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This paper describes the methods that were used by EPCOR for implementing a centralized approach towards the operation of multiple, remotely-located plants. Aside from the need to control the costs of operation, water quality and technology needs were also identified as important to the success of operating remotely located plants. The centralized approach consisted of three main areas: the remote plant, a communication network, and a central control center. The need to use on-line analyzers to continuously measure water quality is highlighted. On the technology side, more cost-effective remote communication systems using virtual private networks (VPNs) via the internet are introduced as is the Wide Area SCADA or WAS system, a scalable SCADA system that can monitor and control multiple plants. When coupled with a centralized control center, it can improve the costs of operation for individual plants due to economies of scale. To improve reliability, several strategies are presented: the use of independent verification steps for critical functions such as maintaining chlorine residual; automatic shutdown systems to prevent problems from becoming larger; multi-tier alarm response systems to ensure that alarms are received by appropriate personnel when communication failures occur; a QA/QC program to improve on-line analyzer performance; development of emergency plans for each community; and, operator training. Benefits of centralized remote operations include water quality improvements and consistency, reduced need to visit the plants, more ability to provide technical expertise at a lower cost to the remote plants, reduced cost of deploying and supporting specialized technical systems and software, and development of a multi-skilled and more mobile task force. Includes 6 references, figure.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 01/01/2002 Number of Pages: 9File Size: 1 file , 190 KB