Facsa optimizes the operation of the L'Escala WWTP thanks to Artificial Intelligence

Facsa Facsa has optimized the operation of the dewatering stage at the L'Escala Wastewater Treatment Plant – which it manages in a joint venture with Calaf Constructora – through artificial intelligence, specifically using the Rely tool, a proof-of-concept machine vision solution. This initiative is one of the innovative projects selected by Facsa in the fifth call for proposals under the company's Corporate agreement with Lanzadera.  

The collaboration with the startup has enabled an automated and intelligent analysis of images captured by cameras installed in the pipes. Specifically, through the use of two algorithms based on Deep Learning and Machine Learning, Rely has classified the water into different shades, allowing for the identification of the flow quality and, consequently, the operation of the centrifuges. 

This information is precisely what makes it possible to detect any unforeseen event that may be visually apparent, the moment it occurs, without requiring the presence of plant personnel. Thanks to this, the wastewater treatment plant reacts in the shortest possible time, gaining agility in its response and optimizing the facility's resources. This demonstrates the usefulness of these intelligent systems in saving travel time, automating processes, and supporting operating personnel in decision-making. For example, in this case, they can know, without having to travel, the quality of the effluent coming out of the centrifuge, which in turn indicates the quality of the dewatered sludge being processed, and determines whether the treatment needs to be adjusted with more or less reagent.  

For this project, the tool collected nearly 8.000 images, which were labeled and analyzed in a data preparation process and selection of features relevant to the models. Monitoring was carried out using an alert system that sent text messages with attached images, allowing for real-time monitoring of the installation. Over the course of a month, 143 alerts were sent, an average of 4,6 alerts per day.  

This project has been developed in collaboration with the Consorci d'Aigües Costa Brava Girona and the Diputació de Girona. 

With this successful implementation, Facsa It demonstrates once again its commitment to technological innovation and continuous improvement in water management and environmental services, two levers that connect directly with the initiatives that the company is carrying out within the framework of entrepreneurship, such as the aforementioned strategic agreement with Lanzadera.  

Corporate Program 

Facsa's joining Lanzadera's Corporate program in 2019 strengthened its support for entrepreneurship and the development of innovative solutions that contribute to improving the management of the entire water cycle, as well as the user experience. Since then, the company has collaborated with nine startups.