Computer controlled

Ruapehu Bulletin, 11 August 1992, Page 12

Computer controlled

Ohakune's new 'state of the art' treatment plant is monitored by computer to ensure that there is always a supply of pure clean water. This computer system has been supplied as part of the project by Lester Abbey and Associates Limited of Wellington who manufacture and install specialised monitoring systems for water and waste-water systems. The new treatment plant is monitored by the Micro-Alert III Telemetry system, which is connected directly to the Allen Bradley supplied control system. It records water levels, dosage measure-

ments, flow rates, valve positions and other plant data. It also is capable of displaying the present condition of all items in the treatment plant. A unique feature of this system is that all of this information can be obtained by a duplicate system in Taumarunui. There is potential for full control of the Ohakune plant from Taumarunui. The opposite can also happen - items in the T aumarunui area can be monitored and controlled from the Ohakune system. This is the first such system in New Zealand with two equal points of control and as such it has aroused considerable interest from other local authorities. The system allows the

council flexibility on staffing, planning and maintenance work. Equipment condition can be determined, its history and performance evaluated and maintenance scheduled accordingly. Staff attendance and inspections can be cut down dramatically. The system is also capable of sending alarms to council staff the moment a fault is detected. The alarms can be sent via the Taumarunui system as well so that personnel ih both centres are alerted when a problem occurs.