Autotronix supplies electrical control and instrumentation system for the Lower Thukela Water Scheme
August 2018System Integration & Control Systems Design
Autotronix has designed, installed and commissioned the electrical and control system that is in use at a large bulk potable water infrastructure project in KwaZulu-Natal, known as the Lower Thukela Bulk Water Supply Scheme (LTBWSS). The overall project was undertaken by Veolia Water, with Autotronix as its sub-contractor. As part of the project, the plant supplies 55 Ml/day potable water to various towns within the iLembe District.
The scope of the Autotronix contract included the supply of all electrical equipment, control and visualisation products for a control system that will automate the abstraction, treatment and distribution processes of the plant.
The plant abstracts water from the Thukela River through a low-lift pumpstation and, following pre-screening for the removal of coarse grit (as well as aquatic life), diverts it to a water treatment process that includes filtration, flocculation, clarification, disinfection and sludge dewatering.
Design description
Consultants Aurecon specified the initial technical documentation from which Autotronix developed the final designs in cooperation with Aurecon, the Veolia Water technical team and the client, Umgeni Water.
Detailed design for the electrical section, including MV and LV, control and instrumentation, was undertaken by Autotronix, with approvals by all participating stakeholders. Once approved, the MV switchgear, LV switchgear and automation equipment was manufactured and assembled locally. All testing and factory acceptance testing was carried out in the local Durban facility prior to installation at the plant.
The scada software is hosted on a system of servers, providing complete redundancy of both hardware and software and incorporating the latest virtualisation technology. New graphics were developed using the Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View package to display plant status and facilitate easier control of the plant. Additional software includes FactoryTalk Historian, which logs plant parameters and collects critical time-series data to provide a performance database that can be used for a range of statistical and predictive functions.
An industrial fibre-optic Ethernet network was installed for the PLC and scada communications and the field instruments were integrated into the Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs via Ethernet network. Autotronix also supplied and commissioned three 355-kW PowerFlex AC drives; Dynamix 1444 integrated condition monitoring modules; and E300 electronic overload relays as part of the motor protection.
“Ground-breaking techniques were introduced, and new standards have been set with reusable objects that have been tried and tested,” explains Autotronix’s Haroon Bassa. “The system has proven reliable and user friendly,”
The automation design of the plant has resulted in only a few staff required to operate the plant, clearly illustrating Autotronix’s expertise in providing a quality control system to the end user.
Extending the life of a Milacron 500 through control system modernisation Abacus Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
A complex control system modernisation has given a mechanically sound Milacron 500 injection moulding machine a new lease of life. By replacing obsolete SCADA and hydraulic motion control technology, the project improved reliability and maintainability while minimising downtime and avoiding the cost of a new machine.
Read more...Grid connection design for solar IPP in De Aar
System Integration & Control Systems Design
De Aar Grid Connection Design Grid Connection Design for De Aar Solar IPP Project & Industry
NewFields was engaged to provide the concept and detailed design for the grid connection of a solar Independent ...
Read more...How certified industrial automation channels become co-creators in the AI era Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
As industrial automation becomes software-driven and AI-enabled, the role of channel partners is shifting from equipment supply to outcome-based consulting, software integration and lifecycle services that require continuous certification and capability development.
Read more...Why integration defines the next competitive edge in pulp and paper
System Integration & Control Systems Design
ABB’s Arvin Ramjee argues that fragmented automation, assembled from different suppliers at different stages of a plant’s lifecycle has become one of the pulp and paper industry’s most overlooked commercial risks, and that true integration, rather than surface-level connectivity, is what delivers measurable business value.
Read more...Integrated automation enhances water treatment at dairy facility Process Dynamics
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and reverse osmosis system at a major South African dairy processing facility, achieving a 50% reduction in the client’s water utility costs.
Read more...Intelligent process control is reshaping cement production in Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Advanced process control, predictive analytics and automation are helping African cement producers cut energy use and stabilise output as they contend with rising electricity costs and tighter margins.
Read more...Process Dynamics – Integrated Automation for Dairy Water Treatment Process Dynamics
System Integration & Control Systems Design Project and industry
Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and Reverse Osmosis (RO) system at one of South Africa’s ...
Read more...New SI programme strengthens Schneider Electric’s partner ecosystem Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s SI Energise 2.0 programme offers system integrators a competency-based framework to develop deeper expertise in EcoStruxure and AVEVA software, enabling them to deliver full-lifecycle industrial automation solutions.
Read more...AI and smart solutions for underground proximity detection systems
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Booyco Electronics explains why fitting proximity detection systems underground is far more complex than installing sensors, and how integration, data and intelligent analytics are helping mines manage the challenge.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version