e-Report

March 2007

In Badaah, Iraq, David Watts adds finishing touches to his work in the Nasiriyah Water Treatment Plant-his home away from home for nearly eight weeks. The largest water treatment facility in Southern Iraq, the Nasiriyah Plant supplies 10,000 cubic meters per hour of fresh drinking water to approximately three million Iraqis in Ad-Dawayah, Badaah, Al-Shatra, Al-Garaaf, Nasiriyah and Sug Ash Shuyuk

"This new water facility rivals any state-of-the-art water treatment plant we have in the States," said Watts.

It didn't start out that way.

Watts sat in his home office in Krum, Texas when he recently received an email from a friend asking if he would be interested in going to Iraq to program PLCs. Ordered and shipped to the facility, they had no one in the area who knew how to program PLCs. David Watts owns DWC Technology, and is primarily involved in systems integration and consulting for automation projects.

"I thought about it for awhile," said Watts. "Then my daughter said, 'Wouldn't it be awesome to go and help build this plant and be a part of history?'" His wife and three children, Heather, Jordan and Drew, all agreed traveling to Iraq and helping build community infrastructure would be a great experience. So he packed his bags.

When Watts arrived in Iraq, he discovered Allen-Bradley PLCs to be very limited in their programming with roughly 10 percent completed. The Modicon Quantum PLC was roughly 80 percent ready. He immediately set to work. "The GUI was also limited and very static in its appearance and function," Watts said.

Individual ControlLogix processors were placed at the three pump stations along the Garaaf River, a small branch of the Tigris River. The fourth ControlLogix was placed in the control room to function as a SCADA host for the plant. The Quantum PLC, which has 20 Remote I/O drops, was used to control the backwash of 20 individual filters cells.

"Then came the problem of getting the Quantum PLC to communicate with the ControlLogix," said Watts. "I had never used a ProSoft Technology interface module before. And, of course there were no manuals or cables on location to help me with this, so I called ProSoft Tech Support."

ProSoft Technical Support Engineer, Scott Lee, answered the call. "You could tell right away that he had his hands full," said Lee. "But he obviously knew how to program and only needed a little nudge in the right direction to get the ProSoft Modbus Interface module up and running."

The Nasiriyah Water Plant is located just north of Nasiriyah City, between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. This is the area commonly referred to as the "Fertile Cresent", a rich food-growing area.

The Plant takes water from the Garaaf River and delivers the water into 10 large clarifiers to allow the sediments to settle. Alum is then mixed with the water to allow any remaining particles to coagulate prior to sending the water to the flocculators. Next, the partially cleaned water is sent to sand filters where a majority of the bacteria is removed. Finally, chlorine is added to kill any remaining bacteria and the water is sent to 2 underground storage tanks.

Fluor-AMEC, the project contractor, awarded ANCo and Snaffee, both Iraqi contractors building the plant, a safety award for 4.5 million safe man-hours.

"That award was really something," said Watts. "When you consider we had as many as 1,000 workers at a time building this plant, the pump stations as well as the pipeline that measures one meter in diameter. The local workers are also a big reason why the building of this plant has been so successful. It has created jobs and has become a source of pride for southern Iraq."

One of the Iraqis who has been instrumental in the programming and commissioning phase, and will continue to be once the plant is operational, is Nabeel Abbood. Watts describes Abbood as a "very intelligent young man."

"Nabeel was hired to handle the IT at the plant," said Watts. "But he has also received a crash course in PLC programming and integration and has been a great help to me. When I leave he will be the person with the most PLC programming experience at the plant."

The new plant is scheduled to go online in early 2007. It replaces a small water plant that is severely overtaxed.

"Since this is a very agricultural area," said Watts, "except for a small water treatment facility near by, some of the people in the region get water in buckets from the river, so this is going to be a great improvement for them."

When asked if he had to take any special precautions while on this job, Watts laughed. "Only when going outside the compound."

A private security detail from the UK and General Saad, the top ranked Iraqi officer in the province, provided troops for the safety of the workers traveling in the region.

"General Saad came to the plant personally," said Watts. "He was an incredibly nice guy. After he shook my hand he then touched his heart which is a way of showing respect here."

"If we have to go outside the camp, Kroll, a company from the UK, provides security. For that we had to wear body armor and traveled in bullet-proof Suburbans."

Watts next stop is home to Krum, Texas, but he says the experience has been such a good one he plans to come back to Iraq to help with the Erbil Water Plant located in northern Iraq. Work is near completion on a $100 million water project that could bring 6,000 cubic meters of clean drinking water to the people of Erbil every hour starting next year. The project, which will be built in multiple phases, includes a potable water treatment plant, an intermediate booster station, a storage tank and pipeline.

New Generation of Wireless Sensors Go the Extra Mile and Provide More Control

Wireless sensors have been among the hottest topics in the wireless and automation industry. A new generation of wireless sensors technology has been recently introduced that address many of the shortcomings of existing wireless sensors in the market, the vMBus-Micro wireless sensor.

VMonitor’s vMBus-Micro wireless sensor has several unique features, which include two analog inputs and one digital output for control functions, two radio option (a Zigbee radio with up to 1.5 mile range and a Spread Spectrum 2.4 GHz or 900 MHz radio option with a range that can be extended to more than 10 miles) and report by exception capability.

The vMBus-Micro wireless sensor has applications to a wide variety of industries: oil ad gas, petrochemical, water and wastewater, manufacturing, environmental, pharmaceutical, homeland security and others. In the oil and gas industry it is well suited for: wellhead, refinery applications such as tank level monitoring, drilling (MWD cable replacement), mobile well testing and pipeline monitoring.

vMonitor has also designed a unique Gateway (data concentrator) to communicate with the wireless sensors that also have many advanced features among them: analog and digital outputs. The vMBus-Micro has embedded firmware that allows complex data processing, data buffering, bidirectional communication, remote configuration and diagnostics.

Joslyn Hi-Voltage Introduces Cellular Remote Terminal Unit

Joslyn Hi-Voltage has released the SmartLink 5000 series, an integrated cellular Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) providing reliable and cost effective 2-way communications with Fisher Pierce overhead radio faulted circuit indicators (FCIs).

The 5000 RTU can report fault alarms from up to four FCIs (A, B, C phase and tap) using local RF signal. Status, alarms and other event notifications can be integrated into SCADA systems as well as sent to customer designated personnel via email, pager or text message. Having precise fault information reduces outage duration, improves system reliability, and lowers operation costs.

Omega's newest Magmeter is simple and economic replaced for traditional propeller meters used in the past. Named the FMG 1000 series, the unit is comprised of flanged electromagnetic flow meters that come in 4, 6, 8 or 10 inches sizes. This makes the FMG 1000 well suited for municipal or industrial water/wastewater applications where propeller meters have typically been used.

With no moving parts and electrodes, which are designed to discourage fouling, maintenance is minimal for this magmeter. This makes it especially suitable for those applications where debris or sand impede propeller meters, such as slurries or wastewater; good also for storm water applications and chemical processing needs. Additionally, since they have minimal straight pipe requirements they're very handy for use in small spaces.

Lantronix, Inc. has introduced the XPort Direct, an embedded networking device gateway module and the latest offering in the Lantronix XPort family. The XPort Direct embedded device gateway is a complete, miniaturized communications subsystem targeted at applications that need to move commands, status and information over IP networks or the Internet, to or from remote devices. The XPort Direct breaks through existing market barriers, bringing Ethernet and Internet connectivity to new high-volume, cost-sensitive applications in commercial and consumer markets.

"XPort Direct is a result of the company's experience as a volume supplier of device servers, shipping millions of units to the world's most innovative original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators," said Marc Nussbaum, CEO of Lantronix. "Our introduction of the original XPort embedded device server (and its sister product the wireless 802.11 WiPort) broke performance and price barriers, driving a new era of M2M growth and becoming the de-facto industry standard for embedded networking solutions."

Nussbaum continued, "By breaking the $20 price barrier with the launch of the XPort Direct 'device gateway," Lantronix is introducing a new class of embedded communications module to the industry. Designed to address new, incremental applications requiring less functionality than the original XPort device server, XPort Direct provides remote connectivity over the Internet to potentially millions of electronic devices."

The XPort Direct is a component that is mounted onto a device manufacturer's printed circuit board, enabling 'drop-in' network connectivity. This allows OEMs to differentiate their products by delivering a wide range of capabilities such as remote diagnostics, monitoring, maintenance and control. Building upon the ease of use found in the award-winning XPort product family, XPort Direct can be quickly integrated into existing or new products with minimal hardware and software engineering investment, a critical factor for most designers.

"This really opens a new chapter for M2M and creates a whole new realm of applications for a whole new class of products and devices. The ability to remotely monitor and control equipment over the Web now really becomes everyone's technology - ushering in the next wave of M2M adoption."

The XPort Direct reduces the cost of connecting remote devices and is ideal for products requiring access to critical time-sensitive information such as temperature conditions, inventory updates and machine status.

Dataprobe has released a new line of redundancy switches, the K-3 series. The K-3, which provides up to three A/B switches in a 1U rack-mount chassis, is optimized for remote sites and distributed systems that want to construct high availability, fault tolerant communications.

Utilized by network architects, communications service providers and system integrators, Dataprobe's K-3, provides reliable physical layer switchover of communications circuits for line protection and equipment redundancy applications. The K-3 Series is well suited for smaller sites and applications such as redundant computer telephony, T-1/T3 protection switching and red/black encryption switching.

"Small remote sites provide mission-critical operations and have the same availability requirements as data centers," said David Weiss, president of Dataprobe. "The new K-3 is a compact, robust and affordable redundant switching system that is designed to address these challenges head-on by ensuring maximum uptime for critical communication circuits."

The K-3 boasts all of the same automatic and remote control capabilities of Dataprobe's K-16 series system, and is available in a high-density 1U chassis. With the K-3, users can control up to three A/B switches in either independent or gang switch arrangement. The K-3 can be controlled via Web, Telnet, SNMP, etc., making the system accessible from any network location. The K-3 chassis also provides for one internal A/C or D/C power supply, with the option for dual redundant power in an external supply.

Diversified Technology, Inc. Releases New 10 G Ethernet Switch for ATCA

Diversified Technology, Inc. has introduced the low cost ATS1936 Switch Blade, that features 10 G Ethernet transfer speeds.

"I think there is little doubt about the potential for 10 G Ethernet, via the ATCA 3.1 sub-specification, to be a watershed event for the telecommunication industry," said Joe McDevitt, DTI's VP of Technical Marketing. "The aging install base of telecommunication equipment now, finally, has a chance for true performance increases using standardized form factors."

The ATS1936 complies with PICMG 3.0 R2.0 ECN002 and PICMG 3.1 Option 1 and Option 9 standards, and also features three AMC sites for OA&M, Firewall and Encryption applications. By separating the Base and Fabric networks, the ATS1936 provides a separate control plane and data plane. It provides 1Gb Ethernet switching on the 3.0 Base Fabric and the 3.1 Expansion Fabric provides 1 Gb/10 Gb Ethernet switching. Both of these networks are fully managed with the robust management suite reducing issues integrating your ATCA platforms with the outside world. Both networks support Layer 2 switching as well as Layer 3 routing and IPV6.

Cobasys Releases New Bridge Battery Backup System

Cobasys, a supplier of advanced integrated energy storage solutions, has released its new NiGuard Bridge uninterruptible power supply (UPS) emergency backup power system. The NiGuard Bridge battery system technology, based on Cobasys' proprietary Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) chemistry, is a scalable alternative to flywheels.

The Bridge system is capable of delivering 15 seconds of power, three times within 30 minutes without recharge in UPS applications. It is virtually maintenance-free, easily monitored, environmentally-friendly and has a lower total cost of ownership. The system can be expanded to an unlimited degree to meet higher power requirements, longer backup times or redundant backup solutions.

Triton Power has released the 29 kW John Deere mobile generator set with trailer, which offers complete backup power for facilities. This generator also offers improved versatility as a result of its mobile platform and the feature of multiple voltage with the turn of a switch.

Sound attenuated to reduce unwanted noise, the 29 kW John Deere mobile generator comes with a two year, 1,500-hour limited warranty aluminum rust-proof enclosure and a built-in fuel tank, allowing up to a 48-hour run time. This unit is designed with quiet in mind as it operates at a very low 68 dB. Additionally, the unit can be switched from 3 phase to single phase using an advanced voltage change over switch.

The mobile generator is well suited for commercial end-user clients that have multiple locations that do not want to have a stationary generator permanently installed on the property. The current trend is to utilize a mobile generator at a stationary application in order to significantly reduce installation costs and permitting issues.

March

19-22, Power Test 2007, Denver, Co. Contact www.netaworld.org

20-22, Diesel Generator Fundamentals, St. Louis, Mo. Contact www.hpcnet.com/course_info/dg/dg301.html

20-22, Automation World Conference & Exhibition, Orlando, Fla. Contact www.abb.com/automationworld

21-22, Innovations in Natural Gas Marketing, New Orleans, La. Contact www.paradigmtraining.com

27-29 – CTIA 2007, Orlando, Fla. Contact www.ctiawireless.com

28-30 – ISC West, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact www.iscwest.com

28-30 – IWCE, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact www.iwceexpo.com

4-5 – Globalcon, Atlantic City, NJ. Contact www.globalconevent.com

5-11 - Metering Americas, San Antonio, Texas.
Contact www.meteringamerica.com

11-13 – Entelec 2007, Houston, Texas. Contact www.entelec.org

12, Washington State Technology Summit, Bellevue, Wa.
Contact www.watechcenter.org

23-27, EGSA On-Site Power Generation School, Baltimore, Md. Contact www.egsa.org

UTC TELECOM 2007
May 6 - 9, 2007
Austin, Texas

For every telecommunications, information technology and networking professional at every utility anywhere the Utilities Telecom Council's Annual Conference and Exposition-UTC TELECOM 2007-held May 6-9 in Austin, Texas - will be 2007's ultimate professional experience. UTC TELECOM 2007 will feature unique opportunities for everyone in the critical infrastructure communications business to: LEARN about the most important communications issues that will impact them over the next year. CONNECT with peers in other critical infrastructure organizations through shared learning and special social events. CELEBRATE the unique value and special contributions that critical infrastructure communications professionals make to the communities they serve and the organizations where they work. Find out more information and register at www.utctelecom2007.utc.org.

Are your assets going digital?
Do you want security from your IT systems?
Are you finding it hard to deploy change management through-out your workforce?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, you may be interested in attending 4 th Annual Future Fields Summit. Learn how to:

• Create seamless integration between people, processes and technology
• Drive change from top down and bottom up with fresh insights into implementing change management
• Implement advanced strategiesto digital technology and realise its impact on your bottom line
• Guarantee your ROI on your technical investment and ensure your digital oilfield continues to deliver on its technical promise

Benefit from over 30 field experts, from companies such as ConocoPhillips, BP Nederland, Repsol YPF, Shell, ENI, Rashid Petroleum Company, Chevron, BG Group, OMV, ExxonMobil, Addax Nigeria, Shell.

For more information and full speaker line up, visit: www.iqpc.net/uk/futurefields/BAN3

Interop Las Vegas

Broadband Wireless World at Interop

Broadband Wireless world focuses on building and deploying broadband wireless and municipal networks. Topics covered include WiMAX, WiFi, WiMAX, Mesh, storage, VoIP, Network Performance, Network Test & Measurement, and more. Through its co-location with INTEROP, we offer attendees and exhibitors focused educational session amidst the backdrop of the broader convergence issues shaping the IT and telecommunications sector. Broadband Wireless attendees receive access to the BWW educational sessions, INTEROP keynotes, tradeshow floor, free give-aways, and Interop attendee party. Call Carolyn Herr at 949.233.3614 or cherr@cmp.com for more information or visit: http://www.scievents.com/counter.asp?c=B088_webcom

Remote Monitoring & Networking 2007 / Onsite Power 2007

Onsite Power 2007 covers the latest advancements in back-up, UPS, emergency and standby power systems, and design strategies for monitoring & controlling distributed, remote and mission-critical equipment and facilities.

For more information about speaking please contact Nick Depperschmidt at nickd@infowebcom.com

For more information about exhibiting or sponsorships please contact Scott Nash at scottn@infowebcom.com

* Now co-located with Zero Downtime 2007!

Zero Downtime 2007

Zero Downtime 2007 is a new spin on the popular Equipment Protection Conferences. This two-day conference focused on the latest advancements in protecting electronic equipment for data centers, communication and control networks, 24X7 industrial and facility systems, infrastructure and emergency service operations and other mission-critical electronic systems.

For more information about speaking please contact Nick Depperschmidt at nickd@infowebcom.com

For more information about exhibiting or sponsorships please contact Suzanne Harrold at suzanneh@infowebcom.com

* Now co-located with Remote Monitoring and Networking 2007 and Onsite Power 2007!

Submit editorial content to Nick Depperschmidt at
720-528-3770 X111 or nickd@infowebcom.com.

For more information on advertising or exhibiting contact Scott Nash at
800-803-9488 X114 or scottn@infowebcom.com.

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