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Scada Technology Articles & Analysis
38 articles found
XiO began in California, where we’ve helped hundreds of water companies leapfrog existing SCADA technology and move directly to cloud-based systems. Over the years, XiO has provided services to larger, more complex organizations, many of which operate multiple sites under one system interface. We’ve been operating in Texas for several years and see ...
Technological advances have radically transformed engineering over the past few decades. ...
Most people take clean water for granted. We’re accustomed to drawing a stream of clear water every time we turn on a faucet. However, collecting water from a local reservoir and distributing it directly to your home requires a complicated system of pipes, pumps, and treatment facilities. ...
For the past 10 years, the utility had a custom programmed, radio-based SCADA system in place and it worked the way the operators needed it to. ...
Water is an effective solvent, so the water from a residential faucet will naturally have trace amounts of different substances. Ionic minerals like calcium and sodium will improve the taste of tap water. Many water systems add fluoride to support dental health in the area. Other contaminants are not beneficial. When a substance has associated health risks, the Clean Water Act empowers the EPA to ...
The concern about polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and the environment has grown in recent years. These forever chemicals are the latest target of the EPA’s attention. Supported by funds made available in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the agency has released a strategic roadmap for addressing these chemicals. ...
Managing waste is a complicated process that involves daily pickup schedules, trucking logistics, and sorting facilities. Waste management companies must deal with millions of tons of garbage every year. As this number increases, simple solutions are no longer sustainable. This increasing complexity requires new solutions. Embracing artificial intelligence technology will help improve the ...
Municipal water systems are always looking for ways to increase efficiency. Embracing new technology can lead to fewer service disruptions, lower emergency repair costs, and a better customer experience. Augmented reality tools will change how water utilities approach maintenance, training, and customer relations. ...
Supply chain issues are an unwelcome side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost everyone has experienced product shortages and increased costs as a result. The water treatment supply chain is also caught up in these events. Water utilities must develop an intentional strategy to prevent service disruptions. ...
In May of 2021, cybercriminals launched a ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline. This conduit brings fuel to the East Coast, and its shutdown affected travel, logistics, and businesses along the supply chain. Although the disruption was temporary, it highlights the need for digital cybersecurity for critical infrastructure systems. Operators of water systems and treatment plants need to pay ...
The Infrastructure Investment and Job Act will have far-reaching effects across the nation. This law seeks to improve safety and create jobs by investing in projects like bridges, roads, and high-speed internet access. Improvements to local water systems are a large piece of the bipartisan law funding plan. Every state, Tribal nation, and territory will receive millions of dollars for water ...
As communities navigate COVID-19, sustainability is a top priority for many companies. Smart metering provides a cost-effective and efficient solution to distribute power and water resources to modern communities. Many cities and utility companies use smart meters to improve operations, save costs, and provide quality customer service. ...
In the natural world, water flows downwards with the force of gravity. Municipal water systems take advantage of this constant force whenever possible. However, the local landscape is rarely just a downhill slope. In water distribution systems and water treatment plants, pumps work to move water against gravity’s pull. Real-time monitoring of pump operation will increase both the efficiency ...
Clean water is a basic necessity. Historically, broad access to potable water was a critical step in improving public health. Water is also a fundamental component in many industrial processes. Its unique properties and easy availability make it an ideal substance for tasks that involve dissolving and washing. To address public safety and broader environmental concerns, used water cannot go ...
In every part of the world, people depend on clean water to survive. Residents often take it for granted that they can use water from the faucet for drinking or cooking without further treatment. However, water contamination is a severe concern for municipal water systems. Extended boil water orders and stories of lead contamination raise worries about the safety of the supply. The EPA has ...
Monitoring the performance of a complex utility system requires reliable communication. It may be possible to work with a local wireless network or cellular network for smaller areas. However, these solutions may not provide sufficient coverage for larger systems. For reliable communication and real-time monitoring, many organizations look to the heavens for solutions enabled by satellite ...
Rain supplies moisture that nurtures plant and animal life. Natural precipitation fills water reservoirs so that human residents can have everyday lives. However, as rainwater flows through the landscape, it can cause erosion, flooding, and water damage. Intentional stormwater management must also incorporate plans for surface runoff. ...
Moving water, oil, or natural gas through pipes is a complicated process. Many things can go wrong along the way that the provider must address quickly. Pressure drops and burst pipes can cause environmental hazards as well as service disruptions. A well-designed SCADA system provides remote monitoring that allows for a fast response. ...
When a manufacturing plant wants to streamline its processes, automation is a winning strategy. A well-designed system will improve productivity while maintaining quality. Automation technology involves hardware and software that use pre-programmed actions to improve production. ...
What is OPC UA in SCADA systems? Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems use hardware and software to improve system operations. The goals of these solutions are to minimize friction points and increase efficiency. SCADA allows for greater automation and faster decisions across a variety of industries. OPC UA is a communication protocol used by SCADA systems to enable an ...