SCADA Solutions
Controlled Engineering Solutions P/L design custom SCADA systems for our focus clients, namely:
- Mining sites
- Industrial plants
- Transport (especially tunnels)
- Waste management and;
- Water processing
SCADA systems are crucial for heavy industries because they provide a comprehensive overview of all operations in real time, alarm functionality, data analysis and ultimately deliver a seamless interface between the control systems and the operator.
We usually do not deliver SCADA systems as an isolated project, our SCADA system work goes hand-in-hand with our Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and overall Automation & Control services.
Data Analysis through Well Implemented SCADA
We design our solutions to not only provide instantaneous information, but to also view the historical trends within systems. The ability to provide meaningful data analysis is a key outcome CES P/L delivers.
For example, we can trend all different power and energy usage, such as;
- Temperatures
- Power consumption
- Equipment wear (i.e. pump impellers degradation based on loss of power and also flow of the product)
Our clients find this very beneficial. The core advantage is to distribute power and then assess consumption in different parts of the plant, and therefore allocate various cost structures to different aspects of the plant for costs budgeting for their processors.
We predominantly use SQL databases to record this data.
SCADA Software Options & Custom HMIs
We are proficient with a range of SCADA software suites and are flexible in this aspect.
We recommend different software based on the complexity and the size of the application, additionally, it is important to consider the preferences of the client. As an example, clients may opt for basic Human Machine Interface (HMI) as they typically come in at a lower cost when compared to licensing for major software distributors.
We develop functional specifications, which includes designing custom data dashboards and graphical shapes of the automation. This is so operators can easily understand the process flow on the displays. We customise the HMI and SCADA interfaces to very fine detail to further improve the user-experience for the operators.
SCADA System Security
We are experienced designing SCADA systems according to security specifications our client’s require and apply the appropriate measures. We have the ability to communicate with IT departments at a high level for this area of the project.
To be more specific, we will configure the appropriate:
- Accessibility (account logins, permissions, ability to synchronise with user directories)
- Network connectivity (mixture of private VLANs, public WANs, firewalls)
- Power outages (implementing appropriate Uninterruptible Power Supplies) and;
- Overall fail-safe functionality, including priority alarms and contacting onsite and remote support personnel
The majority of times, SCADA systems are placed on an individual network and are separate to the corporate network.
We are skilled with a mixture of different communication protocols (i.e. RS232/485) and proprietary features of different vendor packages, however, most new SCADA systems are moving to TCP/IP over ethernet as a standard.
SCADA Functionality & Delivery
When CES P/L is contacted for an Automation & Control project, we firstly need to understand the functionality that is required, and develop the functional specifications document.
A key point of this document is the operations of the PLC logic and the programming required to execute this functionality (i.e. loops, feedback and information to detect when a belt-weigher is near load capacity, then slowing the product feed until the belt is operating normally).
Our solutions are designed to maximise safety functions, integrity and longevity. We are experienced in determining design risks, such as considering external factors (ie. environmental) that may come into contact with critical machinery, to further improve our solutions.
All relevant processes are displayed on the SCADA system appropriately.
Handover and ongoing support would be handled ad-hoc and stipulated in our scope of works document.
It’s a very satisfying feeling having a cuppa in a brand new control room while you watch the process.
Feel free to make an enquiry through our contact page.
