Use of Programmable Logic Controllers to Automate Control and Monitoring of U.S. Army Wastewater Treatment Systems
Abstract
Although Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have been successfully used at municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), the Army has not yet automated its WWTPs by using this relatively simple, low-cost, available technology. PLCs are widely used in environmental engineering facilities and in applications with control requirements similar to water/ wastewater operations to: (1) reduce manhours dedicated to repetitive operational monitoring tasks, (2) ensure operational and equipment safety, and (3) monitor and reduce facility chemical and energy costs. Benefits of PLCs include: (1) Off-the-shelf availability; (2) Low-cost procurement, installation, and repair; (3) Small physical size; (4) Simplified programming and troubleshooting; (5) Standalone or networked operation; and (6) Multiple sensor monitoring. This report summarizes the concepts underlying PLC use in WWTPs, outlines successful applications of PLC technology in commercial WWTPs, and details specific operations in military WWTPs that may benefit from PLC implementation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA241372
Entities
People
- Byung-joon Kim
- Chai S. Gee
- James E. Alleman
- John T. Bandy
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory