AWWA IMTECH57864

This paper discusses the next generation of process control strategies for drinking water treatment plants and illustrates why utilities should consider implementing them in the operation of their plants in the near future to help stay abreast of treatment regulations and to control costs of operation. A review of advanced control techniques, equipment requirements, development of process models using artificial neural networks (ANNs), and integration of models with plant control systems is described. The paper also shows how utilities can begin implementing next generation controls by leveraging their existing equipment and systems such as on-line analyzers, conventional controls, the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, and historical plant performance data. The paper describes the concept of "plant-wide control", a holistic approach at plant optimization that links and integrates various models (e.g. process, demands, production, and energy), overall cost of operation, final effluent water quality and other management objectives into a constraint-based decision making system. Finally, two case studies of next generation controls implemented in water plants managed by EPCOR Water Services (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) are also presented. Includes 7 references, figures.