UK HQ Your time

Automation Benefits

Intelligent automation transforms operational efficiency, reliability, and compliance.

Reduced Operator Workload

Automated sequences handle start-up, shutdown, chemical dosing, and sludge withdrawal with minimal operator intervention. Staff focus on oversight rather than manual adjustments.

Consistent Effluent Quality

Closed-loop control maintains process parameters within tight bands regardless of influent variability. Eliminates human error and ensures 24/7 compliance with discharge limits.

Real-Time Performance Data

Continuous logging of flow, pH, COD, TSS, and other key parameters provides trend analysis and early warning of process upsets before they impact effluent quality.

Lower Operating Requirements

Optimal chemical dosing based on actual demand rather than fixed rates reduces reagent consumption by 15-30%. Energy optimisation cuts power bills during off-peak periods.

Intelligent Alarm Management

Prioritised alarms with SMS and email notification direct operators to critical issues first. Alarm flooding is eliminated through smart suppression and grouping logic.

Fail-Safe Operation

Automated interlocks and emergency sequences protect equipment from damage during power failures, pump faults, or high-level events. Safe states are always maintained.

Control System Design

Tailored control architecture from sensor selection to HMI configuration.

PLC Selection

We specify Siemens S7, Allen-Bradley, or Schneider PLCs based on your site standards, spare parts policy, and integration requirements. Redundant CPU options for critical processes.

Sensor Integration

pH, ORP, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, flow, level, and pressure sensors are selected for accuracy, reliability, and compatibility with your process conditions and maintenance capabilities.

Control Algorithms

PID, cascade, feed-forward, and model-predictive control strategies are tuned for your specific process dynamics. Adaptive algorithms handle diurnal and seasonal load variations.

HMI Design

Intuitive operator screens with process mimic diagrams, trend displays, and alarm summaries. Colour-coded status indicators and one-click report generation reduce training requirements.

Network Architecture

Industrial Ethernet, Profibus, or Modbus networks connect field devices to the control room. Segregated networks ensure cybersecurity while maintaining data availability.

Legacy Integration

OPC-UA, Modbus TCP, and proprietary protocol gateways bridge your new treatment system with existing SCADA, DCS, and building management systems seamlessly.

Remote Monitoring

24/7 visibility into your treatment plant from any device, anywhere.

Mobile Dashboard

Responsive web dashboard accessible from phones, tablets, and desktops. View real-time process values, historical trends, and alarm status without installing software.

Smart Alerts

Escalating alarm notifications via SMS, email, and push notifications. Acknowledge and annotate alarms remotely. Maintenance reminders prevent unexpected failures.

Cloud Data Logging

Years of process data stored securely in the cloud. Export to Excel or CSV for regulatory reporting. API access connects to your ERP and environmental management systems.

Remote Support

Our engineers log in securely to diagnose issues, adjust setpoints, and update control logic without travelling to site. Reduced mean-time-to-repair and lower support costs.

Automated Reporting

Daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports generated automatically and emailed to stakeholders. Includes effluent quality summaries, chemical consumption, and compliance status.

Cybersecurity

VPN-encrypted connections, role-based access control, and audit trails protect your operational data. Compliant with IEC 62443 industrial cybersecurity standards.

Control Architecture, Protocols & Tuning Parameters

Network & Protocol Comparison

ProtocolData RateTypical UseCable / Medium
Profinet RT100 MbpsPLC-to-I/O, motionCat 5e, industrial Ethernet
EtherNet/IP100 MbpsAllen-Bradley ecosystemsCat 5e, industrial Ethernet
Modbus TCP100 MbpsThird-party integrationCat 5e, Wi-Fi, cellular
Profibus DP12 MbpsLegacy fieldbus I/ORS-485 twisted pair
Modbus RTU115 kbpsAnalysers, VFDs, legacyRS-485 twisted pair
HART1.2 kbps4–20 mA smart instrumentsOver 4–20 mA loop
OPC-UABroker-dependentSCADA-to-ERP, MESEthernet, TLS-encrypted

Typical PLC I/O Specification

I/O TypeQuantity (Medium WWTP)Notes
AI (4–20 mA)32–64pH, DO, turbidity, flow, level, pressure
AO (4–20 mA)16–32VFD speed, control valve position
DI (24 VDC)64–128Pump run, high level, fault status
DO (24 VDC)48–96Pump start, valve open, solenoid
RTD / TC8–16Process temperature, motor bearing
Counter / encoder4–8Flow totalisers, belt speed

PID Tuning for Water Treatment Loops

Typical tuning constants for common water treatment control loops: pH neutralisation: Kc = 0.5–2.0, Ti = 30–120 s, Td = 0–5 s (highly non-linear; consider gain scheduling or split-range control for acid/caustic). Dissolved oxygen (aeration): Kc = 1.0–5.0, Ti = 60–300 s, Td = 5–20 s. Flow control: Kc = 0.5–1.5, Ti = 1–5 s, Td = 0 s (fast loop, PI only). Level control: Kc = 2.0–10.0, Ti = 60–300 s, Td = 0 s (P-only acceptable for surge tanks). These are starting points; final tuning uses Ziegler-Nichols open-loop or lambda methods with site-specific deadtime and process gain.

Cybersecurity Standards (IEC 62443)

We implement defence-in-depth per IEC 62443-3-3: network segmentation ( Purdue Level 2.5 demilitarised zone), role-based access control with Active Directory integration, encrypted VPN tunnels for remote access, and audit logging of all setpoint changes. Security patches are tested in our lab before deployment to live plant.

Scan Time & Availability Design

Critical control loops execute on a 50–100 ms task cycle; sequencing logic on 250–500 ms; data logging and HMI updates on 1,000 ms. For high-availability applications we specify Siemens S7-400H or Allen-Bradley ControlLogix redundancy with bumpless switchover <50 ms. Mean time between failures (MTBF) targets >50,000 hours for the control system.

Analyser Integration & Validation

Online analysers (pH, COD, NHâ‚„-N, POâ‚„-P, TSS) are integrated with automatic cleaning cycles and calibration reminders. Calibration drift >2% triggers a maintenance alarm. We specify analysers with MCERTS or equivalent certification for regulatory reporting. Sample conditioning systems include filtration, cooling, and pressure reduction as required.

Programming Standards

PLC code is written in structured text (IEC 61131-3) with modular function blocks, comprehensive commenting, and version control via Git. Every sequence includes pre-start permissives, run monitors, and post-stop confirmations. Software Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) includes forced-fault simulation to verify interlock logic under all failure scenarios.

Related Pages

Bespoke Custom Engineering

Our custom engineering team is involved in designing water treatment equipment to your exact specifications.

View Page

Bespoke Materials

Advanced material selection and protective coatings for aggressive wastewater environments.

View Page

Bespoke Performance Targets

We design bespoke water treatment systems with guaranteed performance targets.

View Page

Bespoke Pilot Testing

De-risk your capital investment with on-site pilot testing.

View Page

Bespoke Process Integration

Seamlessly integrate new water treatment equipment with your existing infrastructure.

View Page

Bespoke Space Constraints

Compact and containerised water treatment plants for space-limited sites.

View Page

Bespoke Engineering Capability

Every water treatment challenge is unique. Our bespoke engineering team designs, fabricates, and commissions custom equipment and systems that standard products cannot address. From exotic material selection to extreme duty specifications, space-constrained layouts, and integration with legacy control systems, we deliver solutions that work in your specific operational context.

Custom Design

3D CAD modelling and CFD simulation validate performance before fabrication commences.

In-House Fabrication

SS304, SS316L, duplex, and exotic alloy welding and machining in our European workshops.

Legacy Integration

Control systems communicate with your existing SCADA, DCS, and PLC infrastructure.

Full Documentation

Complete design dossier, HAZOP, FAT/SAT protocols, and O&M manuals provided.

Bespoke Project Workflow

1. Needs Assessment

Site survey, water analysis, and process requirement definition with your engineers.

2. Concept Design

Process flow diagram, P&ID, and 3D layout with performance guarantees and budget estimate.

3. Detailed Engineering

Mechanical, electrical, and control design with material specifications and vendor selection.

4. Fabrication

Workshop construction with QA/QC inspection, weld records, and pressure testing.

5. Delivery & Installation

Logistics, cranage, mechanical installation, and pipework connection by our teams.

6. Commissioning

FAT, SAT, performance trials, operator training, and handover documentation.

Materials & Construction Options

SS316L

Standard corrosion-resistant stainless for municipal, food, and general industrial applications.

Duplex 2205

Superior chloride resistance for marine, offshore, and high-salinity process waters.

Super Duplex

Maximum corrosion resistance for extreme chloride, sour gas, and high-temperature duties.

Exotic Alloys

Hastelloy, Inconel, and titanium for aggressive chemistries and ultra-high purity requirements.

Need help with automation & control systems?

Our experts can design a system tailored to your specific requirements.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.