WEFTEC 2010 New Orleans, what a great show!

The show started off in its usual fashion – introductions, leads, demos and apparently for New Orleans little sleep and a lot of people talking about the fun they had the night before.  This year’s WEFTEC was easily surpassed previous years, with over 17,500 people attending and 984 exhibitors.  The exhibit hall itself was nearly a mile long end to end.

There was a lot of chatter this year about energy efficiency, sustainability and the wastewater infrastructure. A big ticket issue was the EPA’s new Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Sustainability Policy. This of course ties right into our philosophy – save operating and energy cost, work towards a sustainable water infrastructure and become greener through conscientiously managing your pump stations more efficiently.

Overall the show was amazing, we had great boo Display complete post

Adam Rutledge General News DuoProbe, efficiency, environmental, MultiSmart, probe, pump station, Pump Station Management, Pump Station Optimization, SCADA, WEFTEC

The 73rd Annual Victorian (WIOA)  Water Industry Engineers & Operators Conference & Exhibition was held at the Bendigo Showgrounds on 2nd and 3rd September 2010. There were 141 exhibitors and over 1000 people attended the exhibition over the two days. There were conference sessions held over the two days allowing delegates to see vendor exhibits and also attend presentations.
There were Award Presentations for the following:

• Presentation of Actizyme Prizes for “Best paper by WIOA Members”
• Presentation of Hepburn & Iwaki Prizes for “Best Paper Overall”
• Presentation of WITC Prize for “Best Operator Poster Paper”
• Presentation of “Operator of the Year” as judged by AWA (Vic)
• Presentation of “Young Operator of Year” as judged by IWA (Vic)

Our stand was well located and we met existing customers and also potential new custom Display complete post

Norman Pon General News, Industry, MultiTrode News

What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is a body of water collected and stored for community use. A reservoir can be a natural lake or an artificial lake.

Why Do We Need Reservoirs?
The vast majority of Americans rely on centralized water systems for potable water. Centralized water systems typically include:

Watershed – A Water Source
Collection Point – Such as a lake, river, aquifer
Treatment – Purification and Water Treatment Facilities
Storage – Reservoirs , Storage Tanks, Water Towers, Standpipes
Distribution – Network of Pipes and Pump Stations

  What is a Reservoir Monitor?
Centralized water systems consist of hydrologic and hydraulic elements including a Reservoir Monitor. A Reservoir Monitor is a device used to transmit water level information from a Reservoir to a Pump Station.

Why is Reservoir Monitoring Important?
Monitoring Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan General News MTRRM, pump station, Remote Reservoir Monitor, Reservoir Monitor, Reservoir Monitoring, SCADA, SCADA System

MultiSmart Firmware version 2.3, incorporates a host of new and unique features in addition to enhancements to current functions providing operations the ability to reach new levels of productivity.

Impressive new features include:

Data Logger Enhancements – There are several new Logging Features for Crisis, Interval and Configuration Logging. Interval Logs can optionally trigger DNP events. User interface has been greatly enhanced including saving logs to CF (config logs, IP address, serial number, MAC address, etc) and System Logs (var/log/messages).
Alternation by Efficiency Enhancements – When the efficiency of pumps is within a configurable deadband, standard alternation is used instead of the N to 1 ratio.
DuoProbe Upgrades – This marks the formal software release for support of the DuoProbe, including enhancements to DuoProbe operation and ca Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan MultiTrode News Alternation by Efficiency, data logger, DNP, DNP/MODBUS, DNP3, DuoProbe, IRT, isagraf, Last Known Power Factor, Maintenance Mode, Max Starts, Modbus, Power Factor, Probe Fail Indicator, Probes, Pump Reversal, WITS, WITS-DNP

MultiTrode’s MultiSmart Pump Station Manager is the next generation of technology for water and wastewater pump stations – combining the best of PLCs, RTUs and pump controllers into a comprehensive and intuitive package.

MultiSmart has the capability of calculating efficiency based on 3 measured variables:

Supply Voltage
Current
Flow

Knowing these 3 variables enables the Operator to calculate gallons per kilowatt Hr (gal/kWhr).

MultiSmart Firmware Version 2.3.0 includes a groundbreaking advancement, Alternation by Efficiency, the ingenious derivative of MultiSmart’s gal/kWhr ability!

In order to save energy costs, this mode is especially useful where an old pump, scheduled for replacement, is coupled with a new pump.

The Old Way:

Create an N to 1 ratio based on the most efficient pump, allowing the most efficient pump to run N (N is user ad Display complete post

JimmyH General News Efficiency Deadband, most efficient pump, MultiSmart, PLCs, Pump Alternation Efficiency, pump controllers, pump efficiency, Pump Station Manager, RTUs, Station Optimization, wastewater pump stations

The MultiTrode DuoProbe is built on the concept of combining MultiTrode’s ultra reliable 10 Sensor Probe with the high resolution of a pressure transducer.

The DuoProbe has 10 metallic sensors, just like MultiTrode’s standard Probe, with the addition of a built-in pressure transducer integrated to the end of Probe. After initial configuration, the DuoProbe will appear to operate exactly like MultiTrode’s standard Probe . After just a few level cycles, the unit will “Auto-Calibrate” and go into High Resolution mode using its built-in pressure transducer.

MultiTrode’s innovative Pump Station Manager – the MultiSmart – will periodically recalibrate the DuoProbe thus ensuring accuracy. In the unlikely event the pressure transducer fails, the MultiSmart will automatically switch over to operate off the 10 Sensor Probe. The DuoProbe will only function with the Mul Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan General News DuoProbe, pressure transducer, probe, SCADA, VFD

MultiTrode’s MultiSmart Pump Station Manager is the next generation of technology for water and wastewater pump stations – combining the best of PLCs, RTUs and pump controllers into a comprehensive and intuitive package.

MultiTrode’s commitment to R&D is evidenced by the MultiSmart Firmware 2.3.0 Release. This groundbreaking advancement includes numerous technological achievements including data logger enhancements to ensure make accessibility even easier and capabilities even better.

Noteworthy Data Logger Improvements include:

Crisis Logging – When a configurable Crisis event occurs, values of configured tags are saved to a log file for a User-programmed set of time before and after the crisis. This is an excellent troubleshooting tool. For example, if you receive a Motor Overtemp Fault, you can log the motor currents for 30 seconds before and after the fa Display complete post

JimmyH MultiTrode News Configuration Logs, Crisis Logging, data logger, Enhanced CF Card Options, Field Comments Logging, Interval Logging, MultiSmart, Pump Station Manager

Using the compact flash port of your MultiSmart unit and a CF card is the easiest way to upgrade the firmware.

Simply:

Download the firmware to your computer and unzip the file.
Look for the file named update.img.
Use a flash card reader/writer to copy the file to the flash card. (You can purchase a USB compact flash reader/writer from MultiTrode or other sources.)
Insert the compact flash card into the MultiSmart unit and restart (press Settings->More->More->Restart).
The unit will use the upgrade image to save the latest firmware automatically
Press the yellow “Save CF Data” button on your MultiSmart unit before ejecting the CF card. Failure to do so may result in data corruption and/or damage to the CF card.
We recommend that you erase the update.img file from the CF card after upgrading all units that you need to upgrade. 
Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan General News Firmware, MultiSmart, MultiTrode, updgrade firmware

If you haven’t created a user account, please take a few moments to do by clicking on the Sign Up box in the top right of the multitrode.com homepage.

When you get to the Newsletter Signup section , don’t forget to select the box reading “Please give me access to the free MultiSmart firmware upgrades and release information.”

Your request will be processed within 24 hours.

If you already have a user account, and are logged in, you will see “Edit my account details” at the top right of the web page. Click on this, and check the box which reading “Please give me access to the free MultiSmart firmware upgrades & release information.”

 Complete the other details requested and click the Submit button. Your request will be processed within 24 hours. Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan MultiTrode News Firmware, firmware upgrades, MultiSmart, MultiTrode

Software upgrades can be downloaded from MultiTrode’s website .

If you haven’t already registered, all you have to do is click on the Sign Up box in the top right of the multitrode.com homepage:
 
When you get to the Newsletter Signup section, don’t forget to select the box reading “Please give me access to the free MultiSmart firmware upgrades and release information.”
 

If you have already registered and didn’t select this option – but you want access to MultiSmart firmware, simply email marketing@multitrode.com requesting an upgrade.  Please include a phone number where we can contact you. Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan MultiTrode News Firmware, MultiTrode

What exactly is a ball float anyhow?

The ball float method is a direct reading liquid level mechanism.  The most practical design for the ball float is a hollow metal ball or sphere.  However, there are no restrictions to the size, shape or material used.  The operation of the ball float is simple; the ball floats sit on top of the liquid in a tank or well.  If the liquid level changes, the float will follow with the liquid level change.  The downside with using ball floats is they also can get tangled up or weighed down with grease or foam or when grease hardens the float may sit on top of the hardened grease thus creating a false reading.  You also have to take into account that there may be some costly maintenance involve with using a ball float system.

On the other hand, the probe or sometimes referred to as a “stick” is considered a primary level sensing d Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan General News Ball Float, ball float system, ball floats, Level Sensing, liquid level mechanism, primary level sensing devise, probe

At Mul tiTrode, we put our money where our mouth is!

World Leader
MultiTrode is a world leader in control systems with satisfied customers in thirty-five countries worldwide.

15% of Revenue Committed to Research & Development
MultiTrode continues to develop technically advanced products and systems. Our team of highly qualified Research & Development engineers designs and develops products that are focused on making the job easier for operations staff and municipal management in water and wastewater organizations throughout the world.

MultiTrode is continually working on product improvement and new product developments, responding to ideas and feedback from customers.

Worldwide Service and Support
We provide service and support to our customers wherever they are located, either directly or via our network of Channel Partners.

Case on Point
The Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan MultiTrode News control panel, MultiSmart, plc, Pump Station Manager, RTU

The MultiTrode Probe has proven to be the most reliable and cost-effective liquid level sensor available.

How Does the Probe Work?
The Probe works by using the conductive properties of the water itself to complete a circuit with a controller. It’s mounted near the inflow, allowing the turbulence to keep it clean. Even if a build-up does occur it’s usually conductive (in wastewater) and so the Probe keeps right on working. When cleaning is required, the probe is installed off a mounting bracket that includes a cleaning device.

Why is it so reliable?
Ultra-reliable! No electronics and no moving parts means there is nothing to fail. That’s why it has a 10-year warranty! No other liquid level sensor comes close.

Why is it easier to install than other level devices?
All you do is hanging the Probe on its own cable into your wet well, using the bracket we suppl Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan In the well Level Sensing, lift station, probe, wastewater, water

A variable-frequency drive (VFD) is a system for controlling the rotational speed of an alternating current electric motor by controlling the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor. Variable-frequency drives allow operators to fine-tune their processes while reducing the cost of energy and equipment maintenance. 

VFD’s are quite useful to the water and wastewater industries because they can be used with the pumps, conveyors and drives involved in pumping and aeration applications. For instance, pumping uses excessive energy and cause significant wear-and-tear on equipment. Use of VFD drives enables pumps to accommodate fluctuating demand, running pumps at lower speeds and drawing less energy while meeting demand.

MultiTrode has developed an innovative VFD algorithm which makes it very easy to setup a VFD station. The standard application uses one 4-20mA contro Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan In the well MultiSmart, pump station, Variable-Frequency Drives, VFD, wastewater, water

DNP is an acronym for Distributed Network Protocol , an open protocol used by components in process automation systems.

A protocol defines the rules by which devices talk to each other. DNP3 is a protocol for transmitting data from Point A to Point B via serial and IP communications. Although DNP is most commonly used by electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities, it can be used anywhere a SCADA system is exists.

Why Do Devices Need to Talk to Each Other?
Utility providers commonly have lots of operations they need to monitor. Typically, there is a central operations center plus remote equipment in the field.  The central operations center houses their main computer.  Installations/substations house remote equipment in the field.  DNP is used to facilitate communication between the main computer and remote equipment, enabling the main computer to remotely open/c Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan General News Cellular Communication, distributed network protocol, DNP3, dnp3 security, reliability, security

MultiTrode will be on the road in April…

Texas Water 2010
American Bank Center
1901 N. Shoreline Boulevard
Corpus Christi, TX  78403
4/13/2010 – 4/16/2010
Booth #818

Design-Build for Water and Wastewater
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, TX  76051
4/19/2010 – 4/23/2010
Booth #208

APWA /OWEA Show
Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center
6808 S. 107th East Avenue
Tulsa, OK
4/19/2010 – 4/21/2010
Attending with Automatic Engineering

79th Annual Conference, Short School, and Expo
Hot Springs Convention Center
400 Convention Boulevard
Hot Springs, AR 71901
4/30/2010 – 5/5/2010
Attending with ISI

Please stop by our booths. There you can find out more about MultiTrode Products.

Featuring:

MultiSmart – The world’s first Pump Station Manager
The Probe – The most reliable an Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan MultiTrode News backup controllers, Level Sensing, liquid level sensor, MultiSmart, probe, pump station, Pump Station Management, safesmart

MultiTrode’s Family of Products can be used in a wide variety of applications – water reservoirs, effluent pits, reuse water, water tanks/reservoirs, basement sumps, potable water – even stormwater!

Our recent experience in the City of Zephyrhills (Florida) is a case on point. They needed a simple method of detecting water levels to avoid repeated stormwater flooding, and we were up for the challenge.

Case Study – City of Zephyrhills
Stormwater Pump Controls

Zephyrhills is located in Pasco County, on a ridge that divides the Hillsborough River Basin from the Withlacoochee River Basin. Lake Zephyr, an integral part of the City’s stormwater drainage system, eventually flows south to the Hillsborough River. Although most of the City is drained by surface swales, their structural drainage system includes 2 retention ponds with pumps, emergency generators and force Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan MultiTrode News Level Sensing, lift station, MTR, probe, storm water, storm water pump controls, stormwater, stormwater pump controls, unreliable level sensing

On behalf of the entire MultiTrode Team – we invite you to attend our new educational webinar series.

Current class offerings include:

Latest Advances in Pump Station Management
Introduction to the MultiSmart: the World’s 1st Pump Station Manager
Introduction to Backup Controllers for Lift Stations
Customized classes also available

Hurry – Space is filling fast!

To take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity, contact Sandy Santiago at 561-994-8090 or sandys@multitrode.com .

After making your reservation, you will receive an email Webinar Invitation with simply to follow instructions. Then sit back in the comfort of your own office while the MultiTrode Team entertain you with tales of technological advancements and features that will make every day in the field seem like a walk in the park! Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan General News backup controller, Level Sensing, lift station, MultiSmart, probe, Pump Controller, pump efficiency, pump station, Pump Station Management, Pump Station Optimization, Technical, webinar

Maintenance is defined as “actions performed to keep some machine or system functioning or in good working order.”

The design life of most equipment requires periodic maintenance: adjustments, alignments, lubrication, rotating, parts replacement, etc. Every time we fail to perform routine maintenance, we shorten the equipment’s design life.

Maintenance Approaches

Reactive Maintenance

Defined – Run it until you break it! No effort is made to maintain equipment; manufacturer recommendations are ignored. Also called “Crisis Maintenance” or “Hysterical Maintenance”.

Pros – No manpower hours are expended. No maintenance costs are incurred.

Cons – You may think you’re saving money, but you’re not.  Shortening the equipment’s design life may result in higher replacement costs. You may have an additional expense if you’ve worn down your second Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan Industry condition based monitoring, maintenance, MultiSmart, preventive maintenance, probe, pump efficiency, pump station, Pump Station Management, Pump Station Optimization, reliability

What is Inflow and Infiltration?

Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) are terms used to describe the ways that groundwater and stormwater enter a sanitary sewer system.

Inflow is storm and surface water that enters the sewer system at points of direct connection. These include footing/foundation drains, roof drains/leaders, downspouts, drains from window wells, outdoor basement stairwells, drains from driveways and groundwater/basement sump pumps. Ideally, inflow water should enter the stormwater system or be absorbed into the ground.
Infiltration is rain and ground water that enters into the sewer system through cracks in sewer pipes, joints or manholes. These leaks may be caused by age-related deterioration, loose joints, poor design, root damage or maintenance issues. Sewer pipes are designed to last about 20-50 years. Often, sewer system pipes go much longer withou Display complete post

Darcy Sullivan Industry flow meter, flow monitoring, infilitration, inflow, Level Sensing, probe, sewer system