In the evolving landscape of water treatment, operational efficiency and reliability are paramount. The Onondaga County Water Authority (OCWA) in New York serves as a prime example of how modernizing control systems can lead to significant improvements.
Background: Meeting Growing Demands
OCWA supplies water from Otisco Lake and Lake Ontario to over 345,000 customers. To meet increasing demand and regulatory standards, the Marcellus water treatment plant underwent substantial upgrades, including the rehabilitation of four existing filter units and the addition of two new ones.
Operational Challenges
Prior to the upgrades, the plant faced challenges with its legacy control systems, which were prone to downtime and lacked scalability. These issues hindered the plant's ability to efficiently manage the expanded infrastructure and meet stringent water quality regulations.
The Solution: Distributed I/O Systems
To address these challenges, OCWA implemented a Distributed I/O and Remote I/O solution. This system replaced outdated Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) with modern modules capable of handling both analog and digital signals. Key features of the new system include:
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Signal Integrity: Utilization of digital communication with error correction ensures reliable signal transmission over Ethernet networks.
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Modular Design: The system's modular nature allows for easy expansion and integration of new devices.
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Remote Monitoring: Operators can access and control the system remotely, enhancing flexibility and responsiveness.
Project Outcomes
The implementation of the Distributed I/O system yielded several benefits:
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Reduced Wiring Costs: The modular design minimized the need for extensive wiring, leading to cost savings.
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Enhanced Reliability: The system's robust architecture reduced downtime and maintenance requirements.
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Improved Compliance: The upgraded system facilitated adherence to state and federal water quality regulations.
Conclusion
OCWA's modernization efforts underscore the importance of adopting advanced control systems in water treatment facilities. By leveraging Distributed I/O technology, utilities can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure reliable service to their communities.
For more information on Distributed I/O solutions, visit Moore Industries' white paper on the topic: Distributed I/O Improves Performance and Reliability of Water Treatment Plant
