Development and Application of Remote Control System for Water Supply Network Valve
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October 08 00:00:27, 2025
In recent years, with the advancement of technology and increased investment, most water supply companies have implemented SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems to monitor critical aspects of their operations. These systems cover water source monitoring, raw water delivery, purification processes, and pressure management in the distribution network. Some companies have also introduced call centers and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to enhance customer service and infrastructure management. While these systems allow for real-time monitoring of equipment and early detection of pipeline issues, manual intervention is still required for valve operations, which limits efficiency and responsiveness.
Manual control of valves presents several challenges. First, it's nearly impossible to make real-time adjustments to the network during sudden changes in demand or pressure. Second, during major incidents, such as pipe bursts or leaks, manual regulation of key valves is slow and inefficient, increasing the risk of further damage. Third, delays in identifying and responding to incidents—often taking up to an hour due to traffic and communication limitations—can worsen the situation. Lastly, current scheduling methods lack the ability to provide timely and effective control, leading to suboptimal performance.
Remote control of pipeline valves is crucial for improving safety and service quality. Valves are essential components that regulate flow, pressure, and direction within the system. Their timely operation can prevent accidents and ensure continuous service. In emergencies, remote control allows for rapid response, reducing downtime and minimizing losses.
To address these challenges, a technical solution was developed using existing SCADA infrastructure. The system integrates RTUs (Remote Terminal Units), electric actuators, and wireless communication to enable remote valve control. This approach not only improves efficiency but also enhances system reliability. Key components include selecting high-IP-rated actuators for harsh environments, ensuring secure power supplies, and installing pressure sensors for real-time feedback.
Security measures were also incorporated, including leakage protection, waterproof covers for valve wells, and controlled access to prevent unauthorized operations. Additionally, the system uses a "stop-start-stop" mode to reduce pressure fluctuations during valve adjustments.
The implementation at Jiangsu Textile Machinery’s DN800 pipeline demonstrated the system's effectiveness. It improved scheduling flexibility, enabled faster responses to major incidents, and ensured stable water supply even during outages. The success of this project has led to expansion plans for other critical valves across the city.
Looking ahead, there are opportunities to optimize costs by using wireless communication technologies like GPRS or CDMA instead of traditional RTUs. Power solutions, such as battery-powered actuators, can also be explored for areas without reliable electricity. Moreover, leveraging user demand patterns through remote control can help balance the network more effectively.
In conclusion, remote valve control is a vital step toward achieving automated and efficient water supply management. It not only enhances operational safety but also represents a significant innovation in how pipeline networks are managed today.