ICI's (ICI Electrical & Control Consulting Ltd's) SCADA installations in BC, provide for monitoring, control and alarming of remote sites saving owner's valuable time and money. ICI's SCADA systems are designed to meet client's individual requirements with regard to functionality, ease of use, cost, and local conditions. From simple operator interfaces to city wide installations providing a window into the system over the Internet, reliability is ICI's prime concern. Clients are involved in as much of the design process as possible and are then trained in the use of the system. If required, they are trained in how to modify systems as they grow, to meet future requirements.

ICI approaches SCADA design from a process point of view. We start with the field equipment such as flowmeters, level transmitters, pumps, etc., essential elements for the process control. The next level up is typically a PLC which is selected to meet the particular requirements of the project. Speed of operation and communication capabilities are usually the critical elements here. The next level up would normally be a data concentrator at a central location - another PLC with an alarm dialer. The purpose of this central PLC is to gather data from the remote sites and handle the alarms. The PC is the next level. This is what most people consider the SCADA system but is actually only the operator interface for the whole system. This approach produces a rugged system which can operate without the PC if necessary.

Sample of a typical SCADA screen (click on image for full screen view)

Brief Synopsis of ICI's SCADA Systems

• Remote monitoring and control for pump houses, treatment plants, reservoirs, lift stations etc.
• Alarm logging and dialing ensuring prompt response to alarm conditions
• Dial in from home to allow operators to monitor the plant or find the cause of a problem in less time than it would take to drive to remote sites
• Real time and historical trending and report generation
• Software runs on standard personal computers
• Radio/telemetry/leased lines etc.
• Each system is individually tailored to suit the needs of the client and infrastructure

ICI Provides

• Feasibility studies, capital and operating cost estimates
• System integration
• Start up and commissioning
• Operator training and technical support