This paper describes the methods that were used by EPCOR for implementing a centralized
approach towards the operation of multiple, remotely-located plants. Aside from the need to
control the costs of operation, water quality and technology needs were also identified as
important to the success of operating remotely located plants. The centralized approach consisted
of three main areas: the remote plant, a communication network, and a central control center.
The need to use on-line analyzers to continuously measure water quality is highlighted.
On the technology side, more cost-effective remote communication systems using virtual private
networks (VPNs) via the internet are introduced as is the Wide Area SCADA or WAS system, a scalable SCADA system that can monitor and control multiple plants.
When coupled with a centralized control center, it can improve the costs of operation for
individual plants due to economies of scale.
To improve reliability, several strategies are presented: the use of independent
verification steps for critical functions such as maintaining chlorine residual; automatic shutdown
systems to prevent problems from becoming larger; multi-tier alarm response systems to ensure
that alarms are received by appropriate personnel when communication failures occur; a QA/QC
program to improve on-line analyzer performance; development of emergency plans for each
community; and, operator training.
Benefits of centralized remote operations include water quality improvements and consistency,
reduced need to visit the plants, more ability to provide technical expertise at a lower cost to the
remote plants, reduced cost of deploying and supporting specialized technical systems and
software, and development of a multi-skilled and more mobile task force. Includes 6 references, figure.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 190 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 9 |
| Published : | 01/01/2002 |
