Smarter Sludge Monitoring: Anglian Water Harnesses IIoT Radars

Cloud-connected sensors are transforming visibility, efficiency, and control at remote sites in the east of England.

Across remote sites in the east of England, Anglian Water is using radar level sensors to keep a closer eye on its sludge management operations. With the goal of fertiliser from sludge, having the right monitoring tools in place has proved essential.

From Manual Checks to Cloud Data
Previously, tank levels were monitored manually — a process that wasn’t always consistent and often led to missed or mistimed collections. This disrupted thickening schedules and led to inefficient plant operations.

Today, Anglian Water uses VEGAPULS Air 41 and 42 radar sensors to monitor sludge holding tanks. Mounted above tanks with minimal infrastructure, the devices provide accurate level measurements across 1 to 5 metres, even in outdoor conditions where ambient temperatures and slightly raised process temperatures are the norm.

Why Radar Was the Right Fit
The radar-based units were chosen for a few key reasons: they were easy to install, offered reliable data, and crucially, sent that data directly to a centralised cloud platform. This gave teams access to clear visualisations and real-time insights, regardless of location.

With some sites requiring ATEX-certified devices, the VEGAPULS Air 42 was particularly suited for those environments. Both sensor models are positioned on brackets above tanks, operating in open, remote areas that often lack infrastructure and suffer from weak cellular signals.

Simple Setup, Scalable Rollout
Following trials in 2022 and 2023, a full rollout began in April 2024 and is still ongoing. The installation process was straightforward, with formal training provided to customer teams. Using the VEGA Tools App, field technicians were guided through setup as well as backup and restore functions — all of which was described as clear and user-friendly.

By opting for these battery-powered IIoT devices, the utility avoided the need for full infrastructure installations at each tank. Instead, Anglian Water achieved reliable level monitoring with minimal disruption — a cost-effective way to support better planning, reduce downtime, and ensure thickening and transport processes stay on track.