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UNITED UTILITIES ADOPT UMC22-FBP MOTOR CONTROLLERS TO MANAGE WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS
The installation is part of a move by United Utilities to install intelligent control systems at all future installations, providing them with better control over their energy requirements, and also better monitoring of any faults. The Croston treatment facility supports a population equivalent of around 26,000 people, treating wastewater from domestic and trade discharges. The site was suffering from hydraulic overload and a number of areas needed upgrading, including the installation of a new grit removal plant. To control the plant new LV switchgear and motor control centres were required, as well as modifications to some of the motor control centres already in place. In all, around 19 controllers are being installed at the site. By installing UMC22 controllers, United Utilities will be able to monitor and control each motor through a central PLC system, using PROFIBUS fieldbus communications, a standard widely used in the water industry for instrumentation. As well as providing sophisticated electrical overload protection for the pumps and other rotating machinery, the UMC22s will permit diagnostics and remote control over the internet. By standardising on the UMC22, a number of benefits can be realised, including a simpler design and construction of the control panel, smaller space requirements and less internal wiring. This will also help to standardise and rationalise the types of components required, reducing equipment costs. Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) savings are estimated to be in the region of 5-15% of the total electrical and instrumentation construction cost. By utilising the UMC22, United Utilities expects that considerable savings will be made in operational expenditure (OPEX) costs. The UMC22s will highlight the performance and reliability of the motorised equipment at the facility. Diagnostic information will include energy consumed by each motor, so that United Utilities can better manage their energy usage. The controllers will also be set up to operate under back-up control should any communication systems fail on any of the site’s PLCs. By using intelligent control systems such as the UMC22, monitoring and control can be made possible over the internet. Being able to access such detailed diagnostic information remotely will also have the long-term benefit of increasing the efficiency and security of the Croston site.
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