Water and Effluent Treatment Magazine
Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/742656
The data enables better understanding of water demand patterns, and the condition of network assets 16 WET NEWS NOVEMBER 2016 these flow meters were read and recorded manually at first, before the data was then noted on chart recorders. Digital storage then became a more viable option, with readings held locally before being downloaded by an engineer. The vast majority of UK water companies transmit this data directly into their SCADA systems now. Having obtained this digital insight into water flow and levels in their networks, water companies now use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to manage their water treatment plants. Most water companies around the world are using smart soƒware and algorithms to ensure that water pumped into distribution is correctly treated and safe for human consumption. The evolution from manual, paper-based processes to automated data collection, transmission and analysis has taken around 25 years and the use of data, analytics and automated control processes at the mission critical treatment works is now standard practice. Pressure changes A growing number of forward thinking water companies have extended the same philosophy throughout the distribution network itself. New low-cost data logging and control systems allow water companies to record detailed data relating to flow and pressure from points of interest from across their networks and communicate it securely for analysis via the mobile phone networks. Several UK water companies have already deployed loggers across their entire networks to provide a constant, reliable feed of data that shows precisely what is happening under their feet. This data is fed into intelligent soƒware and used to remotely control and automatically optimise pressure in the network, adjusting the settings on pressure reducing valves (PRVs) and variable- speed drive pumps to ensure supply consistently matches demand and that any pressure changes are made smoothly. They are then using this data to better understand patterns of water demand, the condition of network assets and even the nature of pressure tran- sients. It is now possible to pre- dict the underlying cause of PRV problems by analysing pressure data to improve the efficiency of maintenance operations, elimi- nate unnecessary network oper- ation and prevent interruptions to customer supply. This new generation of data acquisition, visualisation, ana- lytical technologies and control capability means that water companies can now gain the same kind of understanding and control of water flow and levels throughout their distribution networks as they achieved in water treatment plants when they began using PLCs. n Keith Hilson is customer solutions director at i2O. Call for a demonstration 01908 513400 www.leica-geosystems.co.uk Drive Down Utility Strikes With LOGiCAT VU analysis software Logicat VU is a free management and monitoring system to analyse data collected by EZiCAT cable locators. Plant, fleet and site managers can now evaluate and analyse activity data from one or more cable locators, locally or through a cloud based platform. Managers can view how the survey was conducted and if it has been undertaken to best practice. n Effectively manage resources to reduce utility strikes & improve safety n Demonstrate compliance with best practice n Manage your fleet from one central system, transfer multiple instruments' data directly from the field with Apple and Android apps n Develop comprehensive site performance reports, explore field data using Google Maps and analyse to identify training needs