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Measurement technology for tunnel drainage
After 20 years of planning and construction, Switzerland celebrates the
completion of the Gotthard BaseTunnel. At 57 kms, it is the world’s longest
railway tunnel. 2 300 metres of solid rock rises above the new line at its
deepest point.The construction must not only withstand extreme mountain
pressure but also substantial volumes of mountain water must be prevented
from seeping in.To make sure the entire tunnel stays dry, two drains were
laid in the floor of each of the single-track tubes.The drainage system sepa-
rates the (clean) mountain water from the (mostly clean) wastewater that
is drained off for removing impurities during operations or in the event of
an accident. Every second, five liters of wastewater are carried away from
each tunnel tube in every direction. The water is collected in catch basins
at both ends of the tunnel and checked for any pollution.
The measurement technology for the tunnel drainage originates from
process automation specialist Endress+Hauser: 180 instruments, some
explosion-protected, and three measuring panels detect flow volumes
and levels of mountain and wastewater, conductivity, the pH value and
the turbidity of the wastewater. For Stefan Bürki, the project manager in
charge of the project at Endress+Hauser Switzerland, the installation has
a very special meaning and stated: “I am proud to be part of this once-in-
a-lifetime project!”
Enquiries: Email
or visit
For low flows
KOBOLD Instrumentation, represented in South Africa by Instrotech – a
Comtest Group company, is offering their model KSV flow meters and
switches for very low flows with and without control valves – so even the
lowest possible liquid or gas flow rates can be measured. Specifically for
liquids or air, the KSV operates on the suspended float principle.The direction
of flow is from bottom to top, and the installation position is vertical. The
indication point is the upper edge of the ball.The device has been designed
as a simple, and thus economical measuring sys-
tem. The optional needle valve allows economical
control and the device has been designed for panel
mounting. Kobold’s KSV flow meters are acid and
caustic-proof, made of polycarbonate and brass or
polysulfone and stainless steel materials.They are
highly suited for advanced applications in medical
technology because these units are sterilisable,
operating at temperatures of +120°C.They can also
be used for a wide range of applications in the ana-
lytical instrumentation field, within production and
environmental monitoring, as well as in laboratory
measurement and monitoring technology.
Enquiries: Instrotech.Tel. +27 (0) 10 595 1831
or email
FLOW MEASUREMENT + INSTRUMENTATION
31 July ‘16 Electricity+Control