Development of a prototype treatment works management based on real-time process simulation

On water treatment SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems, the vast majority of reported values are not utilised or viewed unless it is in response to a raised alarm. There is therefore clear benefit in developing a system that uses existing information for proactive management of treatment plants. This paper outlines the development of a prototype system featuring real-time simulations, an alarm handling facility, an instrument analyser and “user” defined simulations. The system offers benefits through proactive WTW operation, de-manning, risk reduction, reduced maintenance and chemical costs and as a training tool. Also discussed are factors that may influence the implementation of such a system and also future development possibilities.