Bridgemeter plays a crucial role in the Modernization of the Largest Underground Treated Water Pump in the World

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

With high-power engines, capable of pumping 27,600 liters of water per minute, the Lameirão Pump 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 resources management in densely populated urban areas.

Modernization of the Lameirão Elevator: Replacing Two Engines

In August 2024, CEDAE carried out a major operation: the replacement of two of the main engines of the Lameirão Elevatory. This modernization project has an investment of approximately R$15 million and marks a historic moment for the state's sanitation infrastructure.

The new engines installed have an impressive capacity to pump 6,900 liters of water per second, representing a significant advance in terms of efficiency and reliability. This update not only guarantees greater operational security, but also promises a substantial reduction in energy consumption, estimated at 1.1 million kWh per month, which translates into annual savings of around R$4.9 million.

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

Operation Complexity and Challenges

Changing engines 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 enormous, with 9,000 HP each, and are located 64 meters underground.
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. Continuity of Service : The pump cannot stop completely, as it is responsible for pumping half of the treated water that supplies the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. The operation had to be carried out in a way to minimize any interruption in the water supply.
4. Limited Time Window : The entire replacement process had to be carried out 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 engines 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 modernization operation of the Lameirão Elevator

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

Above-Net is responsible for remote communication at the Lameirão station and implemented, on an extraordinary basis, a redundancy solution that maximizes the station's SLA (Service Level Agreement) 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 Guandu's Operational Control Center (CCO), allowing real-time remote monitoring of critical parameters such as pressures, flows, pump status and levels in SCADA systems. This real-time monitoring capability was crucial to ensuring each step of the replacement was carried out safely and efficiently.

Furthermore, the system allowed 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 operation.

Benefits and Features of Bridgemeter 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 guarantees uninterrupted communication, crucial in critical operations.
3. Flexible Integration : Able to integrate with existing SCADA systems, as well as any type of sensors and equipment, Bridgemeter offers a versatile solution for different operational scenarios.
4. Predictive Analysis : Using advanced algorithms, the system can predict potential problems before they occur, enabling preventive 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 analysis, the system assists in making informed decisions during complex operations.
7. Scalability : Bridgemeter can be easily expanded to monitor multiple sites and equipment, offering a holistic view of operations.

CEDAE's choice of Bridgemeter for real-time predictive monitoring of its operations demonstrates confidence in its ability to handle 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 the two engines 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 Elevator, but also set a new standard for future modernizations in critical sanitation infrastructure. The partnership between Above-Net and CEDAE, supported by advanced Bridgemeter technology, promises a more efficient and sustainable future for water supply in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.

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.