When NRI’s VFD & Energy Analytics is implemented in a water plant or pumping station, VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) fault alarms are passed as numerical codes to the SCADA system via an industrial communication protocol (e.g. Modbus, DF1, EtherNet/IP, etc.) and then to the operator. A code of ‘0’ (zero) signifies no fault condition, whereas a non-zero code signifies that a fault … Read More →
In the Rural Water Industry, when a pressure or flow regulation valve is needed, the traditional choice for many years had been the diaphragm-type valve. In 2002, however, we introduced a new and improved flow and pressure regulating valve/telemetry technology: the electronically-controlled, high-performance butterfly valve. The High-Performance Butterfly Valve offered many advantages over the diaphragm valve, especially in … Read More →
I am very appreciative of all the positive feedback that I’ve received over the past few days as a result of this 3-part series of articles: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. I am glad that I was able to convey how the latest VFD technology — when leveraged to its full capability and coupled tightly with our new VFD & Energy Analytics Telemetry Software — is … Read More →
In Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, we discussed how to measure and optimize pump station energy consumption using VFDs. In the case study, a water utility was able to realize an energy consumption decrease of 67%. It is important to note that your savings may be more or less, as every application is unique. … Read More →
Yesterday, in Part 1 of this series, we reported that a recent pump station upgrade resulted in a staggering energy cost reduction — reducing the average electricity charges from $345/month to less than $114/month! Since you have kindly returned today for Part 2, your consideration will be repaid with the details of how this feat was accomplished — and how … Read More →
A topic of continual concern for today’s water utility is Pumping Station Energy Efficiency. And to put this subject in laymen’s terms, how better than to relate it to fuel efficiency for the familiar automobile? First, let’s look at the work that each produces — With a car, the unit of work is expressed as a driven “Mile”; whereas in … Read More →
Many customers use their SmartPhone for secure remote access; and the phones generally fit within the following most popular categories: Apple (iPhone, iPad) Android Microsoft Blackberry This article is directed toward customers who use either the Apple iPhone or iPad. After the recent release of iOS 8 for the iPhone and iPad, it was soon … Read More →
Extreme Cold and Pressure Sensors During extremely cold temperatures, it is important to keep in mind that the pressure sensing devices in your system — and the tubing that feeds them — should be prevented from freezing. These devices include pressure transducers, pressure switches, and pressure gauges. If the water in the sensor or sensing line freezes, the expanding … Read More →
One of the most compelling features of the Navionics Research SCADA System is its robust remote access capability — it’s ability to connect the Water Operator with the SCADA System so that he/she may check on the status of the water treatment and distribution system, review alarms, and make operational adjustments. The dawn of the Smart Phones … Read More →
A water utility SCADA system contains a wealth of historical data — data which is often needed for the completion of monthly EPA reports. Historically, these reports are prepared by hand with pen-and-paper — or by manually typing values into a computer form document. However, this article details a vastly-improved, semi-automated method of report generation in which the SCADA system … Read More →