A feasibility study into the application of PLCs to control a rapid gravity filter operation

Concerns the purification of water for domestic consumption, and in particular an investigation into the feasibility of automating the control and backwashing of rapid gravity filters. The results obtained to date via the simulator indicated that this was a low cost solution. In addition, other features such as fault detection and handling capabilities proved to be an added bonus and could be very easily be integrated within a total control strategy. This resulted in the formulation of a specification for the total control of all filters, which forms the basis of a field trial. The flexible environment available through the application of PLCs to the control of water treatment, provides one method of optimising the operational efficiency which is fundamental to continued success in the water industry.