Telemetry Control SystemsEPG’s Telemetry Control System is a total operating system solution for landfill management. The cost effective control system allows a variety of remote sites to communicate with a central or master station providing the necessary data to monitor and control processes or generate reports. Devices like pumps, valves, blowers, mixers, flares, gas plants, odor control systems, weather stations, wastewater treatment plants and tanks can be monitored and controlled from a single location resulting in reduced operating and maintenance costs, improved site functionality and compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
Features & Benefits:
- Reduced operating costs and greater ROI (return on investment) can be achieved
- Improved system efficiency and performance through continual real-time system monitoring
- Reduced maintenance and repair costs, system disruptions or shutdowns through real-time system monitoring
- Increased equipment life
- Reduced labor cost by eliminating the need for on-site visual inspections or data collection
- Reduced labor costs through automatic report generating
- Reduced number of man-hours for troubleshooting and/or maintenance
- Easy-to-use software provides extensive, on-screen documentation and can automatically gather and report data necessary to comply with local, state and federal regulations in formats that integrate well with Excel, Access and Word.
- Open architecture protocol for future upgrades or expansion
System Components
EPG Telemetry Control Systems typically have five major elements:
- Master Terminal Unit (MTU)
The MTU receives signals from remote sites and displays that information on PC monitors or display panels. As data from devices (pumps, valves, etc.) change, the monitor screen is updated. The MTU is usually defined as the Master or heart of the system and includes the following functions:
- Initiates virtually all communication
- Communicates with peripheral devices (monitors, printers, internet, telephone, etc.)
- Gathers data
- Stores information
- Sends information to other systems
- Interfaces with the operator
- Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)
The RTU gathers information from a remote site to be sent to the MTU. This information may include input from field devices such as pumps, valves, alarms, flow and level meters, etc. RTUs can be designed with micro-computers or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that can perform functions at the remote site without any direction from the MTU. In addition, RTUs can be modular and expandable for the purpose of monitoring and controlling additional field devices.
- Field Devices:
Pumps, blowers, mixers, motors, meters, valves, alarms and flares are all examples of field devices that operate within the system.
- Communication Equipment
The way the telemetry system network (topology) is set up can vary with each system. There are many options to consider when selecting the appropriate communication equipment. Please call EPG and talk with a telemetry specialist.
- Software
The telemetry systems include PC software, the Human Machine Interface (HMI), allowing the operator to visualize all the functions as the system is operating. The operator can also use the HMI to change set-points, view critical condition alerts and warnings, and analize, archive or present data trends.
EPG Systems At Work
In Mississippi, a landfill had seven leachate sumps, serving forty acres. A sideslope riser design was being utilized with a variety of pumps and control systems spread over a large footprint requiring thousands of feet of conduit and wire. Over time, as pumps failed, a variety of types and brands of pumps were used including water well-type submersibles and grinder pumps. Electrical control panels had been patched together by various contractors with no uniformity. A recent permit modification included a requirement to monitor leachate head daily. This was not possible with the installed equipment. So EPG was invited to visit the site and make recommendations. Why? Because of EPG’s reputation of good performance, technical support, the system approach to leachate management (all components sourced through a single supplier), and the value-added services including EPG’s Pump, Control Panel and Telemetry Schools. Today, after installing EPG pumps, control panels, flow meters, transducers, transmitters, repeaters, receivers, and easy-to-use software, this landfill is experiencing, the EPG difference; optimum performance, uniformity, centralized control and documentation of leachate level.
A 373-acre disposal site in Virginia was having difficulty obtaining field data on a consistent and reliable basis. Personnel had the time consuming task of driving out to each location to make manual adjustments or collect data, and then translate it into a useful spreadsheet format. Needless to say, data gaps and compliance issues occurred due to scheduling, vacation conflicts and time/personnel restraints. EPG had the solution: full site monitoring and control including alarm functions and report writing capabilities from one location. The system includes wireless remote RTUs installed at tanks and lift stations which report to the master station’s computer back at the office. Data to be reported is from nineteen flow meters, seven sump levels and four tank levels. All monitoring information is displayed on the computer and placed in a spreadsheet format.
Now that the EPG system is in place, operating and maintenance costs are down, breakdown and pollution incidents are prevented and system monitoring/reporting help to meet compliance issues.
Does your site need upgrading? Are you facing compliance issues? Do you need centralized control and documentation? Is expansion in the near future? Yes? Then make a difference at your site. Call EPG Companies today and ask for a telemetry control systems specialist.
Contact EPG via email or call us at 800-443-7426 for more information.