More topics for Control and communication
Control and communication
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WEP's Instrumentation Coordinator programs the SCADA system at Metro |
How does WEP manage all the data at all the locations
it is responsible for? The process control computer
system known as SCADA (supervisory control and data
acquisition) provides the following functions:
- Monitors all of WEP's wastewater treatment
plants and pump stations 24 hours a day. If any plant
or station has a problem (such as power loss, high
water flow), an employee is immediately notified so
the problem can be promptly addressed.
- Provides the ability to use its data at any
location.
The SCADA system is adaptable and grows as treatment
facilities grow or change. The SCADA system allows WEP
to:
- Maintain its computer hardware and software at a
reasonable cost because it was built using industry-standard equipment.
- Adapt to new technologies in the industry.
SCADA is constantly recording information regarding
the treatment processes. This information is reviewed
daily to ensure proper treatment operation. Trends are
created from the data to predict potential problems
and help to avoid them.
Major upgrade
In the late 1990s, it was evident that the existing
computer system would become unable to provide the
level of control essential to keep pace with the many
improvement projects planned for Metro.
Therefore, a new computer system was designed to expand the
monitoring of treatment processes and to improve the
control capabilities of all of WEP's facilities.
The new operating system, now fully implemented, is a SCADA system
(supervisory control and data acquisition).
Importantly, it permits WEP personnel to control many
of the treatment facilities and pump stations from
remote locations. WEP now has up-to-date monitoring
and control equipment to provide better management of
the expanded wastewater treatment processes that have
been implemented.
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Sample screen image of SCADA system for Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant |
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