PLCs, DCSs & Controllers


Water industry remote control and monitoring systems

October 2006 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

Omniflex has a set of Maxiflex CPUs - the T2 which is dedicated to data acquisition and telemetry applications. They require no user programs when used for data acquisition or telemetry application. Simply plug them in, connect field wiring and power up. All I/O is scanned automatically and I/O status assembled into Data Interchange Table (DIT). The CPUs however can be programmed for control as well. Other CPUs (P3) in the Maxiflex range offer IEC61131 programming with six languages standard and function blocks for PID suitable for dosing plant control. The telemetry functions run automatically and independently of the control application so scada systems can be acquiring data whilst control applications are running. Maxiflex also supports remote programming service via it communications networks.

Remote control over instrumentation wiring
Remote control over instrumentation wiring

The system integrates the remote pump start/stop function with motor status feedback from pumps and level statuses directly to an annunciator panel. No more hard wiring of panel indicator lamps for stop start run indication. All this can be displayed on the annunciator via a Modbus link. The telemetry aspect of the remote control can be implemented on copper cable (screened twisted pair - instrument cables) up to 10 km from the control centre. Radio systems can be used for wireless applications where cable infrastructure is non-existent. GSM Networks can also be utilised with Short Message Services being used for data transmission or GPRS communications.

Remote control over wireless links GSM or dedicated radio infrastructure
Remote control over wireless links GSM or dedicated radio infrastructure

Maxiflex also supports redundant applications where on larger pumping stations, pumps run redundant with the control and monitoring application also redundant for maximum availability or service. Integration of remote I/O into the system is simple for distributed monitoring of I/O like temperature vibration and pressure.

Sample configuration screen
Sample configuration screen

Typical applications for Maxiflex:

* Pump remote control.

* Reservoir level control.

* Pump station monitoring and control.

* Dosing plant applications.

* Flowmeter monitoring.

Configuration is easily made using a free Windows-based software package called 'OmniSet' and a serial cable available from Omniflex. Simple selection of pull down options allows the user to configure the CPU completely. This configuration includes the ability to create multidrop telemetry systems using the Omniflex CONET Local Area Network up to 10 km on twisted pair cable.

Maxiflex provides a very cost-effective solution to remote control applications and simplifies the field I/O systems by eliminating the need to write time consuming application programs for data acquisition or telemetry. Should data acquisition also be required with the pump control, Maxiflex I/O systems cover analog inputs, voltage, current, thermocouple, RTD and digital inputs, potential free and voltages up to 200 V d.c., series contact chains, and pulse inputs up to 50 kHz.

For more information contact Ian Loudon, Omniflex, +27 (0) 31 207 7466, or visit www.omniflex.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Megatech is expanding
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Megatech SA has been importing high quality industrial plant equipment and spare parts since 2016. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, the company specialises in electrical and mechanical equipment and instrumentation.

Read more...
Taming the terrain
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Industrial Wireless
Effectively monitoring and controlling water distribution networks is crucial if we are to avoid wasting this valuable, life-preserving resource. Wireless telemetry systems play a vital role in this task, collecting data from remote locations and transmitting it to a central control station for real-time monitoring and control.

Read more...
Keeping an eye on invisible radiation
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.

Read more...
Cathodic protection system for hazardous environments
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists IS & Ex
When NSW Ports in Australia embarked on a two-year programme to rehabilitate the structures and combat corrosion levels at its Bulk Liquid Berth 1, it commissioned Melbourne-based consultancy Infracorr to deliver a bespoke cathodic protection) system. To deliver the system safely, Infraccor engaged cathodic protection specialist Omniflex to support the hazardous area and remote monitoring aspects of the CP system design.

Read more...
Industrial signal conditioning
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Electrical Power & Protection
Automation for Industry 4.0, process control, data acquisition, and alarm processing all rely on the conversion of physical signals to a standardised, usable format, that engineered systems can reliably use to manage industrial processes.

Read more...
Powerful and versatile IIoT controller
ifm - South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.

Read more...
Assessing the order of events
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Industrial Wireless
Being able to monitor plant alarms and events in real time, in chronological order, is critical when a plant experiences an avalanche of alarms caused by an abnormal event. Sequence of events modules can be used to cut unplanned plant downtime and reduce operational costs.

Read more...
Signal conditioning is the protective armour between plant and field
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Sensors & Transducers
Measurement and control of physical properties are the foundation of all critical industrial technologies. Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing manager at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex explains the challenges of industrial signal conditioning and the importance of safety engineering.

Read more...
ACTOM Industry to upgrade drive and control system
ACTOM Electrical Machines PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ACTOM Industry secured an important contract to upgrade the drive and control system of a man-winder at a gold mine in Ghana.

Read more...
Powerful and versatile IIoT controller
ifm - South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.

Read more...