Bridgemeter Plays Crucial Role in Modernizing the World's Largest Underground Treated Water Pumping Station

The Lameirão Elevatory Pumping Station , located in Santíssimo, Rio de Janeiro, is an extraordinary feat of engineering. Opened in 1966, it is recognized as the largest underground treated water pumping station in the world. This monumental structure plays a vital role in the water supply system of the city of Rio de Janeiro and its metropolitan region, and is often referred to as "the project of the century" due to its importance and scale.

With high-powered engines capable of pumping 27,600 liters of water per minute, the Lameirão Elevatória is essential for transporting treated water, meeting the growing demand of the local population. Its capacity and advanced technology make it a critical component of Rio de Janeiro's water infrastructure, reflecting both advances in civil engineering and the challenges of water resource management in densely populated urban areas.

Modernization of the Lameirão Elevatory: Replacing Two Motors

In August 2024, CEDAE carried out a major operation: replacing two of the main motors at the Lameirão Elevatória. This modernization project, with an investment of approximately R$15 million, marks a historic moment for the state's sanitation infrastructure.

The newly installed motors have an impressive capacity to pump 6,900 liters of water per second, representing a significant advance in efficiency and reliability. This upgrade not only ensures greater operational safety but also promises a substantial reduction in energy consumption, estimated at 1.1 million kWh per month, which translates into annual savings of approximately R$4.9 million.

Replacing this equipment is part of a broader investment plan by CEDAE to ensure the resilience of the Lameirão pumping system and ensure the water supply for the state's development in the coming decades.

Complexity and Challenges of the Operation

Replacing motors in a facility the size of Elevatória do Lameirão is an extremely complex and challenging operation. Several factors contribute to this complexity:

1. Scale of Operation : The replaced engines are huge, with 9,000 HP each, and are located 64 meters deep.
2. Logistics : Transporting the new engines from the factory in Santa Catarina to Rio de Janeiro was an operation that lasted six days, requiring a special escort.
3. Service Continuity : The pumping station cannot shut down completely, as it is responsible for pumping half of the treated water that supplies the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region. The operation had to be carried out in a way that minimized any interruption in the water supply.
4. Limited Time Window : The entire replacement process had to be completed within a three-day window, requiring precise and efficient coordination.
5. Tests and Validations : After installation, it was necessary to carry out a series of tests and validations to ensure the proper functioning of the new motors and their integration into the existing system.
6. Continuous Monitoring : Throughout the process, it was crucial to maintain constant monitoring of various parameters to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the operation.

The Crucial Role of Bridgemeter during the Lameirão Elevatory Modernization Operation

In this highly complex and critical scenario, the Bridgemeter Above-Net 's intelligent Industrial IoT solution , was essential in ensuring continuous and reliable monitoring throughout the motor replacement process.

Above-Net is responsible for remote communications at the Lameirão station and implemented an extraordinary redundancy solution that maximizes the station's Service Level Agreement (SLA) during the critical testing and validation period. This included the installation of additional redundancy devices and configurations, resulting in virtually uninterrupted communication, with an SLA close to 100%.

In addition to Bridgemeter, Bridgemanager was used to mirror data to the Guandu Operational Control Center (CCO), enabling real-time remote monitoring of critical parameters such as pressures, flow rates, pump status, and levels in SCADA systems. This real-time monitoring capability was crucial to ensuring that each step of the replacement was carried out safely and efficiently.

Furthermore, the system enabled remote control and monitoring of the pumps, ensuring that the control center could maintain the necessary supervision and control throughout the process. Bridgemeter's ability to process and present data in real time was essential for making quick and accurate decisions during the operation.

Bridgemeter Benefits and Features in Complex Operations

The successful operation at Elevatória do Lameirão highlights the numerous benefits and capabilities of Bridgemeter in complex sanitation :

1. Real-Time Monitoring : Bridgemeter provides instant visualization of critical data, enabling quick responses to any anomalies.
2. High Reliability : With its redundant architecture, the system ensures uninterrupted communication, crucial in critical operations.
3. Flexible Integration : Capable of integrating with existing SCADA systems, as well as any type of sensors and equipment, Bridgemeter offers a versatile solution for different operational scenarios.
4. Predictive Analytics : Using advanced algorithms, the system can predict potential problems before they occur, enabling preventative maintenance.
5. Intelligent Alarm Management : Bridgemeter can be configured to alert operators to specific conditions, prioritizing critical events.
6. Decision Support : By providing accurate data and real-time analytics, the system assists in making informed decisions during complex operations.
7. Scalability : Bridgemeter can be easily expanded to monitor multiple sites and equipment, providing a holistic view of operations.

CEDAE's selection of Bridgemeter for real-time predictive monitoring of its operations demonstrates its confidence in its ability to manage critical sanitation infrastructure. This partnership between Above-Net and CEDAE represents a significant step in the modernization and optimization of sanitation operations in Rio de Janeiro.

Conclusion: A Successful Operation

The successful replacement of two motors at the Lameirão Elevatória represents a significant milestone in the modernization of Rio de Janeiro's sanitation infrastructure. Bridgemeter's role in this operation was crucial, demonstrating its ability to provide reliable, real-time monitoring in highly critical situations.

The success of this operation not only improved the efficiency and reliability of the Lameirão Elevatória, but also set a new standard for future modernizations in critical sanitation infrastructure. The partnership between Above-Net and CEDAE, supported by Bridgemeter's advanced technology, promises a more efficient and sustainable future for water supply in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region.

This success story serves as a powerful example of how Industrial IoT technology, when applied intelligently and strategically, can transform complex operations into remarkable successes, benefiting millions of citizens and preparing cities for future water resource management challenges.