Report 44 Task 3 Data Logger Telemetry System

publication was produced for review by United States Agency for International 

This 

It was prepared by: 

Development. 

United States Agency for 

International Development 

Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation 

LIFE Integrated Water Resources Management 

Task Order No. 802 

EPIQ II: Contract No. EPP-T-802-03-00013-00 

Task 3: Equitable Allocation of Water Resources 

DATA LOGGER BASED TELEMETRY MONITORING 

SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT 

DISTRICTS 

Report No. 44 

March 2008 

International Resources Group 

In association with EPIQ II Consortium

US Agency 

Ministry of Water Resources 

and Irrigation 

for International Development 

LIFE Integrated Water Resources Management 

Task Order No. 802 

EPIQ II: Contract No. EPP-T-802-03-00013-00 

Task 3: Equitable Allocation of Water Resources 

DATA LOGGER BASED TELEMETRY MONITORING 

SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT 

DISTRICTS 

Report No. 44 

Prepared by: 

Eng. Ibrahim Mahdy Sallam 

Eng. Ayman ElSayed Ibrahim 

March 2008 

DISCLAIMER 

The authors views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United 

States Agency for International Development or the United States Government

of Figures and Tables...........................................................................................................ii 

List 

Figures...................................................................................................................................................................ii 

Data Summary..................................................................................................................... 4 

4. 

Preparation and Equipment ......................................................................................................................5 

Site 

Lesson Learned .................................................................................................................. 15 

8. 

of Operation Policy at Mealla Pump Station.............................................................................. 15 

Revision 

Policy Evaluation at East Menofiya Pump Station.................................................................. 15 

Operation 

Data and Downstream Sites .................................................................................................... 16 

Monitoring 

to Integrated Water Management and Conflict Resolution.................................................. 16 

Supports 

Data Supports Planning .................................................................................................................... 17 

System 

Supports Ministry’s Plans for the Telemetry System ................................................................. 17 


Supports Integrated Water Management during Crises ........................................................... 17 


Confidence of the System .................................................................................................................... 17 

High 

Supports Water Quality Management and Drainage Water Reuse ....................................... 17 


1 Logger Net Software Operation ..................................................................... 27 

Annex 

Net Setting .......................................................................................................................................... 27 

Logger 

GSM Modem Connection............................................................................................................... 29 

SAMBA 

of TANGO GSM Modem with CR510 Logger................................................................... 30 

Connection 

3 Maintenance Forms ......................................................................................... 37 

Annex 

Logger Scheduled Maintenance Form................................................................................................ 37 

Data 

Modem Maintenance Form ............................................................................................................... 39 

Tango 

Supply Scheduled Maintenance Form............................................................................................. 40 

Power 

Task 3. Data Logger Based Telemetry Monitoring System 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Tables ....................................................................................................................................................................ii 

Acronyms and Abbreviations....................................................................................................iii 

1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 

2. Implementation Strategy ................................................................................................... 2 

3. Pilot Project Sites................................................................................................................ 3 

5. Data Management ............................................................................................................. 10 

6. System Evaluation ............................................................................................................. 13 

7. System Benefits ................................................................................................................. 14 

9. System installation and Operation Cost......................................................................... 18 

10. Problems Encountered ..................................................................................................... 19 

11. Site Photos ......................................................................................................................... 20 

12. Recommended Preventive Maintenance Schedule ....................................................... 24 

13. Recommendations and Future Plan ................................................................................ 26 

Annex 2 Logger NET ....................................................................................................... 31 

LIFE IWRM i INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES GROUP


LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES 

Figures 

Figure 1 Installed Monitoring Components....................................................................................... 5 

Figure 2 Remote Data Logger Sites in Qena Directorate ............................................................. 6 

Figure 3 Data Loggers Sites in West and East Sharkiya Directorates......................................... 7 

Figure 4 Data Logger Sites in Zifta Directorate ............................................................................... 8 

Figure 5 Data Logger Sites in Aswan Directorate ............................................................................... 9 

Figure 6 

User Main Menu.....................................................................................................................11 

Figure 7 MIMIC Display for Mealah PS Data ...................................................................................12 

Figure 8 Table Displaying Mealah PS Data .......................................................................................12 

Figure 9 Downstream Water Levels, Meaala PS, 11 June–17 July, 2007......................................15 

Figure 10 East Menofiya PS Upstream Water Level and Conductivity, 17–21 July, 2007........16 

Figure 11 Ghawasa Regulator USWL & DSWL, 25 June–5 July 2007...................................16 

Figure 12 Meit Bera Regulator .........................................................................................................20 

Figure 13 

Meit Bera Regulator’s Data Logger and GSM Modem Connection with RTU.21 

Figure 14 Meala PS Relay Enclosure, Data Logger and GSM Modem Connection .............21 

Figure 15 Meala PS Local Warning System and Installed Siren ................................................22 

Figure 16 Ghawasa Regulator Installed Equipment .....................................................................22 

Figure 17 Ghawasa Regulator Installed Sensor Pipes .................................................................23 

Tables 

Table 1 

Monitored Data by Location............................................................................................................4 

Table 2 

Recommended Maintenance Schedule........................................................................................24 

LIFE IWRM ii INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES GROUP


ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 

DO 

Dissolved Oxygen 

DSWL Downstream Water Level 

GMS 

Global System for Mobile communications 

GPRS 

General Packet Radio Service 

IP 

Internet Provider 

IWMD Integrated Water Management District 

km 

Kilometer 

LE 

Egyptian Pounds (currency) 

LIFE 

Livelihood and Income from the Environment (Project) 

MIMIC Display Panel 

MWRI Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation 

PDA 

Personal Digital Assistant (computing) 

pH 

Measure of acidity or alkalinity 

PS 

Pumping Station 

RTU 

Remote Terminal Unit 

SMS 

Short Message Service 

USAID United States Agency for International Development 

USWL Upstream Water Level 

VHF 

Very High Frequency 

LIFE IWRM iii INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES GROUP

document describes the pilot project for implementing a data logger-based telemetry system to 

This 

inflows and outflows of the Integrated Water Management Districts (IWMDs). The main 

monitor 

of the implemented pilot project was to strengthen the capabilities of the IWMDs’ 

purpose 

staff to monitor and analyze water. distribution The system was implemented at eleven 

operations 

structures and pumping stations. At irrigation structures, the system provided real or near 

irrigation 

time information on water levels and flows. At the pumping stations, in addition to monitoring 

real 

level data, the system monitored changes in pump status, operating hours, and flow. The pilot 

water 

included monitoring water quality parameters (pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen) at 

project 

sites. Moreover, a local warning system was included in the pilot project at one pumping 

some 

site, in addition to a short message service- (SMS) based warning system. 

station 

data will help in calculating water flow volumes at major inflow and outflow points, in order to 

The 

water quotas for each district and achieve enhanced water management. Having these data 

monitor 

in real time will be of great benefit in achieving integrated water management. The system 

available 

data loggers equipped with GSM modems at irrigation structures and pumping stations. The data 

uses 


1. INTRODUCTION 

can be downloaded at IWMDs offices using another GSM modem. 

LIFE IWRM 1 INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES GROUP

order to minimize the capital cost, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation’s (MWRI) 

In 

telemetry network was utilized to serve this pilot project. The MWRI already has a 

existing 

system that monitors water level data and uses VHF as the communication media. The 

telemetry 

is complicated in its structure. Moreover, the performance of this old system is not 

system 

partly due to the long path of data, VHF interference, and faulty equipment at the end of 

satisfactory, 

useful life. 

its 

pilot system uses the existing infrastructure of the telemetry network. The existing water levels, 

The 

conduits, batteries, solar panels, solar regulators, and civil construction were used following 

cables, 

maintenance. A data logger with sufficient input and output was connected to water level 

minor 

The solar panel and battery were used to provide continuous power to the low power 

sensors. 

data logger. The new equipment, data logger, and GSM modem were installed inside 

consumption 

same box from the existing telemetry system. 

the 

existing water level sensors were connected to the data logger. The data logger continuously 

The 

measured data from the sensors. This data could be provided to any remote location in a real 

read 

sense. The data logger also stored measured data according to predefined intervals with a 

time 

of 1 minute. The stored data could be downloaded remotely at any time by the GSM 

resolution 

The time resolution used in this project was an hour, which meant that data loggers stored 

network. 

readings from all sensors and saved the data to a file. 

hourly 

pilot project achieved another important planned objective related to evaluating MWRI plans to 

The 

the existing telemetry system. The Ministry, with support from the United States Agency 

renovate 

International Development (USAID), invested a lot of money in the telemetry network in early 

for 

USAID supplied US$56 million to implement the network throughout the country’s irrigation 

1990s. 

Recently the performance of the telemetry system became unsatisfactory and its support 

networks. 

water management was diminishing. The Ministry has been studying renovating approaches to get 

to 

system in service again to make use of the earlier investment. The pilot showed that the existing 

the 

can be renovated at a very small capital investment. 

network 

equipment was chosen to achieve reliable operation and accuracy, be low in power 

The 

and be compatible with the latest technologies in the field of communication and 

consumption, 

systems. System features include accuracy, simplicity, reliability, and flexibility. Accuracy 

electronic 

achieved as a result of precise data logger acquisition capability. The compact size of the 

was 

and its ease of use make the system simple. Reliability is achieved with the outstanding 

equipment 

and low power consumption of the data logger. The flexibility of the system operation 

performance 

different ways to collect data. The data stored hourly could be collected using three different 

allows 

methods: 

Direct connection, using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or laptop computer 

• 

Using a memory module 

• 

Remotely, using a GSM modem. 

• 

could be monitored and collected from any IWMD or irrigation directorate office using a GSM 


network. During the past years, the system gave excellent performance and 

communication 

accurate measures of water levels and flows. The stored and collected data is useful not 

provided 

for daily system operation but also for system planning. Operation policies for irrigation 

only 

are being revised based on these data. The water level monitoring network ensures that 

structures 

needs are met. The data collected at pumping stations helped to solve conflicts between the 

water 


2. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY 

irrigation directorates and the mechanical and electrical directorates. 


sites of the pilot project were carefully selected. All the sites are critical and have a major effect 

The 

water management, with an essential need for monitoring near real time data as most of them 

on 

water distribution problems. The site selection criteria helped in evaluating the 

encounter 

of the system and identifying achieved goals. At all selected sites the upstream and 

performance 

water levels and water flows are monitored. Water quality parameters are monitored 

downstream 

two sites. The pump monitoring system was installed at two sites. The pilot project is 

at 

Abou el-Akhadr Regulator 

• 

Meit Bera Regulator 

• 

Meluig Regulator 

• 

Hebeil Regulator 

• 

El-Ghawasa Regulator 

• 

Ismailia Intake 

• 

Mealaa Pumping Station (PS) 

• 

East Menofiya PS 

• 

El Selsala PS. 

• 

Daraw Regulator 

• 

GSM mobile communication network provided flexibility for data collection. Data can be 

The 

from any remote location provided that it is covered by the mobile network. The data 

collected 

be collected at the irrigation directorate office, or a water distribution engineer could use a 

might 

to collect data in the field. For now, the data are monitored at different levels from the 

laptop 

Berket el-Saab IWMD 

• 

Luxor IWMD 

• 

Zifta General Directorate 

• 

East Sharkiya General Directorate 

• 

West Sharkiya General Directorate 

• 

East Qena General Directorate 

• 

Aswan Directorate. 

• 

Aswan IWMD 

• 

Lower Egypt Water Distribution Directorates at Tanta 

• 

Central Directorate for Data Collection and Communication Telemetry 

• 

The Livelihood and Income from the Environment (LIFE) Integrated Water 

• 


3. PILOT PROJECT SITES 

at the following sites: 

implemented 

Kilometer (km) 24 on Mous Regulator 

• 

locations: 

following 

Quesna IWMD 

• 

• El Selsala IWMD 

• Central Directorate for Water Distribution at the MWRI Building 

Resources Management Project. 



4. DATA SUMMARY 

The monitored data includes water levels and water flows, pump status (On/Off), and pump 

operating hours. The water quality parameters measured and monitored include pH, dissolved 

oxygen, and conductivity. Table 1 describes data monitored by the system at each site: 

Table 1 

Monitored Data by Location 

Site Directorate Monitored Data 

km 24 Regulator 

East Sharkiya 

Upstream Water Level (USWL) – 

Downstream Water Level (DWSL) – 

West Sharkiya 

Water Flow 

Abou el-Akhdar 

East Sharkiya 

USWL-DWSL – Water Flow 

Regulator 

West Sharkiya 


Zifta Directorate 


Quesna IWMD 




Berkt el-Sabaa IWMD 

Hebeil Regulator 

Qena Directorate 


Luxor IWMD 

Ghawasa Regulator Qena Directorate USWL-DWSL – Water Flow 

Ismailia Intake WD Central Directorate USWL-DWSL – Water Flow – pH – 

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) - Salinity - 

Water & Air Temperatures 

East Menofiya PS 


USWL-DWSL – Water Flow – Pump 

Status (On/Off) - Pump Operating 

Berkt el-Sabaa IWMD 

Hours – pH - DO-Salinity – Water & Air 

Temperatures 

Mealla PS 


USWL-DWSL-Flow – Pump Status 

(On/Off) – Pump Operating Hours 

Luxor IWMD 

EL Selsala PS 

Aswan Directorate 

USWL-DWSL-Flow – Pump Status 

(On/Off) – Pump Operating Hours 

El Selsala IWMD 




Aswan IWMD 

In additional to the collected data, the pump monitoring system also provides an automatically 

activated local/remote warning system in some circumstances. The local warning system has a siren 

installed at the pumping station; the remote system is implemented by a GSM SMS. The warning 

system is activated if all pumps in a pumping station are switched off. 


• Data logger, which serves as the data acquisition system to read sensors hourly, 

• GSM/GPRS modem, used for data communication to the site 

GSM 

Modem 

WIRELESS 

TELEPHONE 


Site Preparation and Equipment 

The pilot sites are all existing telemetry sites. Necessary maintenance and civil works were carried 

out depending on site condition. Sensor pipes and equipment boxes were renewed and painted. The 

sites were supplied with new batteries and water level sensors. and the following equipment were 

installed: 

record times when pump status changes, and store data on a defined frequency 

• New pressure-type water levels sensors and batteries 

• Cables and accessories 

• Relay enclosure, which was the interface that determined the pump status at the 

monitoring sites. 

Figure 1 shows the main components of the system at the irrigation structure sites. 

Figure 1 

Installed Monitoring Components 

Battery 

GSM Modem 

IWMD Office 

Water Flow 

USWL Sensor 

DSWL Sensor 

Irrigation Structure 

The equipment is connected to the same power source as the existing telemetry system at the 

remote sites. The data logger is connected to the existing water level sensors. The system includes 

three remote sites in Qena Directorate. The three sites are located in the digital map shown in 

Figure 2. Sharkiya’s two data logger sites are shown in Figure 3. 


n 

a l 

E 

lk 

Elkallabiya 

Intake 

Ghawasa 

Regulator 

Malaa El 

Station 

Pump 


Figure 2 

Remote Data Logger Sites in Qena Directorate 

East Qena Directorate 

N 

ile 

ElGhallassy 

Intake 

 

l labiya C 

a 

El Hebeil Regulator 

a 

Asna 

Bridge 

Data Logger Sites 


Domiata 

Barrage 

B 

r 

a 

a 

it 

a 

D 

o 

m 

a 

it 

a 

D 

o 

m 

B 

r 

a 

a 

y 

a 

w 

f 

e 

T 

a 

Mouse 

Bahr 

Intake 


Figure 3 

Data Loggers Sites in West and East Sharkiya Directorates 

West Sharqyia Directorate 

h 

c 

n 

M 2 4 

K 

Regulator 

Abou 

ELakhdar 

Bahr Mouse 

h 

e 

k y R 

h 

c 

n 



R ossi 

te Branch 


The system also include two sites in Zifta Directorate, shown in figure 4. 

Figure 4 

Data Logger Sites in Zifta Directorate 


Abbasy Rayah 

Gharbyia & Dahtora Drainage 


R ayahMonof e 

ei Ber a 

a t t o r 

egul M 

R 

D amai tia Br a nch 

Ismailia Intake 

Nile 



w 

n 

A 

s 

C 

a 

iy 

a 

a 

l 

a 

E 

l 

k 

C 

a 


The system also include two sites in Aswan Directorate, shown in figure 5. 

Figure 5 Data Logger Sites in Aswan Directorate 


 

 

b 

l 

l 

a 

a 

f 

n 

n 

Esna Bridge 

Asfwn Intake 

Elkallabiya Intake 

El Selsala 

Pump Station 

EL Selsala Canal 

N 

ile 


Daraw 

Pump Station 

Aswan 

Reservoir 

High dam 

Nasr 

Lake 

TOSHKA 



data collected hourly by the data logger is stored in a file on non-volatile memory. The data 

The 

storage capacity can handle up to 2 years’ worth of water level and water flow data. The 

logger’s 

personal computer loaded with data collection software and a GSM modem are the only 

A 

needed for data collection at the directorate or district offices. The data is collected by 

equipment 

the GSM number at the site from the computer. Once the connection between the data 

dialing 

and the computer is established, data can be downloaded to the computer. 

logger 

major advantage of the system is that the format of the data is chosen in a way that does not 

One 

too much space. For example, a single year’s water level data for a site is stored in a file of a 

take 

hundred kilobytes. Moreover, the compact size of the data not only saves disk space but also 

few 

GSM collection time, which in turns saves connection costs. Future plans call for use of GPRS 

saves 

its launching last year, the system has been running and working well. The system provides 

Since 

and continuous data to the district and directorate offices. With a goal to extend system 

accurate 

to more users and support the central levels, data collection software was installed at the 

benefits 

Directorate for Water Distribution in the MWRI building and at the Lower Egypt Water 

Central 

district and directorate office has a software package that allows data collection, analysis, and 

Each 

The software features a user-friendly interface that allows data collection, data 

reporting. 

and plotting. The software also allows remote configuration and programming of data 

visualization, 

Annex 1 describes the software that was provided to operations engineers in both the 

loggers. 

West Sharkiya Directorate 

• 


• 


• 

Central Directorate for Water Distribution, MWRI 

• 

Lower Egypt General Directorate for Water Distribution, Tanta 

• 

Quesna IWMD 

• 

Berket el-Saab IWMD 

• 

Luxor IWMD 

• 

LIFE–IWRM Project 

• 

Telemetry Project 

• 

Water Quality Central Directorate 

• 

Mechanical and Electrical Authority 

• 


5. DATA MANAGEMENT 

stored data is collected from any remote office, as needed. 

connections as a replacement to the data GSM, which will be more reliable and more economical. 

Distribution Directorate office in Tanta. 

English and Arabic languages. 

system is installed at the following data collection locations: 

The 

East Sharkiya Directorate 

• 

The main menu for the user interface is shown in figure 6. 


• Water levels and water quality sensor configuration 

• Sensor calibration and editing sensors constants 

• Apply frequency of storage from one minute to daily 

• Apply measurement frequency 

• Configure attached equipment (memory card and modem). 

• Remote configuration of the sites 

• Data monitoring in real time or on a needs basis 

• Reporting, graphing, plotting trends. 

• The data visualization capability of the software includes viewing data in a MIMIC, tables, or 


Figure 6 

User Main Menu 

software: 

The 

Remote site configuration 

• 

software at collection locations supports: 

The 

Identification of site names, GSM mobile numbers, and data logger type 

• 

graphs. Figure 8 shows a MIMIC interface for the Mealah PS. 



Figure 7 

MIMIC Display for Mealah PS Data 

The same data could be presented in a table, figure 8. 

Figure 8 

Table Displaying Mealah PS Data 



6. SYSTEM EVALUATION 

The system was evaluated over the last year. Selection of the system sites was successful and helped 

in system evaluation and in achieving planned goals. The capital cost of system installation was low, 

as it utilizes existing infrastructure of the telemetry network. It was selected according to the latest 

technologies in the fields of data acquisition, electronics, and communication systems. Moreover, the 

system has a low rate of power consumption, which makes its operation reliable and efficient, 

especially in remote areas where no main power sources are available. 

The performance indicators chosen for system evaluation included data accuracy and data availability. 

The evaluation process for all sites showed that the system achieved its planned objectives. The 

system is reliable, dependable, and accurate. The accuracy of the provided data was checked and it 

matched marbles readings for water levels and actual status of the pumps for pumping station 

operation. During the past year, the water distribution managers gained confidence in the system. 

This confidence resulted from the stable operation of the system and the continuous and accurate 

data provided. 


a result of successful implementation of this system, the MWRI issued a tender to purchase 

As 

(data loggers and GSM modems) for 17 additional sites. The equipment has been 

equipment 

to the Ministry and will be installed in the next 4 months. Moreover, the MWRI issued an 

delivered 

to that purchase order to buy additional equipment for 9 sites to save the time required 

extension 

the tendering process. The MWRI decided to follow the implementation strategy and approach 

for 

by this pilot project in all future installations. A plan to extend the system every 6 months has 

used 

sectors at the Ministry plan to install some sort of monitoring system. The Mechanical and 

Many 

Authority plans to install a similar system at Wadi Noqra and Wadi Saidia Pumping Stations 

Electrical 

stations) in Aswan. The Water Distribution Institute plans to install the system for five canals in 

(16 

Bavaria area. The Drainage Institute plans to install a system at five sites. The Drainage Authority 

the 

studying the possibility of applying the system to monitor drainage sites. The Water Quality 

is 

Unit plans to install a system at eight sites along the Nile from Lake Nasr to 

Central 


7. SYSTEM BENEFITS 

implementation of this pilot project resulted in: 

Successful 

Solutions to many water conflicts—The continuous, accurate data provided by 

• 

the two sites at Sharkiya solved water conflict between East and West Sharkiya 

Directorates. The selected two sites in Sharkiya are the most critical sites 

monitored in this area. West Sharkiya Directorate management is looking forward 

to having more sites installed. The system also supported solutions to water 

conflicts in Qena Directorate. The water distribution manager used to frequently 

visit Ghawasa Regulator to check water levels. The data logger installed there 

provided continuous monitoring of water levels at this site, which saved time, effort, 

and money to visit the site to check its status. 

• Changes in operations policies—After installing the data logger at Meaala PS in 

Luxor, the operation policy of operating pump units was changed to avoid large 

drops in downstream water levels for long periods of time. 

• Support to planning and operations—The system provides an archive of 

backup data at all sites that could be used for planning or revising operations 

procedures. 

• Monitoring network structures—Data provided gives information about the 

system’s irrigation structures. 

• Reinforced the need for the Telemetry system—The newly-implemented 

system is supporting Ministry plans to renew the existing Telemetry system and get 

it back in service. 

• Assisted in operations decisions—The system has been used in water 

distribution management in Qena Directorate during periods of high water levels. It 

helps in evaluating operating options when excess water is received. 

• Avoiding flooding—The data provided for the Ghawasa Regulator has helped to 

avoid flooding during periods of high water levels. 

been requested by the top management at the Ministry’s Irrigation Sector. 

Qanatar to monitor water quality at these points. 


the start of the pilot project, system monitoring has resulted in many lessons learned. These 

Since 

have helped in evaluating operation polices at many sites. They have also helped in identifying 

lessons 

decisions regarding water management. Moreover, many lessons have been learned in achieving 

best 

in distribution of water among users. 

equity 

collected data have helped in revising operation policies. The operation policy at Meaala PS was 

The 

following system installation. Figure 9 shows the downstream water levels recorded every 

revised 

at the pumping station. As shown in the figure, there is a dramatic drop in the downstream 

hour 

level, which occurs daily during the period from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. the next day. This 

water 

drop in the downstream water level was as a result of shutting down all pumps at the same 

dramatic 

The operation policy was revised to keep at least one pump unit on. The next half of the figure 

time. 

that the downstream water level drops were avoided after changing the operation policy. The 

shows 

was changed to avoid shutting down all pump units at the same time. 

policy 

10 shows the upstream water level and conductivity at East Menofiya Pumping Station. The 

Figure 

shows that the conductivity was changed with respect to changes in the upstream water level 

figure 

As shown, the conductivity was decreasing with the increase of USWL. Increase of USWL 

(USWL). 

that one or more pumps was switched off, which means that less wastewater was mixed 

indicates 

the Nile water, decreasing salinity. Whenever one or more pumps switched on, USWL 

with 

and more drainage water is mixed with Nile water, increasing salinity. This helps in 

decreases 


8. LESSONS LEARNED 

Revision of Operation Policy at Mealla Pump Station 

Figure 9 Downstream Water Levels, Meaala PS, 11 June–17 July, 2007 

Operation Policy Evaluation at East Menofiya Pump Station 

revising operation policy at this site after revising limits in water quality parameters. 


canal water’s behavior could also be monitored at locations where no equipment is installed 

The 

provided data. Figure 11 shows the relationship between the USWL and downstream water 

through 

(DSWL) at Ghawasa Regulator. Observing the trend of USWL and DSWL, the status of the 

level 

downstream from the regulator could be identified, whether water is being consumed or 

canal 

This could be identified from looking at whether USWL and DSWL are going in same 

stored. 

or in reverse directions. The figure shows that the DSWL follows the USWL at some 

direction 


Figure 10 East Menofiya PS Upstream Water Level and Conductivity, 17–21 July, 2007 

Monitoring Data and Downstream Sites 

times and goes in different directions at other times. 

Figure 11 Ghawasa Regulator USWL & DSWL, 25 June–5 July 2007 


system supports integrated water management, solving many water conflicts—in Sharkiya and 

The 

Directorates. The 24-hour data provided from the two sites in Sharkiya solved water conflict 

Qena 

East and West Sharkiya Directorates. The system also helped solve water conflicts in Qena 

between 

The data logger installed at the Ghawasa Regulator resulted in saving time, effort, and 

Directorate. 

system provides an archive of accurate, continuous data for all installed sites. These data could 

The 

used for planning or revising operation procedures at these sites. 

be 

new-implemented system has supported the Ministry’s plans to renew the existing Telemetry 

The 

and get it in service again. The Ministry decided to follow the pilot project policy in renewing 

system 

Telemetry system, and has placed an order to buy equipment for an additional 26 sites. It plans 

the 

implement the system at 54 more sites. 

to 

system supported water distribution management in Qena Directorate during periods of high 

The 

of water. It helped evaluate operating decisions regarding received excess water. Moreover, 

levels 

accurate data provided gave operations officials and water users confidence in the system. The 

The 

data is considered to be the official data used in water distribution. 

system’s 

installed system at the East Menofiya PS provided accurate data about water quality that helped 

The 

identifying limits to mixing drainage water and clean water. 

in 


Supports to Integrated Water Management and Conflict Resolution 

money as site visits became unnecessary. 

System Data Supports Planning 

System Supports Ministry’s Plans for the Telemetry System 

System Supports Integrated Water Management during Crises 

the data from the Ghawasa Regulator helped avoid flooding during periods of high water levels. 

High Confidence of the System 

System Supports Water Quality Management and Drainage Water Reuse 


described in the previous sections, in order to renew one site some civil works were needed in 

As 

to equipment. The average cost of civil works and maintenance at each site was LE500. The 

addition 

of the data logger and GSM modem for one site was LE10,000. This cost was calculated 

cost 

that the site would only measure upstream and downstream water levels. In case of 

assuming 

water quality parameters and monitoring the pumps, more input data loggers would be 

recording 

The cost of six analog inputs and eight digital input data loggers is LE15,000. The costs 

needed. 

are those for equipment available on the local Egyptian market, including shipping and 

mentioned 

clearance. 

customs 

cost is mainly the cost of data calls needed to collect data. Assume that the data is collected 

Running 

times a day. This means that the total number of calls each month is approximately 100. The 

three 

of data collection from one site is calculated to be LE35, assuming that cost of the call is LE0.35. 

cost 

spite of the relatively low monthly cost compared to more than LE100 running cost for a VHF 

In 

billing would be according to the amount of data transferred, not based on number of calls. 

GPRS 

site would have an Internet provider (IP) address instead of having a data GSM number. All IPs 

Every 

have one local domain and the overall system would be dealt as one group. The cost of the 

would 

system (group) for an unlimited number of sites would be LE250, and the cost of data 

overall 


9. SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND OPERATION COST 

system, a cheaper system could be used—the GPRS system. 

transfer (1gigabyte) would be LE200. 



PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED 

10. 

Securing the equipment is an issue that needs attention in the future. During the last 

• 

period, one site in Menofiya (Meluig Regulator) was robbed two times. 

• Securing the data transfer is another issue. We have encountered incorrect 

operations practices when someone changed the time of the data logger, which 

resulted in saving data with the wrong time stamp. 

• The performance of the GSM data communication at some sites was not reliable. 

Coordination with the mobile service provider was undertaken to minimize 

communication-related problems. 

• The cost of system operation using dial-up data calls is a bit high. Alternatives have 

been studied. 



11. SITE PHOTOS 

Figure 12 shows equipment installed at the Meit Bera Regulator. This site is one of the most 

important for Zifta Directorate, as the directorate’s water quota is delivered from this site. The 

photo shows the installation of the data logger and GSM modem inside the existing Telemetry 

Remote Terminal Units Nema Box. 

Figure 12 


Figure 12 shows the connection of the data logger and GSM modem with the existing telemetry 

remote terminal unit battery and power supply. 

Use of the system to monitor pump operations was part of the pilot project. Figure 14 shows the 

installation of relay enclosures in addition to the data logger and GSM modem to serve pump 

monitoring at the Mealaa PS. The relay enclosure is the sensing element of the pump status. 



Figure 13 

Meit Bera Regulator’s Data Logger and GSM Modem Connection 

with RTU 

Figure 14 

Meala PS Relay Enclosure, Data Logger and GSM Modem Connection 

An SMS-based warning system was implemented at the Mealaa PS. This is in addition to a siren-based 

system. The warning system is activated whenever all pumps are turned off. In this case, the siren 

will sound and an SMS will be sent to the operation engineer. Figure 15 shows the installed siren. 



Figure 15 

Meala PS Local Warning System and Installed Siren 

The system installation at Ghawasa Regulator at Qena Directorate is shown in Figure 16. 

Figure 16 

Ghawasa Regulator Installed Equipment 

The civil work that was implemented at Ghawasa Regulator is shown in Figure 16, where new 

sensor pipes were installed with a steel box for the sensor cable connection. 



Figure 17 

Ghawasa Regulator Installed Sensor Pipes 

Figure 18 shows the intallation of water level sensor pipes at Hebeil Regulator in Luxor with a plastic 

box for the sensor cable connection. 

Figure 18 

Hebeil Regulator Sensor Pipe 


12. RECOMMENDED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 


Table 2 shows the schedule for normal maintenance and operations activities along with the 

proposed maintenance frequency. 

Table 2 

Recommended Maintenance Schedule 

Preventive Maintenance Schedule 

Maintenance Frequency 

Data Collection 

Daily 

Check Collected data against Low/High values "Alarms " 

Daily 

Check Communication 

Daily 

Observe Battery reading 

Daily 

Check Input voltage to data logger 

Monthly 

Check Channel "1" on logger voltage level 

Monthly 

Check Channel "2" on logger voltage level 

Monthly 

Check GSM Modem power level 

Monthly 

Check GSM modem LEDs 

Monthly 

Check GSM Signal Level and data transfer rate 

Monthly 

Check Shunt resistor value 

Monthly 

Compare logger readings with Marble readings 

Monthly 

Manually calculate logger readings using voltage readings at data logger 

Monthly 

inputs "Check Accuracy of Logger" 

Download logger program and upload 

Monthly 

Clean Solar Panel 

Monthly 

Check Battery Voltage & Ampere 

Monthly 

Compare USWL Sensor with US Marble Reading 

Monthly 

Compare DSWL Sensor with DS Marble Reading 

Monthly 

Calibrate Sensors if necessary 

Monthly 

Check Charging Voltage and Current 

Monthly 

Check AC Charger if AC is Present 

Monthly 

Check Solar Regulator Output 

Monthly 

Check DC/DC Converter Output 

Monthly 

Check Cable Continuity 

Monthly 

Check Conduit 

Monthly 

Check Physical condition of equipment 

Monthly 

Check Physical condition of sensor pipes and civil works 

Monthly 

Change Data Logger Clock 

Seasonally 

Calibrate Sensors 

Seasonally 



Maintenance Frequency 

Preventive Maintenance Schedule 

Yearly 

Clean Sensors Pipes 

Yearly 

Civil and steal works maintenance 

Yearly 

Painting of Nema Box, conduits and Pipes 

Every 3 Years 

Battery Replacement 

Every 2 Years 

Calibrate Data Logger 

Change Water Level Sensor 

Every 5 Years 

Annex 3 describes the maintenance forms to be used by maintenance staff to maintain site 

equipment. 


future plan is to extend the system to cover most critical points along the MWRI irrigation 

The 

The extension will include having a water quality-monitoring network starting from Aswan 

network. 

security is an issue that will be considered in future plans. Securing equipment is also another 


issue. 

important 

relations between the collected data parameters is a promising task that should be considered 

The 

the future plan. This relation could help in saving hardware installation of some sensors as some 

in 

data flow between collection points and remote sites has to be planned especially when the 

The 

of sites increases. Defining data flows between different points is an important task. 

number 


13. RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE PLAN 

to the Delta. During this year, Aswan Directorate will be provided with two data logger sites. 

The GPRS will be considered as an alternative to GSM data, in which running cost will be minimal. 

additional information could be calculated from the measured data. 



ANNEX 1 LOGGER NET SOFTWARE OPERATION 

Logger Net Setting 

1. Start LoggerNet 

2. Select Setup 

3. Select “Add Root” 

 

Select “TAPIPort” 

 

Select “Communications Enabled” 

 

“TAPI Line” should be “SAMBA USB Modem Driver” 

4. Select “TAPIRemote” 

Enter phone number which to call under “Phone Number” Meit Bera number is 010 

3415411 


• “Maximum Baud Rate” should be “9600” 

• “Extra Response Time” should be “05s” 

• Select Maximum Packet Size to be 1024 


Select the type of Logger to use CR510 

5. 

Select “Communications Enabled” 

• 


• Install the driver for the GSM Modem on the PC 

• Insert the CD which comes with the SAMBA Modem into the CD drive of the PC 

• Select “Software“ 

• Select “SAMBA 55/56 Modem driver” 


GSM Modem Connection 

SAMBA 

Insert a SIM card in the SAMBA GSM Modem 

• 


• Follow the instructions given and the driver should be successfully installed 

• Connect a antenna to the GSM Modem 

• Connect the “CS I/O” port on the Logger use a “straight through” serial cable with 


of TANGO GSM Modem with CR510 Logger 

Connection 

Insert a SIM card in the GSM Modem 

• 

a “SC105 (9-Pin to 9-Pin RS-232 Interface)” 

• Connect the GSM Modem to a power source (12V ) 


”Logger Net“ 


ANNEX 2 LOGGER NET 

" 

 

 

 

• 

أبدأ تشغيل برنامج ال بالضغط علي الايقون 

LoggerNet.lnk 

• 

سوف يظهر جدول الاختيارات المبين 

• 

• 

أختار المربع الثاني من الشمال و المكتوب علية 

‏(إعداد)‏ ”Setup” 

و ذلك بالضغط علية.‏ 

• 

عند الضعط سوف تظهر الشاشة التالية 

• 

أختار 

Root” “Add أضافة جذر جديد لاستقبال البيانات من وحدة تجميع بيانات حقلية 

جديدة.‏ 

و ذلك لاستقبال البيانات الخاصة بوحدة 

أختار 

“TAPIPort” أي وحدة مدخل جديدة 

تجميع البيانات الحقلية.‏ 


يتم النقر علي المربع الخاص بتشغيل الاتصالات بين الحاسب الالي و الوحدة 

الحقلية 

Enabled” 

“Communications 

يتم اختيار الموديوم آما هو موضح ليكون Driver” “SAMBA USB Modem 


• 

• 

• 

و ذلك لتعريف الاتصالات مع الوحدة الحقلية علي أنها عن 

أختار 

“TAPIRemote” 

بعد.‏ 



• 

أدخل رقم التليفون الخاص بالموديوم الموصل بالوحدة الحقلية-‏ رقم تليفون موقع 

ميت 

برة 

هو‎٠١٠٣٤١٥٤١١‎ 

• 

أختار نوع و موديل وحدة تجميع البيانات المستخدمة - الوحدة الحقلية المرآبة في موقع 

ميت برة هي 

"CR510" 

• 

“Communications Enabled” 

يتم النقر علي المربع الخاص 

بتشغيل الاتصالات بين الحاسب الالي و الوحدة الحقلية 



• 

يتم اختيار سرعة تدوال البيانات لتكون ٩٦٠٠ 

Baud Rate” should be “9600” 

“Maximum 

يتم • 

٥ ثواني تمثل 

اختيار وقت زائد للاستجابة لاعطاء فرصة للوحدة الحقلية للرد علي 

الحاسب 

“Extra Response Time” = "05s” 

• 

يتم اختيار طول الرسائل بين الوحدة الحقلية و الحاسب الالي لتكون ١٠٢٤ 

Maximum Packet Size = 1024 



• 

توصيل الموديم بالحاسب الالي لاستخدامة في استقبال بيانات الوحدة الحقلية 

• 

ضع الشريحة داخل الموديم 

" SAMBA GSM Modem " 

يتم تحميل برامج التشغيل الخاصة بالموديم بوضع القرص الخاص بالموديم في 

مشغل 

الاقراص الممغنطة بالحاسب 

الالي(‏CD‏)‏ 

• 

• 

أختار الاختيار الاوسط و هو 

“Software“ من الاختيارات علي اليسار 

• 

أختار 

“SAMBA 55/56 Modem driver” 

أتبع التعليمات حتي انتهاء التحميل بنجاح 


”CS I/O“ 


• 

توصيل الموديم بالوحدة الحقلية 

• 

ضع 

الشريحة داخل الموديم 

• 

يتم 

توصيل الهوائي الخاص بالموديوم لتحسين آفاءة الاتصالات 

يتم توصيل مخرج الوحدة الحقلية 

• 

بالكابل الاسود ثم من الكابل الي وحدة 

التحويل 

"SC105" 

ذات ال”(‏Interface ‎9-Pin‏)ومنها to 9-Pin RS-232 الي آابل الموديم 

يوصل الموديم بمصدر التغذية الكهربية (١٢ فولت)‏ 



ANNEX 3 MAINTENANCE FORMS 

Data Logger Scheduled Maintenance Form 

Maintenance Performed by: 

Date: / / Time: 

Data Logger Model # Serial # 

1 – Is there 12 voltages on point –ve, +ve of Data Logger Yes No 

a. If No, voltage is applied to data logger, check the cable between –ve and +ve and if the 

battery voltage is ok, change the cable. 

b. Check the battery. Voltage must be between 10 and 12 volt. If battery less than 10 volt, 

change battery. 

2 – Is there voltage DC at shunt resistance No. 1 Yes No 

a. If there is no DC voltage, check the cable between Data Logger and pressure sensor for 

USWL. Ok Not Ok 

b. If there is a problem with the cable, replace it. If the cable is ok, check the O/P readings for 

pressure sensor reading. Ok Not Ok 

c. If there is no reading from sensor, replace the USWL pressure sensor. 

3 – Is there voltage DC at shunt resistance No. 1 Yes No 

d. If there is no DC voltage, check the cable between Data Logger and pressure sensor 

for DSWL. Ok Not Ok 

e. If there is a problem with the cable, replace it. If the cable ok, check the O/P 

readings for pressure sensor reading. Ok Not Ok 

f. If there is no reading from sensor, replace the DSWL pressure sensor. 

4 – Measure the DC voltage at shunt resistor No. 1. 


Where: 

= marble reading 

Y 


Calculate the water level reading using the equation: 

Y = A X + B 

A = slope 

B= offset 

X = dc voltage reading 

5 – Compare the Data Logger readings with marble readings. 

Same 

Different 

If difference is more than 1 cm, calibrate sensor again. Calculate the new slope and offset. 

Load the program to Data Logger. 


connection is not ok, replace the cable. 


Tango Modem Maintenance Form 



Tango Logger Model # Serial # 

1- Is the orange LED status indicator On Yes No 

a. If LED orange off, check the power connection between Modem and Battery. If 

b. If the connection cable is ok, check the value of the battery voltage. 

Battery voltage must be between 10 - 12 volt; must be 12 volt. 

If voltage less than 10 volt, replace the battery. 

2 - Is the green LED status indicator flashing: Yes No 

a. If the green LED not flashing, power off the modem and remove the SIM card from 

modem and replace it again. 

b. If the green LED is still not flashing, check the software at the modem. 

3 – Is the green LED fixed on when there is a connection between Data Logger and 

computer Yes No 

a. If LED not fixed, remove the SIM card from modem and replace it again. 

b. If there is still a problem, check antenna cable. 



Power Supply Scheduled Maintenance Form 



Is the battery voltage between 12 and 10 YES NO 

1. If the battery less then 12 voltage: 

2. Clean the solar panel. 

3. Is the solar panel voltage more then 15 volt DC YES NO 

4. If the voltage is very low, change solar panel. 

5. Is there AC supply at the side YES NO 

6. Is the output voltage 13 voltage from AC charger YES NO 

7. If there is no DC output from charger check the fuse. 

8. If the fuse burned, replace fuse. 

9. If there is still no output, replace charger. 

10. Is output from regulator IS 12 vdc YES NO 

11. If there is no output, replace regulator. 

12. If AC charger/solar panel/sun regulator are ok, and the battery voltage doesn’t 

increase, replace battery.

Report 44 Task 3 Data Logger Telemetry System

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