Smart Water Monitoring Solution – ICP DAS Products Employed in a Water Purification Plant(Taiwan)

ICP DAS

5 years ago

Several ICP DAS I/O modules were utilized for data acquisition in this scenario. For example, the I-87017ZW-G analog input modules that acquire a 4 to 20 mA signal from the water quality sensors. Also, the I-87054W-G digital I/O modules were used to monitor the on-site water signal, and the I-87057W-G digital output modules were used to control the sedimentation sub-tank equipment.

Then those acquired data is sent to the XP-8341-CE6 programmable automation controller (PAC) to perform data transmission and calculation. However, this series of PAC can be connected to I/O expansion units that allow them to connected more I/O modules for transmitting massive data, so any data returned by the different types of I/O modules is processed through a controller. Finally, the water data is integrated into an InduSoft SCADA system that allows visual data analysis and management. Consequently, users are able to perform remote monitoring operations. This is our smart water monitoring application, a real case study implemented at the Shin-shan purification plant in the northeastern Taiwan.

Introduction

The Shin-san water purification plant is located in Keelung in the north-eastern region of Taiwan and has the greatest water output capacity in that area. Since the water is primarily for household use, the local authority requires that the drinking water quality standards are met. This includes: a. the turbidity of the raw water is 100 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit), where 1 NTU indicates that 1 liter of water contains 1 mg of silica, b. the maximum water output capacity is 150,000 CMD (Cubic Meter per Day), where 1 CMD represents 1 metric ton of water per day. To achieve these targets, the client adopted the ICP DAS smart water monitoring solution.

ICP DAS Smart Water Monitoring Solution:

● Water Quality Monitoring

The water quality sensor can acquire values such as the Total Plate Count, Odor, Turbidity, Chroma, Total Hardness, pH Value, Nitrite Nitrogen, and the Fluoride Salt, etc. Meanwhile, those acquired water quality data will be sent to the XP-8341-CE6 PAC via the I-87017ZW-G analog input module in the standard type of 4-20 mA analog signals. The XP-8341-CE6 PAC will then exchange the data and calculates the quality of the water system. If an exceptional situation occurs, the XP-8341-CE6 PAC will immediately report the details to the host computer, meaning that the management personnel can quickly handle it.

● Water Quantity Monitoring

The I-87054W-G is a valve switch control module and is responsible for controlling the water quantity, and regularly returns data to the XP-8341-CE6 automation controller. If the water quantity or the valve function is disabled, the XP- 8341-CE6 will report the status to the host computer, allowing the management personnel to quickly respond to the situation.

● Controlling the Sub-tank Equipment

Since suspended particles in the water cannot be fully isolated simply by relying on regular sedimentation, coagulant chemicals will be added to the water to combine the majority of the non-settling particles together into heavier solids. This process is called “flocculation”.

During the flocculation process, the raw water that contains heavier solids will flow into a sub-tank, allowing the water to stand for a period of time, but enabling the removal of the solids. However, each sub-tank has limitations on its capacity, which is why several tanks are needed. The ICP DAS I-87057W-G DO modules are then able to be used to control the sub-tanks. When a sub-tank becomes full, the water will be directed to the next available sub-tank.

Benefits Provided by Implementing the ICP DAS Solution

Integrated control of remote monitoring system:
Building a remote monitoring system on a server using the InduSoft SCADA software then the acquired data can be clearly presented in a visualized way, meaning that users are able to manage the entire operations in a timely manner, as well as achieving an elevated working efficiency.

Standardized communication protocols ensure that integration and expansion is easier:
The XP-8341-CE6 PAC quickly transmits data to the InduSoft SCADA system via the Modbus RTU/TCP protocol, guaranteeing that any abnormal signals can be immediately reported to the host computer.

System operations are reliable and stable at high temperatures and in a high humidity environment: Whether it’s long-term exposure to high-temperatures, or an environment that endures long-term high-humidity, ICP DAS products always provide stable operation and are unaffected by harsh environments.

The modules employed in this scenario contain an isolation protection function that helps to prevent interference: In order to maintain a stable machine operation, all the I/O modules used in this case contained isolation protection function, which is able to prevent surge or electrostatic interference while collecting and transmitting data.

Conclusion

From the client’s perspective, the ICP DAS smart water monitoring system was able to successfully help the personnel visualize all monitoring data, as well as improve work efficiency. Additionally, the workers were able to either reduce or eliminate any time that was previously spent on manually checking the status of the water tanks. We also fully demonstrated our strengths in terms of automation control and data acquisition, as well as proving the stability of our products in any high temperature or high humidity environment.

Our product research and development capabilities continually keep pace with the times and provide the most suitable products in response to various scenarios and customer program development capabilities. If our customers need other functions and network connections in addition to transmitting information via the Modbus protocol mentioned in this article, we can also provide edge computing controllers that transmit data using alternative protocols, such as Modbus/TCP, MQTT, as well as wired and wireless data transmission methods, such as ZigBee, WiFi, 3G, 4G, etc. ICP DAS always tries to view a problem from the customer’s perspective and provide them with easy-to-use products and the most appropriate solutions.