The water treatment plant is using WebTRAC to monitor turbidity from each of its six filters; streaming current values and poly aluminum chloride feed.
Click here to enlarge imageThe instrument has allowed operators to minimize coagulant feed and still maintain water quality. One feature that the operators found helpful was the alarm created when coagulant feed was lost. This helped prevent major water quality excursions and regulatory violations.
Another system evaluated at Parsons fulfills the dual need for security and quality. A JAVA based computer system that uses a standard web browser called WebTRACtrademark, also from Chemtrac, provides process data to password designated, on-site, or off-site locations via telephone line or the Internet. This means that the operator, plant superintendent, police department, or other party assigned a password, can know if critical plant processes are functionin properly. If not, alarms can be activated.
A unique feature of the WebTRAC system is that interfacing does not require a dedicated personal computer or proprietary software. All the process control, inputs, outputs, and data collection are done by the system's Web Access Controller (WAC). The information can be accessed by designated personnel via a web browser connected through the phone or network connection to the WAC. Video cameras can be included in the system to provide site monitoring and security.
The water treatment plant is currently using WebTRAC to monitor turbidity from each of its six filters; streaming current values and poly aluminum chloride feed.
Data is continuously transmitted to I/O nodes, then to the controller. The WAC has telephone and Internet connections. The plant is using the telephone line to transmit data to parties with assigned passwords. Operation is two-way in that some instrument settings can be changed offsite. Plans are underway to incorporated pH, chlorine residual, and various other operational parameters into WebTRAC. Water process security and treatment optimization have been achieved at the Parsons plant using Chemtrac's combination of instrumentation, process knowledge, and Internet capability.