Boosting Efficiency in Wastewater Treatment with BSS’s Soft-Sensor Technology

Small, unmanned wastewater treatment facilities often face a difficult balancing act: meeting stringent phosphorus limits while keeping costs and environmental impacts in check. At Bionic System Solutions (BSS), we’re addressing this challenge head-on with a powerful digital solution—our new soft-sensor technology. Recently rolled out in partnership with VandCenter Syd, this solution is already making a measurable difference at the Otterup treatment plant, where it’s cutting costs, reducing chemical use, and helping drive a more sustainable approach to water treatment.

Meeting High Standards with Limited Resources

For many wastewater facilities, keeping phosphorus levels within regulatory limits can be costly. Traditional chemical removal methods rely on metal salts to remove phosphorus, but this approach brings both high operational costs and a significant carbon footprint. Smaller, decentralized plants often don’t have the resources to manage these processes as effectively as larger facilities. Our goal was to create a solution that levels the playing field for small plants, enabling them to operate more sustainably and efficiently.

How the BSS Soft-Sensor Works

Our soft-sensor solution works without the need for costly physical sensors by drawing on existing data points—like flow, pH, temperature, and rainfall levels—to accurately predict phosphorus concentrations. This information is then used to fine-tune chemical dosing in real-time, so plants use only what’s necessary, preventing the usual overuse of chemicals. The result is a more efficient, sustainable treatment process that saves both money and resources.

This technology was put to the test at the Otterup facility operated by VandCenter Syd. Installed in the fall of 2023, our soft-sensor is already delivering chemical savings of more than 20%. These savings not only help reduce operational expenses but also significantly lower the plant’s environmental impact.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

For small facilities, this technology isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a practical, impactful solution. With potential savings that can cover installation costs within 1-2 years, the soft-sensor makes sustainability a smart investment. And it’s not limited to phosphorus management; the technology has the flexibility to improve other parts of the treatment process, making it a valuable tool for plants that need to optimize operations on a budget.

We see this as part of a broader trend in wastewater management, where smart, digital solutions are helping facilities become more efficient and eco-friendly. By optimizing the equipment and data already in place, the BSS soft-sensor helps facilities make meaningful progress toward their sustainability goals without heavy infrastructure investments.

Looking Ahead

As we continue refining and expanding our soft-sensor technology, our vision is to support even more facilities in enhancing their processes. With the ability to adapt this solution to various plant types, we’re committed to driving efficiency and sustainability across the water sector.

The BSS soft-sensor is a powerful step forward in wastewater management. For small facilities looking to cut chemical use, save money, and reduce their environmental footprint, this technology represents a straightforward, effective path to sustainable operations. Join us in taking wastewater treatment to the next level.