Operational Benefits of Outpost2 SCADA
Outpost2 is pre-configured use the detailed site information provided by the MultiSmart Pump Station Manager. Benefits include:
- Reduce site visits and callouts
- Predictive maintenance allows proactive rather than reactive planning
- View and adjust set points remotely
The majority of water and wastewater SCADA systems don't provide detailed site information. Most problems are handled by someone visiting the site to check out the real situation.
Our research has shown that an average of 40% of callouts are due to blocked pumps which need operators on site to unblock the pump. The remaining 60% could be easily handled without a site visit - as long as the necessary control and monitoring information is available at SCADA.
Additionally, most organizations run some kind of preventative maintenance program - servicing equipment based on hours run or time in the field - rather than on the true state of the assets. The Predictive Maintenance nature of the information in Outpost2 allows further reduction in operational cost.
In total, 70% cost savings are often achievable.
Reduce Site Visits and Callouts
Typical SCADA systems simply raise a red flag when there is an apparent problem, and the first reaction is to visit the site to determine the cause. Outpost2 lets you determine the true cause of the problem without visiting the site. It also allows you to control pumps remotely and reset pump faults and level alarms.
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Typical 3-Pump Station - Click on the image for a larger view.
Take a typical scenario where a pump has tripped. With most SCADA systems, an operator will visit the site to determine the cause. In the case of Outpost2, you will be able to view the specific pump fault remotely. Suppose it is a Motor Overtemp alarm. This might be due to a blocked pump, or it might have been caused by a supply imbalance. With Outpost2, you will be able to view the details of the 3-phase supply, restart the pump (put it into Manual/Hand) if the supply is all right, and check what happens to current drawn as well as level changes. You can also check the flow rate from the pump.
Alternatively, the pump fault might be a Ground/Earth fault. This usually means there is a winding fault developing, and you certainly wouldn't want to restart the pump. Instead, you would put the pump on "Off" and check that the other pump was working (put the pump into Manual/Hand and check the level changes and flow rate). Then, depending on the outcome, and how important the Pump Station was, you would decide whether to send someone to visit the site right away or wait until tomorrow.
 Pump Details Screen - Click on the image for a larger view.
The large amount of detail available provides Preventative Maintenance indicators, as well as reducing or eliminating the need for site visits.
Preventative Maintenance Reduces Costs
Detailed information from field hardware provides a good basis for Preventative Maintenance.
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Insulation resistance testing is carried out automatically - providing prior warning of impending pump burnouts
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Flow rates can be calculated without flow meters in wastewater Pump Stations (using a calculated draw down test)
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Power measurements in conjunction with hours run and start accumulators can indicate impending problems
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3-phase supply monitoring can indicate whether the major cause of problems is the power authority
Each of these items provides a huge benefit in planning cost-effective Preventative Maintenance, as well as developing capital works improvement programs.
View and Adjust Set Points Remotely
Outpost2 displays the set points at your MultiSmart sites, allows you to switch profiles and adjust any set point for pumps and alarms.
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Setpoint Adjustment Screen - Click on the image for a larger view.
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