Common Myths Surrounding Water Treatment Automation

It is 2009 and productivity needs to be maximized. The average number of manhours devoted to water care at a typical industrial site is less than 50% of what it was just one generation ago. Pressure is on to reduce that level even more while increasing the energy efficiency of water treatment. Does this mean that automation is in your future? To answer this, we will explore some commonly held misconceptions surrounding water treatment automation.

Myth #1: Automation Means Automatic

This is perhaps the most dangerous assumption that can be made. Without monitoring and interpretation of the performance of your water treatment program, critical adjustments are not made. Without those adjustments, the process is not efficient. Control of equipment and chemicals must always be overseen by a knowledgeable specialist.

Myth #2: Automation is Expensive

To some extent this depends on what "expensive" means. Monitor and control of basic filtration, softeners, tower and boiler chemicals, and tighter control of blowdown (boiler) or bleed (tower) will typically pay for this "upgrade". PLC based control or integrated system controls are almost always affordable with paybacks in chemicals, manpower, energy and safety.

Myth #3: Computers & Touch Screens Are Hard to Use

In reality, our technicians can tag and label the action points on screen with the terminology that you use to describe the tasks. Customizing screens and reports to your company makes the system work better for you and is fairly easy to do.

Myth #4: I Will Loose Control of My System

When used properly, automated monitoring and control of water treatment systems increase the ability to manage chemicals, energy and manpower. A recent review by the National Sugar Association found that even the most experienced operator was 20% less efficient in control of production than a basic automated process. Information gathered can help in troubleshooting equipment failure and can be predictive of future maintenance needs.

Automation will still require knowledgeable specialists to monitor and adjust systems well into the future. In exchange for the cost of automation you will get easy to use systems that pay for themselves, give you better control of your water treatment systems, and supply information and reports needed for continuous operations.

Contact our Engineering and Equipment office today at 763-553-0379 or email info@uswaterservices.com for more information.