In recent decades, automation technology has brought about a revolutionary change in wastewater and process water treatment. In the past, plant operators with manual measuring devices were on the move and one to two full-time positions were required to operate a medium-sized water treatment plant. Thanks to modern automation technologies, the operating effort has been significantly reduced. But what levels of automation are possible today and what do we offer our customers? You can find out in the following article.
Table of contents
What makes good automation?
Good automation is characterized by several key features:
- Fault-free functionality: Reliability is the be-all and end-all.
- Consistent: System efficiency must be guaranteed even with fluctuating water compositions.
- Process stability: Automated systems must be stable and predictable.
- Low operating effort: Automation must minimize the need for manual intervention.
Benefit from our comprehensive solution from a single source. We offer:
- System design with automatically controlled valves and units
- Evaluation of measuring equipment and process-controlled regulation
- Automatic process control with controlled dosing of operating fluids (e.g. ALMA AQUA for waste water applications, membrane systems, cooling water treatment and boiler systems)
- Options for manual intervention by local control units
- Graphic display and evaluation of measured values in real time for keeping operating diaries and annual reports
- Remote maintenance using a VPN connection via mobile radio or wired Internet
- Switchgear according to VDE 0660 DIN EN 61439
Our services in detail
Planning and construction
We not only take on the planning and construction of the wastewater treatment plant or process water treatment, but also the switch cabinet production and programming. Our customized system design and high degree of flexibility enable us to respond to special customer requirements that go beyond pure functionality.
Customizations and extensions
In the first few years of operation, additional customer requests are often added to evaluate and display further process parameters or to expand the setting options for process control. We are happy to implement these extensions.
Individual solutions from experienced electrical engineers!
Remote maintenance and online support
The remote maintenance modem is a very popular feature. It enables both the system operators and us to access the system in the event of a fault and carry out remote diagnostics and troubleshooting. As part of our individual operational management packages, we also keep the operational logbook for our customers via online support.
Our remote maintenance solution ALMA Remote uses the certified and secure Cloud Talk2M remote maintenance platform. We access the system control system via EWON modems and enable access to system data via mobile or permanently installed end devices.
Data security and transmission
Data is transmitted via VPN using a network connection or, in individual cases, via radio with a SIM card router if required. Elementary fault messages can also be sent to authorized persons via SMS or e-mail. System data is saved in Cloud Talk2M for documentation, self-monitoring and official verification.
PLC programming and visualization
Our control solutions for different types of systems range from simple touch panels to powerful PC systems. Programmable logic controllers (PLC) are indispensable in water treatment. We offer comprehensive systems for database connection and evaluation software.
Our experienced programmers accompany every project from conception to successful commissioning.
Our services include:
- Development of function descriptions
- Programming of control systems
- Visualization solutions for PC and touch control panels
- Creation of comprehensive documentation in E-Plan
Advantages of our solutions:
- Everything from a single source
- Individual control cabinet planning
- High degree of automation
- Remote maintenance modem for remote monitoring
- High system availability
Switchgear and programming for large systems
The hype surrounding AI and digital twins
Since 2023, terms such as AI, digital twins and ChatGPT have been on everyone's lips. Buzzwords such as "AI-based adaptive control modules" or "digital twins for intelligent advance control" are often used in advertising. Although AI-based adaptive control modules and digital twins can make a contribution in large water networks or in the process control of large wastewater treatment plants, the acquisition and implementation of such systems must be economically viable. For small to medium-sized plants, implementation is often not profitable.
Every valve, every measuring device and every ball valve must be equipped with an intelligent, decentralized control system. This requires considerable additional financial outlay. The need for measurement technology is also significantly higher for fully automated systems. In the case of highly fluctuating wastewater compositions, such as those that occur in batch processes in paint and varnish production, numerous parameters must be analyzed online in a short period of time in the system inlet to ensure efficient process control.
Outlook
In the future, intelligent AI systems will certainly help us to operate water treatment plants more efficiently and save resources. However, the implementation of such systems must always take economic efficiency and practicality into account. Even in the event of a malfunction or mechanical defect, the presence of a trained specialist on site remains essential.
Conclusion
In the future, intelligent AI systems will certainly help us to operate water treatment plants more efficiently and save resources. However, the implementation of such systems must always take economic efficiency and practicality into account. Even in the event of a malfunction or mechanical defect, the presence of a trained specialist on site remains essential.
What we also offer you:
- Real-time monitoring and analysis of process parameters
- Integration of energy management systems to optimize energy consumption
- Training and further education for system operators
- Regular maintenance and calibration of the measurement technology
- Continuous improvement of automation systems based on customer feedback and technological advances
- Customized automation technology through individual control cabinet construction and programming
Contact us for more information and customized solutions for your water and wastewater treatment plants.
