Unusual problems

There can be some unusual circumstances that can lead to malfunctions and loss of control in your SCADA systems. Here’s a few:

1. Power ‘blips’ or brownouts. A brief interruption of electrical power can cause communication ports to lock up; processors to reset and displays to stop working. It is common that when switching over to a generator these problems can occur due to electrical spikes caused by the generator coming on line. Rarely does power interruptions like this cause permanent damage. Most of the time simply cycling the power off for a few seconds and back on will do a full reset and solve the problem. Remember is there is a network issue and you reboot the computer, you also will want to reboot any ethernet switches, routers and other equipment between the computer and the affected equipment.

2. Mixing/aeration systems installed in water towers. We often get calls that the SCADA system is no longer reading the tower level correctly after mixing system was installed in a tank. This is due to the fact that the mixing system can change the dynamic head pressure the transducer ‘sees’ and it will no longer read correctly. In most cases the fix is done by suspending the transducer inside the tank, instead of an in line connection in the main feed line.

3. Pumps/valves or other equipment temporarily out of service. While it might seem simple to turn off the power to a pump that is going to be replaced or repaired, not taking the proper steps beforehand can cause grief later. For example, shutting off power to the motor control center but not setting the pump to OFF in the SCADA system will cause pump fails, since the system does not know the pump isn’t available.

4. Electrical noise from other equipment. Rare, but it does happen. Electrical noise from motors or even fluorescent light fixtures can affect radio operation, flows, levels and more. In at least one case, a powerful FM radio transmitter in the area caused spikes in a tower level reading. The good news is that it is usually an easy fix- proper grounding and the use of shielded cable takes care of the problem most of the time.

REMEMBER when calling Micro-Comm for technical advice, first check to see if anything has changed to cause the problem. For example, has anyone else (electrician, internet service provider, mixing system installed, etc) has made changes the might affect the operation of the equipment? Try to think of anything that could even remotely be related to the issue and tell the Micro-Comm technician when you call in.

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