Optimizing Water Management at the Kilo 40 Reservoir

Project Description

The Kilo 40 reservoir, 20 kilometer from the Okorusu mine in Namibia, faced persistent pump management issues. Each power outage forced a manual reset, requiring a 40 kilometer round trip just to restart the system. There was also no way to monitor water levels or monthly usage in real time, making efficient water use nearly impossible.

To address these challenges, a remote monitoring and control system was implemented via the Iotellect platform. It included automated controls to handle low water levels, preventing dry runs and extending pump lifespan.

The system was also optimized to reduce data transmission while maintaining full functionality. It offered control comparable to direct access, but at a fraction of the GPRS cost, cutting expenses and removing the need for constant manual oversight.

Hardware and Environment

• Moxa W5312 Cellular RTU.
• Mitsubishi FR400 Variable Speed Drive.
• E&H ProMag Flow Meter.
• Ultrasonic Level Transmitter.

Benefits

• Cut Travel and Labor Costs. Remote pump control replaced 40 kilometer round trips, saving time and reducing staffing needs.
• Minimized Downtime. Automated monitoring enabled fast recovery after outages, keeping the system running.
• Protected Equipment. Real-time alerts prevented dry runs, extending the life of the pump.
• Smarter Resource Planning. Detailed consumption reports supported better forecasting and operational decisions.
• Lowered GPRS Costs. Optimized data usage cut transmission expenses without compromising system performance.

Testimonials

Integrating the Iotellect platform at the Kilo 40 reservoir allowed us to deliver a highly efficient and reliable water management solution. Fully remote monitoring and automated pump control reduced the need for on-site visits and minimized downtime after power outages. This project shows how IoT technology can streamline operations and cut costs in systems that demand continuous reliability.

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