes, such as food and beverage, pulp and paper and metal processing, Valmet’s real-time measurement and control systems provide immediate advantages:
- 10–30% polymer consumption reduction through automated, precise dosing;
- Energy savings via optimized centrifugation and dewatering processes;
- Lower sludge transport and storage costs;
- Elimination of uncertainty caused by manual measurements and process variability;
- Constant compliance with discharge indicators and quality standards.
In addition, continuous monitoring supports operational predictability – a critical factor for many local plants, where seasonal flow fluctuations can affect overall system performance.
Consultech implementation and local support for Valmet monitoring and automation equipment
The partnership with Valmet goes far beyond equipment delivery. Our team provides all necessary steps for full integration:
- initial plant audit and identification of measurement points;
- automation system design and sizing;
- installation, calibration and commissioning;
- dedicated training for operational personnel;
- preventive maintenance and rapid interventions, with spare parts and consumables from local stock.
This integrated approach ensures a seamless transition toward modern technologies, without dependence on costly external services or long delivery times.
Through the Consultech–Valmet collaboration, the Eastern European market now has access to a complete range of monitoring and automation solutions that make wastewater treatment a predictable and efficient process. It is a concrete step toward digitalizing the water infrastructure and achieving European sustainability goals.
For operators looking to optimize their wastewater treatment processes or begin a Valmet implementation, our team offers technical consultancy, process simulations and end-to-end project assistance.
Contact us for an initial evaluation or to discuss integrating these solutions into your facility.
