This project involved replacing an outdated SCADA system and existing control panels in the wellfield's main control building. New control panels were added to each wellfield building, communicating via a new fiber optic network. The wellfields were programmed to operate simultaneously to ensure adequate flow rates during the treatment process while meeting distribution demands and maintaining sufficient levels in the water storage tanks.
Project Cost: Approximately $416,000.00
Engineering Firm: Barton & Loguidice Engineering, D.P.C.
This project included multiple contracts between the electrical contractor and the general contractor. It involved modifications to the existing SCADA system and the installation of one new flow station control panel for each of the eight leachate flow monitoring cells. Additionally, one new leachate pump control panel, one new stormwater pump control panel, and two remote SCADA control panels communicated over a new fiber network.
Project Cost: Approximately $277,000.00
Engineering Firm: Delaware Engineering, D.P.C.
The project work sites were located throughout the Town of Niskayuna and included the main water treatment plant, two remote pump stations, and a water storage tank site. These sites were interconnected via a secure VPN site-to-site connection and a UHF radio system. Upgrades at the water treatment plant included the installation of new control panels for each wellfield, the filter and chemical buildings, and a fully redundant SCADA system communicating over a local fiber network. The wellfields were programmed to be controlled simultaneously to ensure adequate flow rates during the treatment process while meeting distribution demands and maintaining sufficient water storage tank levels.
Project Cost: Approximately $477,000.00
Engineering Firm: M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C.
We designed and built a fully redundant SCADA system featuring two synchronized server systems with automatic failover. This robust architecture includes one primary server, one secondary server, and one data historian server, all operating in a virtual environment. If a server goes offline, client connections seamlessly transition to the next designated server, ensuring uninterrupted service. Each server maintains an accurate copy of the application's tags, security settings, displays, scripts, networked variables, and configuration history. Historical and alarm data are fully synchronized across all servers. Our operator workstations function as thin clients connected to host servers, empowering operators to control all aspects of the plant efficiently. We designed and built four control panels: one for headworks, one for administration, one for remote I/O (RIO), and one for chemical feed, ensuring complete monitoring and control of plant processes. Moreover, we implemented a secure and redundant fiber network that connects the local plant network to multiple remote sites within the village. We provided sixteen variable frequency drives (VFDs) for various blower and pump applications, expertly managed by ACS-supplied control panels. Additionally, we supplied top-tier process instrumentation, gas monitoring equipment, samplers, and analytical equipment.
Project Cost: Approximately $396,000.00
Engineering Firm: Delaware Engineering
Avanti Control Systems, Inc. served as a sub-consultant to Kathleen Suozzo, P.E., PLLC, a civil engineering firm. Our goal was to develop a solid and cost-efficient control system and SCADA design for the Lake Placid Water Treatment Plant. This design was utilized to obtain accurate construction bids from various control system integrators and general and mechanical contractors. The scope of work for this phase of the project included:
Conducting a comprehensive engineering assessment of the existing water treatment facility control system.
Completing a review of the SCADA visualization platform system.
Reviewing the PLC control platform.
Performing a detailed cost analysis for the proposed upgrades.
Developing layout drawings for the plant control system architecture.
Creating communications network drawings.
Designing layout drawings for the plant control system panels, including necessary modifications.
Producing electrical drawings for the plant control system.
Conducting calculations and sizing adjustments for the modification of existing electrical switchgear.
Assisting with the technical details for instrumentation and integrating them into the plant control system.
Aiding in the control of filter solenoid valves within the plant control system.
Providing technical specifications for all proposed system hardware, software, and appurtenances for inclusion in bid documents.
Engineering Firm: Kathleen Suozzo, P.E., PLLC - Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Avanti Control Systems utilized its internal expertise in the system design and planning of a complete licensed low-frequency radio system. Utilizing state-of-the-art computer modeling programs, we created 2D and 3D representations of the terrain along a given path to help determine the path's viability. Viability based on terrain alone was known prior to on-site visits; after determining that terrain factors were favorable, on-site visits were performed to verify path viability visually. Trees, buildings, and other potential path blockage factors were identifiable as location and height. Along with the terrain, path propagation losses were needed, and the path length and the path characteristics were then analyzed to determine path losses, cable or waveguide losses, and several other regional factors affecting path loss. Avanti Control Systems supplied, programmed, and installed two remote licensed telemetry control panels (RTU) at two locations within the Village. The telemetry system transmits and receives valuable data between the two locations.
Project Cost: Approximately $28,000.00
Engineering Firm: Environmental Design Partnership
Our company redesigned an existing SCADA system to incorporate three new multi-synchronized servers with automatic failover capabilities. The new architecture consists of one primary server, one secondary server, and one data historian server running in a virtual environment. If one server goes offline, client connections seamlessly switch to the next designated server. In addition to the SCADA architecture, Thin Manager software was implemented to effectively manage both the server and terminal sides of the computer networks. This ensures failover and redundancy to maintain an "always-on" state. Each server maintains a complete copy of the application's tags, security settings, displays, scripts, networked variables, and configuration history. Historical and alarm data is synchronized across all servers. The Town of Guilderland provided all recommended hardware to help minimize overall costs.
Project Cost: Approximately $60,000.00
Facility Contact: Tim McIntyre, Superintendent of Water/Waste Water
Avanti Control Systems leveraged its internal expertise to design and plan a complete licensed low-frequency radio system. By utilizing advanced computer modeling programs, we created 2D and 3D representations of the terrain along a specified path to assess its viability. We could determine the viability based solely on the terrain before conducting on-site visits. Once we established that the terrain factors were favorable, we conducted on-site inspections to visually verify the path's viability. This process allowed us to identify potential obstructions, such as trees and buildings, including their locations and heights. In addition to evaluating the terrain, we analyzed path propagation losses to determine the appropriate path length and characteristics. This analysis included examining cable and waveguide losses and several regional factors that could affect path loss. Avanti Control Systems also supplied, programmed, and installed two remote licensed telemetry control panels (RTUs) at separate locations within the Village. The telemetry system effectively transmits and receives valuable data between these two locations.
Project Cost: Approximately $32,000.00
Engineering Firm: Avanti Process Technologies, Inc.
Upgraded the existing SCADA servers and virtualized the 2003 servers using Hyper-V on a 2012 Server operating system. Designed, built, and deployed a new 42U open server enclosure, which included two new Lenovo servers and one Dell archive server. The setup features RAID 10 with a total of 122TB solid-state hard drives. Additionally, migrated the Wonderware application from version 10 to 2014 R2. Installed a high-security SonicWall 2650 firewall, which utilizes multi-factor authentication to connect remote sites. Installed and configured Terminal Services and upgraded the XLReporter reports. To enhance field operations, we created a user-friendly form that runs on Pro-Surface workbooks. Lab technicians can use it remotely while working in the field.
Project Cost: Approximately $100,000.00
SCADA Services Contract: $85,000 (3-Year Contract)
Facility Contact: Joseph DiGiovanni, Instrumentation/SCADA Technician, 10 North Enterprise Dr., Albany, NY 12204
Upgraded one existing SCADA PC and two remote PCs from Windows XP to Windows 10. Upgraded all Wonderware licenses and migrated the Wonderware application to version 2017 R2.
Project Cost: Approximately $55,000
Facility Contact: Jim Roblee, Head Wastewater Treatment Operator, (518) 532-9272
Designed, built, and deployed a fully redundant SCADA system to monitor, control, and report using the Rockwell FactoryTalk View SE platform. This system consists of a total of nine (9) PCs: SCADA 1 as the primary system and SCADA 2 as the failover system, utilizing Lenovo P10 workstations. Each PC is equipped with 2TB solid-state hard drives, configured in RAID, and runs Windows 10 in a workgroup environment. The systems are connected via a locally networked fiber optic to copper infrastructure. For data collection and reporting, a dedicated PC was established with SQL Server and XLReporter to collect data and generate daily, monthly, and annual reports. Additionally, an engineering workstation was set up with all necessary development software and is networked to support and maintain the runtime applications. Both SCADA computers were implemented with redundant configurations, including WIN-911 with hot backup. We also installed three (3) remote client computers and industrial panel-mount monitors at various buildings adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for monitoring and control. Existing GE PLCs were upgraded to Allen-Bradley CompactLogix with the required I/O. We designed, built, and installed eighteen (18) new combination motor starter control panels, which replaced the old units and were programmed for control from both SCADA and remote sites. Two (2) Slick Watch Systems were installed in the open channel dikes to monitor for oil. Additionally, we designed, built, and installed one (1) 600VAC Soft Start system and two (2) 480VAC systems to manage a main storm pump and smaller transfer pumps.
Project Cost: Approximately $155,000
General Contractor: Jablonski Excavation
Sub-Contractor: Avanti Control Systems, Inc.
Lead Project Engineer: Timothy M. Tesiero
Integrated a comprehensive and robust redundant SCADA system to monitor the main water filtration plant and five remote locations using radio telemetry. Upgraded the existing controls and instrumentation, enhancing the current radio telemetry system. This involved modifying the control panel, implementing a redundant SCADA system, and adding new radio telemetry capabilities. Overall, the upgrades improved the functionality and reliability of the controls, instrumentation, and radio telemetry system.
Project Cost: Approximately $130,000.00
Engineering Firm: John McDonald Engineering
Lead Project Engineer: Timothy M. Tesiero
Replacement of three 100 HP and three 15 HP horizontal split case non-potable water pumps. New controls were upgraded to NEMA 4X modular AC enclosures with VFD/Bypass pump operation.
Project Cost: Approximately $459,000
Engineer: John M. McDonald Engineering
Migrated obsolete Allen Bradley 1336 Forced VFDs to Allen Bradley Powerflex 755 Series. Migrated existing SLC 5/05 PLC to Allen Bradley ControlLogix Platform. Migrated existing visualization software Allen Bradley PanelBuilder to FactoryTalk View Machine Edition. Hardware removal of existing DC MCC VFDs in buckets, electrical wiring, and installation of new DC MCC VFDs in buckets. Migrated existing ControlNet communications over to Ethernet Communications.
Project Cost: Approximately $250,000.00
Facility Engineer: Bruce Barnard