The current water crisis confronting South Africa is due to the sector still largely being burdened by ageing infrastructure, water quality issues and pipe bursts, resulting in 41% of leakages attributable as non-revenue water. “There is room for improvement, but only if the sector can adopt and embrace change,” argues Joyce Moganedi, power and water local division sales manager at ABB.
Cutting-edge solutions can be deployed to ensure sustainable management of the complete water lifecycle. This would mitigate the impact of natural disasters such as drought and floods. Such solutions are centred on supervisory control and data acquisition (scada) systems.
Scada is the most widely used automation system for water applications globally. In a world where every drop of water counts, water and wastewater plants play a critical role in bridging the gap between the growing demand for, and scarcity of, this precious resource. Automation and control technologies are at the core of the challenge.
For example, ABB Ability Symphony Plus scada can easily be adapted or engineered for a broad spectrum of applications in the water and wastewater industry, including water distribution networks, water pumps, water transmission pipes, drinking water, water mains, pumping stations, and wastewater treatment.
“The flexibility and scalability of scada makes it ideal for the entire spectrum of clean power and water installations, be they locally or remotely operated plants, fleets or networks,” notes Moganedi. It allows for specific plant processes to be monitored, controlled and managed.
This ranges from visual oversight of operations, to access to real-time information to monitor plant performance and flag any issues that are cause for concern. It also makes remote operations possible, to boost efficiency and productivity. “Most importantly, the ability to predict any failures, and deploy mitigating measures timeously, allows us to manage our water infrastructure assets smartly,” says Moganedi.
However, the uptake of scada systems in the water sector is hampered by a lack of project funding and slow implementation. “Responsible and efficient water usage can only be achieved by the automation, electrification and digitalisation of South Africa’s water plants to ensure safe, smart and sustainable management of the water cycle,” highlights Moganedi. Only when plants are automated can responsible water use be implemented effectively.
Safer, simpler temperature measurement ABB South Africa
Temperature Measurement
ABB has launched an enhanced version of its NINVA TSP341-N non-invasive temperature sensor, delivering safer and simpler temperature measurements for applications in the chemical, oil and gas industries.
Read more...ABB technology powers three substations in Uganda ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
ABB delivered solutions for three substations run by Uganda’s leading utility, Umeme Limited, which manages and operates the state-owned leased electricity distribution network assets.
Read more...Empowering the future of African mining through innovation ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
The mining industry stands at a crossroads, where embracing innovation is no longer optional but essential. As Mining Indaba 2025 explores the theme of Futureproofing African Mining, ABB emerges as a pivotal player in enabling the sector to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Read more...Enabling Africa’s solar potential – lighting the way with technology ABB South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
As the global population continues to grow, energy demand also rises. ABB can help bridge the gap throughout the renewable power value chain, including consulting, generation, storage, transmission, monitoring, control and optimisation.
Read more...Integrated solutions power the future of mining ABB South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
ABB has a diverse array of solutions that cater to multiple industry sectors, and especially mining. Mining companies across South Africa are embracing automation and control technologies.
Read more...The impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions ABB South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
ABB has released an in-depth white paper detailing the vital role that gearless grinding technologies can play in driving productivity in mining while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.
Read more...ABB updates distributed control system ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Leveraging 30 years of continuous innovation and reliability, ABB’s updated Freelance 2024 distributed control system (DCS) offers greater plant adaptability, faster and more reliable device communication, improved system security, and seamless data exchange.
Read more...Predictive asset performance management with ABB Ability Genix ABB South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The ABB Ability Genix APM suite is a comprehensive asset management platform powered by AI, IIoT and model-based predictive data analytics. This enables a paradigm shift towards a more proactive and predictive asset management approach.
Read more...ABB’s value-adding products and solutions ABB South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
A technology leader driving the digital transformation of industries, with a history of innovation spanning over 130 years, ABB had a major presence at Electra Mining Africa 2024.
printer friendly version