case study: Thames Water

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The Problem

APDS were asked to offer support when a surge vessel supplying a very important capped zone was condemned. It was critical that the vessel be isolated and removed within 48 hours as penalties to the water company would have been severe. Controlling the pressure on the line and minimising the potential for surge was paramount as without the surge vessel overpressure could easily result in a burst main.

The Solution

Discussions with the client determined that until the surge vessel could be replaced a 4- 20mA signal from the pressure transducer would be the best control  solution for this application and that by using the built in PID controller in the ABB inverter control regulation would be simply achieved. APDS fitted inverters to two of the pumps on a breakdown basis offering basic control and commissioned the units on the following day. Once the system had been proven the surge vessel connection was isolated and all connections to it removed.

The Result

Whilst the object of this exercise was the removal of the surge vessel the outcome hasdemonstrated that two pumps operating in tandem could, on the whole, maintain the pressure in the pipeline at the required level. Furthermore the shock loading on the pumps and pipe-work was eliminated. The PID Macro (in ABB Inverters as a standard feature) gave ‘rock steady control’ ensuring a constant supply of water to the local area. Pressure and flow at peak periods was compromised but as the installation was only temporary it was deemed acceptable. APDS Limited customised parameter sheet which is attached to the inverter once commissioning is completed proved a further hit with the client as changes made from the factory parameters could easily be checked and verified. One engineer remarked that as the motor parameters were identified and attached to the cubicle, rubbing rust off the nameplate and guessing would be a thing of the past

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