Monitoring groundwater levels across large industrial sites is critical—but for Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, it became increasingly difficult to manage.
With an extensive works area and surrounding landfill sites requiring constant monitoring, groundwater levels were traditionally measured manually. This process was not only time-consuming and labour-intensive but also limited in scalability. As the number of required measurement points grew, the existing approach could no longer keep up—creating a clear need for a more efficient, reliable, and future-ready solution.
A smarter, scalable solution
To address this challenge, Salzgitter Digital Solution GmbH was tasked with developing a fully automated 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, making it well-suited to industrial monitoring.
In collaboration with KELLER Pressure, a solution was implemented using high-precision level probes and the ADT1 LoRa transmission unit, which transmits measurement data wirelessly over the LoRaWAN network. This setup enabled continuous, wireless groundwater monitoring across multiple sites.
The system delivered:
- 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 (the remaining electrical energy), temperature (internal system heat), humidity (moisture in the air around the system), and signal quality (the 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 while ensuring 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 (a device that records and stores data), the system ensures that no critical data is lost—even during transmission interruptions.
Proven performance
Since its implementation, the automated groundwater monitoring system has operated reliably for over three years. What was once a labour-intensive and limiting process has been transformed into 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 standards of quality and precision. This has allowed KELLER to continuously improve its products, process stability and efficiency over the last 50 years.
For more information, email sales@instrotech.co.za