Digital water management solution

Joyce Moganedi, sales manager: Power and Water at ABB Energy Industries Division, speaks to Water&Sanitation Africa about ABB’s automation and control solutions within the water and wastewater industry.

ABB’s digital, electrical and automation solutions can help upgrade South Africa’s ageing infrastructure. These solutions cover all types of water processes: desalination, water pump stations, industrial water treatment and wastewater treatment.

Moganedi believes that the local water sector is aware of the benefits of digitalisation, and that there has been some positive movement towards implementing these technologies, but there should be more pilot projects and adoption.

“Technology has evolved, and the prices of smart devices have decreased. Ripping out all the existing hardware is probably not the best approach. Utilities need to start with a clear strategic plan to create a full ecosystem. This can start by dividing the water network into discrete zones and identifying what is needed to address the specific challenges in each. Effectively, it is best to start small by adding to existing technology. In this sense, smart sensors are the perfect starting point, as they can be placed on a motor, pump, bearings or gearing. They are easy to connect and use, without having to invest in new, expensive systems.”

The next step would be to use a PLC (programmable logic controller) solution or Scada (supervisory control and data acquisition) monitoring software that would receive information from connected sensors or input devices, process the data, and trigger outputs based on pre-programmed parameters.

“The digital part is the top of the pyramid. The bottom of the pyramid is the plant assets and then a Scada or PLC solution; only afterwards can further digital solutions be implemented. Digitalisation can be implemented on a gradual basis,” says Moganedi.

Unlocking value

Moganedi believes that many municipalities and end users make the mistake of viewing an ABB solution as a commodity and do not consider the value behind the solution.

“They seldom factor in the money saved by creating greater energy efficiencies or minimising leakages. They do not consider the value our solutions provide or the after-sales support. In order to overcome this obstacle, I have started to mention key performance indicators (KPIs) instead of features and benefits. For instance, I now talk about how much our solutions can reduce non-revenue water or improve water quality.”

This can be achieved via ABB’s digital water management system that has user-friendly and KPI-oriented dashboards to provide an overview of the condition of a distribution network to operators, maintenance teams and managers. It offers real-time detection and localisation of water leakages, pipe bursts, faulty meters and equipment faults. This solution can help improve water supply quality, as well as drive operational and maintenance efficiency.

Global presence

ABB Energy Industries has a global presence and has worked with the water and wastewater industry in numerous countries. ABB contributed towards Botswana’s North-South Carrier water project by supplying a power and automation solution for a new water pipeline and pump station.

“Worldwide, water is far more than a mere commodity and is no longer taken for granted. If there’s no water, there’s no development. The availability of water and economic development are closely linked on numerous levels. There are decent jobs linked to water management in both the developed and developing world; moreover, access to safe drinking water and sanitation protects people from disease and allows them to attend school or work without disruption, leading to higher education and employment, which are foundational for growth. Problems like ageing infrastructure, urbanisation putting extra pressure on water supply, and limited water resources are experienced globally. While we have a local presence, we also have international experience in the water sector,” concludes Moganedi.