SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)

SCADA systems provide on-site supervision and monitoring for numerous industries. Flow rates, pressure levels, temperature, consumption analysis and other such conditions can be continually monitored via SCADA systems. Therefore, the on-site management efficiency ratings can be dramatically improved through this type of communication design. Many problems and breakdowns can be avoided altogether through the continual monitoring provided by this system. There are basically 4 elements in a SCADA system.

The system is so designed that:

  • The on-site sensor continually monitors and sends data to the RTU
  • The RTU sends information to the radio which transmits data, through frequencies, from the antenna to the tower
  • The tower sends the data on to the Master Station, which is the radio that is interfaced with the Host Computer.
  • The Master Station transmits the data to the Host Computer
  • When trouble is indicated a message is sent, via, pager or radio to the appropriate response team

South Plains Communications owns and operates a SCADA system to provide site management for customers who need SCADA service but who do not require their own system. SPC can monitor tanks, pivots, valves or other such items 24 hours a day, 7days a week. SPC provides wireless monitoring from eastern New Mexico on eastward to the oilfields of Post and the Snyder region and from Lamesa northward to Plainview.

Computer/Software Package

The software/computer package is custom-designed to give an accurate display of field situations. Without leaving the screen the viewer can visualize the field units as they are being monitored, thus, the viewer is able to continuously ascertain the status of each individual unit. Changes can be made from the computer that will actually change the status of the units in the field.

Sensors & RTUs

The sensors collect field data and convey it to the RTU. The RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) interprets the data and translates it into the appropriate language for the radio to transmit to the computer. The RTU unites the radio and sensors to allow the information to be sent in the wireless mode to the master computer. The master computer then transmits the appropriate response back to the RTU which notifies the sensor of the response.

Alarm Notification

When calibrations reach a level that indicates a potential dilemma the Alarm Notification mode is activated. Immediate notification of the appropriate response team can virtually eliminate major breakdowns.

Radio Frequencies

Radios and frequencies are foundational elements for this system. The radios must have a clean, solid transmittal path in order to provide accurate information. Topographical features, temperature and weather patterns must be factored in when designing these systems. The radios must be able to perform, without interference, in spite of preexisting conditions.