A fluid level sensor system is disclosed for sensing a fluid level in a well. The system has a main body and an inlet housing coupled to the main body. The inlet housing has an internal chamber in communication with an ambient environment within the well. A bellows within the main body communicates with the internal chamber of the inlet housing. A movable element is responsive to movement of the bellows. A sensor detects when the movable element moves from a first position, indicating a first fluid level in the well, to a second position indicating a second fluid level within the well. An indicator is operably associated with the movable element and moves into a position to be viewable when the sensing element is moved to the second position, to provide a visual indication that the second fluid level has been reached.

A hardware (e.g., a process and/or circuitry) and/or software-based controller for septic system grinder or chopper units monitors load to the unit. As the unit encounters debris, electrical and mechanical load on the unit increases. In some cases, a signal to stop the unit from grinding/chopping (including but not limited to a signal based a waste-water level) is received while the unit is under the increased load. The controller may override the stop signal and continue sending power to the unit to clear the unit from debris causing increased load. The override may cease when it is determined that the debris has been cleared, such as when it is determined that the increased mechanical and/or electrical load on the unit has decreased or returned to a target load, allowing the unit to stop. The unit may include self-configuration functionality, determining thresholds for signaling override, target load, etc.

Basement sump control systems are disclosed. A controller may monitor an operational parameter of a sump pump, for example, a sump water level. The controller may override a switch associated with the sump pump to maintain operation of the sump pump in response to the monitored operational parameter registering an abnormal condition, for example, a high water level.

A pump having a drive unit with an electric motor, a hydraulic unit connected to the electric motor, and an integrated control unit operatively connected to the electric motor and configured for monitoring and controlling the pump. An integrated pressure sensor, connected to the control unit, has a fixed reference pressure. The control unit determines a liquid level of a liquid surrounding the pump based on a relation between an actual value of the pressure sensor and a reference value. A method for calibrating the pump comprises initiating pumping, continuing pumping until the liquid level is equal to a predetermined calibration level, determining the actual pressure value when the liquid level is equal to the predetermined calibration level, and calibrating the pump by setting a new reference pressure value corresponding to the actual pressure value.

A pump having a drive unit with an electric motor, a hydraulic unit connected to the electric motor, and an integrated control unit operatively connected to the electric motor and configured for monitoring and controlling the pump. An integrated pressure sensor, connected to the control unit, has a fixed reference pressure. The control unit determines a liquid level of a liquid surrounding the pump based on a relation between an actual value of the pressure sensor and a reference value. A method for calibrating the pump comprises initiating pumping, continuing pumping until the liquid level is equal to a predetermined calibration level, determining the actual pressure value when the liquid level is equal to the predetermined calibration level, and calibrating the pump by setting a new reference pressure value corresponding to the actual pressure value.

A liquid supply system includes a suction lance (6) configured to be inserted into a liquid container (14) and at least one level sensor (10, 12) fixed on the lance (6) and configured to detect a liquid level (22) inside a liquid container (14). A control device (4) is connected to the level sensor (10, 12) and configured to determine a rate of change of the liquid level (22) detected by the at least one level sensor (10, 12) and to detect a lance removal if the rate of change reaches or exceeds a predefined threshold. A method for detecting the removal of a suction lance (6) from a liquid container (14) is provided.

A submersible fluid pump suitable for use in a landfill well includes an outer case extending along a vertical axis and at least partially defining an interior of the fluid pump, a fluid inlet and outlet, a discharge tube within the outer case and disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, a float positioned around the discharge tube and within the outer case such that the float is within the discharge tube and the outer case, the float being movable along the discharge tube in an axial direction, a pneumatic valve configured to introduce pressurized air into the interior of the fluid pump, an actuator configured to open and close the pneumatic valve, and a plurality of magnets comprising a first magnet fixed with respect to the actuator and a second magnet fixed with respect to the float, the second magnet configured to magnetically repel the first magnet as the float moves to tip the actuator to either open or close the pneumatic valve.

A submersible fluid pump suitable for use in a landfill well includes an outer case extending along a vertical axis and at least partially defining an interior of the fluid pump, a fluid inlet and outlet, a discharge tube within the outer case and disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, a float positioned around the discharge tube and within the outer case such that the float is within the discharge tube and the outer case, the float being movable along the discharge tube in an axial direction, a pneumatic valve configured to introduce pressurized air into the interior of the fluid pump, an actuator configured to open and close the pneumatic valve, and a plurality of magnets comprising a first magnet fixed with respect to the actuator and a second magnet fixed with respect to the float, the second magnet configured to magnetically repel the first magnet as the float moves to tip the actuator to either open or close the pneumatic valve.

The present invention relates to methods and systems for implementing a self-test for sump system components using two-way communications between a main controller and each of the system components to check system operation and status. The self-test system is designed to remotely or locally test the installation of field wiring, system functionality and performance of equipment located in an elevator pit, a transformer vault, a transformer moat, a confined space or any other pit/ditch/sump. The benefits of this technology are: 1) ensure proper installation, 2) exercise the system that might otherwise be dormant for years, 3) avoid the costs and risks associated with entering a confined space, and 4) create an easy to implement preventative maintenance program.

The present invention relates to methods and systems for implementing a self-test for sump system components using two-way communications between a main controller and each of the system components to check system operation and status. The self-test system is designed to remotely or locally test the installation of field wiring, system functionality and performance of equipment located in an elevator pit, a transformer vault, a transformer moat, a confined space or any other pit/ditch/sump. The benefits of this technology are: 1) ensure proper installation, 2) exercise the system that might otherwise be dormant for years, 3) avoid the costs and risks associated with entering a confined space, and 4) create an easy to implement preventative maintenance program.