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SCADA Applications

Every SCADA application is different, yet the lessons learned in one application are often useful in another. We have listed a small sample of the applications DFS has dealt with. We use every tool we have to create the best solution for small and large projects. From design to fabrication, programming, installation and start-up, DFS' highly motivated team of engineers and technicians provide exactly what is needed.

Browse the list below. See some of what we've accomplished with our customers. Chances are you will find that we've provided a SCADA solution similar to what you need. Of course, your SCADA application is unique, but together we can find a solution that's a perfect fit.

We'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss your unique SCADA application. For more information, please write us at , or call 321-259-5009 and ask for our Sales Department.

Elevated Storage Tank Automation

Elevated Storage Tank Automation

SCADA Systems are often used to maintain water storage tank levels with offsite well pump stations. The SCADA system we installed monitors and controls the water level in the elevated storage tank, provides tank level control from several offsite well pump stations, allows operators to specify set-points, displays graphical representations of the tank and the system, provides alarm features, and generates trending and historical data.

The system is programmed the system to start and stop well pumps based on operator-adjustable tank level set-points. The pressure transmitter continuously measures a tank level variable and transmits a 4-20 mA signal representing the level to the local RTU.

RTUs were installed at each offsite Well location. For each given well pump, there is a start and stop command based on tank level and an alternation scheme. The system monitors the tank level and controls pumps according to the set-points. If the tank level drops, the system activates a pump, monitors the levels, and stops the pump. It also monitors for potential pump failures or failure conditions, and keeps track of the pump usage for allotment purposes. Operator override pump control and pump disable is permitted.

Lift Station Upgrade

Lift Station Upgrade

In thousands of cases, DFS has upgraded existing Lift Station panels with our TCU pump controller. The TCU is a microprocessor-based multi-pump controller designed to operate up to three pumps. When outfitted with the optional integrated digital radio, the TCU functions as an RTU and is referred to as the TAC Pack TCU. This TCU is designed for “stand-alone” operation and does not require SCADA to operate the station.

DFS integrated the TCU pump controller into the existing LS panel to assume complete control of the lift station operation. During its installation, DFS removed the existing control hardware (relay logic, alternator, phase monitor, etc...). All of the removed parts are incorporated functions of the TCU pump controller. The existing or new floats and/or level transducer are utilized for level indication.

A 4x20 LCD display on the TCU provides an operator with the elapsed runtime of each pump, the average runtime of each pump, the flow of each pump, the flow of the station and the time of day. In fact, all configuration parameters are operator adjustable via an on-board front mounted keypad, an RS-232 service port, and remotely via SCADA operator interface.

DFS provided a complete pump controller retrofit installation, including the radio study, tower and antenna installation. When completely new control panels are constructed for a station, DFS ships the TCU to the control panel fabricator for a seamless in-house integration at their facility. The TCU pump controller package provides the utility with a reliable operation and ease of maintenance.

Lift Station with VFD's

Lift Station with VFD

DFS’ TCU pump-controller can also be used for level control at VFD Lift Stations. The TCU is outfitted with the RIO-032 I/O expansion device to provide the additional analog points needed for speed control and speed status.

In this application, the TCU with RIO-032 package was designed to operate a lift station with three VFD’s. Each VFD is monitored and controlled locally at the TCU pump controller. The VFD’s can be automatically controlled, manually controlled, or turned off using the HAND-OFF-AUTO (HOA) selector switches on the TCU.

Well level is provided by a (4-20 ma) submersible level transducer. A high float and low float are utilized for back-up purposes. Using the TCU’s operator interface, an operator can readily select and adjust all start/stop operating parameters and level control set-points.

When in HAND, the speed of a drive is manually varied by the operator via INCREASE / DECREASE buttons on the TCU. In the AUTO mode, the TCU controls the drives in a pre-programmed Lead/Lag mode.

The Lead VFD is designated by the TCU, while the other two VFDs function in Lag / Lag2 as required for the level control operation. The designated Lead VFD alternates between each pumping cycle. In the AUTO mode, when multiple drives are required, each drive equally shares the load.

This is just one example of a VFD application using the TCU pump controller. DFS can work with you or your engineer to develop an operation scheme that meets your specific requirement.

Reclaimed Water Irrigation System

Reclaimed Water Irrigation System

A reclaimed (reuse) irrigation system is utilized at a Golf Course Community for the purpose of residential lawn and golf course watering. The SCADA system we installed monitors and controls various processes. The system incorporates three (3) RTUs located at an Irrigation Pump Station, a Supplemental Well Pumping Station, and a Reclaimed Water Supply Station.

The Irrigation Pump Station RTU monitors a local irrigation wet-well and operates two motorized transfer valves based on activity at the Reclaimed Water Supply Station and Supplemental Well Station via SCADA. An Operator Interface Terminal (OIT) at the Irrigation Pump Station RTU provides local user adjustable “wet-well level” set-point capability. This can also be accomplished from any of the SCADA workstations.

The Reclaimed Water Supply Station RTU provides the primary source of reclaimed water to the Irrigation Pump Station. This RTU monitors a flow meter and controls the reclaimed transfer valve based on the “wet-well level” set-points established at the Irrigation Pump Station. The flow is totalized and displayed at the Irrigation Pump Station via SCADA.

The Supplemental Well Pumping Station RTU monitors and controls the well pumps based on the “wet-well level” set-points established at the Irrigation Pump Station. The well pumps alternate based on pump-run-time allotment monitored by the RTU. Should a failure occur to the wet-well level sensor, a back-up high level float at Irrigation Pump Station is monitored to stop all running well pumps and close the transfer valves.

Stormwater System

Stormwater System

Water restrictions, pollution control, volume balances, and the emergence of stormwater collection have lead to yet another use for SCADA Systems. The SCADA System we installed automates the pumping of collected stormwater from multiple pump stations to a storage location.

The overall operation is similar to a sewer collection system. At each stormwater pump station, storm drains flows into a local wet well. The wet-well is outfitted with a level monitoring device such as floats or transducer. Each stormwater pump station has two pumps that operate in a lead/lag scenario. The RTU monitors well level, controls the operation of pumps based on level, alternates pumps, and reports status data back to the SCADA System server for data analysis and reporting purposes.

With the use of this system, water stored in stormwater ponds or tanks is not discharged to surface waters because it is used to meet water demands, such as, lawn irrigation, environmental protection, agriculture, drinking and industrial uses.

VFD Pump Operation

VFD Pump Operation

In the system we installed, variable frequency drive (VFD) pumps are run individually or in groups to maintain a desired pressure for an elevated storage tank (EST) and distribution system. In normal operation, three VFDs are operating with a fourth reserved to overcome large pressure drops. The VFDs can be controlled automatically by a PLC only when in the Auto control state. When the PLC is placed in the Manual control state, PLC control is disconnected.

Waste Water Management & Reclaimed Water Distribution

Waste Water Management & Reclaimed Water Distribution

This project comprises a totally complete waste water treatment system beginning with lift stations transporting the sewage to a master lift station. Flow is then pumped to a Leachout storage tank (LST) where aeration reduces the waste that is then fed to sequencing batch reactors (SBR). Automatic controls are provided for pumps, SBR, and LST to maintain flow, levels and time elements throughout the process.

Water Treatment Plant

Water Treatment Plant

For this project, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was installed to operate the Water Treatment Plant's (WTP) wells and pumps and to maintain tank levels and system pressure based on readings from flow meters and pressure transducers. The WTP system is comprised of two wells that pump water into a ground storage tank and three high service (HS) pumps that maintain water pressure in the system. The PLC also operates chemical injectors to maintain water quality.

Water Well

Water Well

In this water well project, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was used to control pumps at two wells that furnish water to an elevated tank. Using pressure readings and data from level transducers, the PLC regulates the pumps to maintain operator-set values.