SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

The effectiveness of a utility SCADA system is measured by user acceptance. Operational information must be presented in an intuitive and consistent format. Graphic displays must depict process measurements and equipment status that can be interpreted quickly and accurately, especially during system upset conditions.

Westin will help you configure your control system to achieve these operational goals. We draw on our in-depth knowledge of water and wastewater process automation as well as extensive experience with major HMI software packages and PLCs. Our collaborative process combines Westin’s experience with your staff’s understanding of your unique process characteristics.

System Database Development

• I/O Point Lists include physical and logical attributes (e.g., point ID, description, address, engineering units, analog point range, scan rates and deadbands)
• Alarm Attributes associate I/O points with alarm priorities, severities, delays, groups, sounds and printer assignments, graphic displays by alarm groups
• Historical Designation defines collection and reduction rates and methods for historical storage
• Internal Points and calculated database points typically include: communications between modules, calculations required for displays (e.g., summations of several flow values), calculations required for system reports, logical calculations required to support control programs, etc.

Process Graphic Display Development

• General Process Graphics on displays link visual icons with control strategies. Graphics standards are applied to pop-up screens, symbols and color rules.
• System-Wide Overviews show overall operation at a glance
• I/O Process Graphics diagram individual I/O cards for each physical PLC I/O
• Preliminary Configuration Demonstration provides early feedback on general (screen hierarchy and overview screens) and site-specific control strategies (system configuration, process control and logic screens and documentation)

Control Strategy Development and PLC Programming

• Control Logic Functional Definition establishes and documents control-logic functionality
• Detailed Control Logic Program Design involves diagramming the control module sequence, defining each functional block's parameters and defining the order of execution
• Control Logic Programming applies system tools to develop the program, initial testing of control logic, or simulation and ensures accurate data entry and logic sequence
• Control Logic Program Diagrams and Documentation show connections between control elements and may become graphic displays in the system

Reports
Automated report generation is tailored to your business and information requirements. Westin works with you to identify, develop and automate reports, define the report media, and develop the schedule.

Testing
A test plan is the foundation for a functional system. It defines the approach and phasing to incrementally validate the system. The test plan defines acceptance criteria to assure that results are accepted or rejected based on objective data. Test plans typically address:

• Factory Acceptance Test confirms proper screens, control logic, documentation and database
• Field Testing verifies installed operation of logic programs to confirm normal and failure conditions, and verifies functional loops from the field device to the PLC, I/O connections and control logic, alarm operation, process graphics and logic diagrams
• Performance Testing & System Level Testing assures all elements function as a system including site-to-site control strategies and hardwired interlocks between facilities
• System Integrated Start-Up runs all portions of the complete system as intended