SCADA
Description: SCADA (System Control and Data Acquisition). A SCADA system consists of a computer placed at a central location (control room), communication equipment, programmable logic controllers, sensors, and other devices that when put together, will monitor and control equipment and processes at the treatment plant. Remote telemetry units (RTU's) are used throughout the treatment plant to measure a variety of conditions and parameters, including tank levels, temperature, voltage, current, volumes and flow rates and report back to the central processing unit (CPU). Functions that the SCADA system performs include: Remote monitoring of wet well levels and control their pumps and monitoring flows, tank levels and gas pressures in storage tanks along with alarms. The SCADA system also monitors water quality characteristics such as chlorine residual and control the addition of chemicals. By automating many routine tasks, the SCADA system frees our plant operators to perform other duties, such as addressing state and federal reporting requirements and maintenance of equipment . In fact, SCADA assists in mandated reporting because it stores various activities and information on the computer. Graphs and reports are generated manually and automatically using data collected remotely from the plant. These reports are important in inferring production and consumption patterns, data that help manage the water resources more efficiently. Stored information also proves invaluable when producing required annual reports. SCADA is useful in an emergency situation. Immediately following an incident, an operator is notified via the treatment plant audible alarm system and/or a pager that increases the response capability dramatically. During off hours the Manager has a laptop computer at his residence with the SCADA system installed so as to respond to alarms. In the treatment plant there are two other SCADA satellite locations for the operators, one being in the laboratory and the other being in the existing digester building's operation room.
|
|
