Distributed Control Systems For Desalination

Abstract

Historically, desalination applications have not utilized direct computer control due to the relative simplicity of the typical desalination control systems, the cost of direct computer control and the heretofore sophisticated operation and maintenance procedures required to implement a direct computer controlled system. As the size of desalination plants has increased for facilities in the Middle Eastern countries, the need for energy management and data acquisition have appeared in the form of ancillary computer systems in addition to the standard analog control system for the facility. The presentation will provide an overview of typical Distributed Control systems which have become more readily available in recent years. Emphasis is placed on the steps which have been taken by various manufacturers to simplify the implementation, operation and maintenance of currently available systems and the importance of monitoring significant process variables which affect operating efficiency and the physical condition of the plant.