Role of SCADA in Water Management System

Posted by h2bid on March 7th, 2017

Literally SCADA stands for supervisory control and data acquisition. In fact this system is essentially a distributed computer system that is used by operations and management for the sake of process monitoring and automation.

Such a system can automatically react to situations while performing controlled actions. Hence processes or isolated sections of the water distribution systems could be safely shut down. There are various such systems throughout the water industry. SCADAis one amongst them.

SCADA communication network operates throughout the water distribution system. Typical PC based workstations that are located in a control room at the treatment plant quickly allow the operators to have an overview of the entire process so as to perform control actions.

Unit processes like chemical treatment and filters are supervised by programmable logic controllers (PLC’s). The controllers are linked to the workstations through local area network (LAN) like Ethernet.

At remote sites that exist in venerable locations like storage tanks, pump stations, treatment facilities and valve vaults remote terminal units are brought into use (RTU’s). Being the rugged versions of process controllers these RTU’s can operate from outdoor environments.

RTU’s function through wide area network which is typified by a radio system that can be a dial up or telephone line system. Wireless communication is more in use these days.

Water companies can leverage the existing infrastructure and available resources while utilizing the SCADA system to its fullest. SCADA system is advantageous as it coordinates the security measures with operations.

There would be less need of manned patrols in case the SCADA system is linked to perimeter monitoring devices. There is the possibility of interfacing security equipment like motion detectors and video cameras directly to SCADA network or through the nearby remote terminal unit (RTU).

Practices that are typical to SCADA world are perfect for security. Measures like password security, remote paging, back-up power systems and distributed workstations are easily available in SCADA systems.

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