Monitoring groundwater levels across large industrial sites is critical – but for German company Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, it became increasingly difficult to manage.
In this case, groundwater level is monitored at numerous measuring sites on the extensive works premises and surrounding landfills.
With an extensive works area and surrounding landfill sites requiring constant observation, groundwater levels were traditionally measured manually. This process was time-consuming and labour-intensive, and limited in scalability. As the number of required measuring points grew, the existing approach could no longer be sustained. This presented a clear need for a more efficient, reliable, and future-ready solution.
A smarter, scalable solution
To address this challenge, Salzgitter Digital Solutions GmbH was tasked with developing a fully automated and digital monitoring system using LoRaWAN technology. LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a wireless communication protocol designed for long-distance, low-power data transmission, which makes it ideal for industrial monitoring.
In collaboration with KELLER Pressure, a solution was implemented using high-precision water level probes and the ADT1 LoRa transmission unit, which sends measurement data wirelessly over the LoRaWAN network. This setup enabled continuous, wireless groundwater monitoring across multiple sites.
The system delivers:
- Accurate, validated measurement data through high-quality sensors
- Seamless integration into the existing LoRaWAN network
- Real-time visibility of groundwater levels across all monitoring points.
Beyond basic measurements, the solution also captures critical diagnostic data, including battery voltage (amount of electrical energy remaining), temperature (internal system heat), humidity (moisture in the air around the system), and signal quality (strength and clarity of data transmission). This information provides early warnings for maintenance and helps ensure long-term reliability.
Built for reliability and efficiency
The ADT1 LoRa unit was designed with practicality in mind. Using standard AA batteries with a lifespan of up to five years, the system minimises maintenance requirements and supports continuous operation.
Data security was another key consideration. With encrypted LoRa (Long Range) communication, which transmits data wirelessly over long distances, and an integrated data logger, which records and stores data, the system ensures that no critical data is lost, even during transmission interruptions.
Since its implementation, the automated groundwater monitoring system has been running reliably for over three years. What was once a labour-intensive and limiting process is now managed with a smart, scalable, and efficient solution, supporting better decision-making and long-term environmental compliance.
KELLER’s equipment manufacturing team develops solutions tailored to its production department's requirements and meets its high internal standards of quality and precision. This has enabled the company to improve its products, process stability and efficiency continually over the past 50 years.
KELLER is represented in South Africa by Instrotech.
For more information visit: www.instrotech.co.za
