Page 26 - Energize December 2022

NEWS

SCADA systems are essential for a smart and

sustainable water sector

he current water crisis confronting South Africa is due to the sector still largely
being burdened by ageing infrastructure, water quality issues and pipe bursts,
Tresulting in 41% of leakages attributable as non-revenue water. “There is room
for improvement, but only if the sector can adopt and embrace change,” argues Joyce
Moganedi, Power and Water Local Division Sales Manager at ABB.
Cutting-edge solutions can be deployed to ensure sustainable management of
the complete water lifecycle. This would mitigate the impact of natural disasters such
as drought and floods. Such solutions are centred on supervisory control and data
acquisition (SCADA) systems.
SCADA is the most widely used automation system for water applications globally. In
a world where every drop of water counts, water and wastewater plants play a critical
role in bridging the gap between the growing demand for, and scarcity of, this precious
resource. Automation and control technologies are at the core of the challenge.
For example, ABB Ability™ Symphony® Plus SCADA can easily be adapted or
engineered for a broad spectrum of applications in the water and wastewater industry, Joyce Moganedi
including water distribution networks, water pumps, water transmission pipes, drinking
water, water mains, pumping stations and wastewater treatment.
“The flexibility and scalability of SCADA makes it ideal for the entire spectrum of only be achieved by the automation,
clean power and water installations, be they locally or remotely operated plants, fleets electrification and digitalisation of South
or networks,” notes Moganedi. It allows for specific plant processes to be monitored, Africa’s water plants to ensure safe, smart
controlled and managed. and sustainable management of the water
This ranges from visual oversight of operations, to access to real-time information to cycle,” highlights Moganedi. Only when
monitor plant performance and flag any issues that are cause for concern. It also makes plants are automated can responsible
remote operations possible to boost efficiency and productivity. “Most importantly, the water use be effectively implemented.
ability to predict any failures and deploy mitigating measures timeously allows us to
manage our water infrastructure assets smartly,” argues Moganedi. Contact Ofentse Dijoe, ABB,
However, the uptake of SCADA systems in the water sector is hampered by a lack of Phone 010 202 5105,
project funding and slow implementation. “Responsible and efficient water usage can ofentse.dijoe@za.abb.com

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