Opinion| August 19, 2024

Jari Tukia, Global Business Line Sales Manager for Instrumentation, shares his views on the need for future-proof solutions that address the complex demand for management, treatment, and distribution systems.

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, the demand for advanced instrumentation solutions is higher than ever. Industries and utilities face significant challenges and opportunities as they strive to enhance their operations' efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.

At ABB, we are committed to delivering future-proof instrumentation that seamlessly merges high performance, modularity, and cutting-edge IoT connectivity. Let’s explore the benefits of adopting technology resilient to rapid evolutions and how this can significantly improve performance.

 

The Need for Future-Proof Instrumentation
Future-proof instrumentation refers to devices and systems designed to remain relevant and functional as technology evolves. Future-proof solutions are essential to address the increasing complexity and demands of modern water management, treatment, and distribution systems. By integrating high-performance capabilities with robust IoT connectivity and modular design, ABB’s instrumentation products offer a sustainable path forward for our customers.

 

High Performance: Pushing the Boundaries of Accuracy and Handling High Suspended Solids
One of the critical aspects of future-proof instrumentation is high performance. For the water industry, this means achieving exceptional accuracy and reliability, even in challenging conditions. This could mean better accuracy, zero flow stabilities, or even managing measurements in rugged environments.

 

Accuracy in Diverse Applications
Accurate flow measurement is crucial for effective water management. Electromagnetic flowmeters must provide dependable repeatability in measurement, ensuring that water flow is monitored and controlled with a high degree of certainty. This capability is vital for applications ranging from water distribution networks to wastewater treatment plants, where precise measurements are essential for operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

 

Handling High Suspended Solids
Water and wastewater applications often involve fluids with high levels of suspended solids. Traditional flowmeters may struggle in such conditions, leading to inaccurate readings and maintenance challenges. ABB’s flowmeters are engineered to perform reliably even with high suspended solids, ensuring continuous and accurate measurement. This robustness translates into reduced downtime and maintenance costs, offering significant advantages to our customers.

 

IoT Connectivity: Transforming Water Management with Ethernet, Profinet, and More
The integration of IoT connectivity into instrumentation is revolutionizing the way water systems are monitored and managed. ABB’s flowmeters and other instrumentation products are equipped with advanced communication interfaces, including Ethernet and Profinet, which provide numerous benefits for our customers.

 

Real-Time Data and Remote Monitoring
IoT connectivity enables real-time data collection and remote monitoring, allowing operators to gain instant insights into their water systems. With Ethernet and Profinet capabilities, our flowmeters can seamlessly connect to existing industrial networks, providing continuous data flow and enabling proactive management. This real-time visibility helps in identifying and addressing issues before they escalate, ensuring smoother operations and reduced downtime.

 

Enhanced Decision-Making and Predictive Maintenance
Access to real-time data empowers decision-makers with actionable insights. By leveraging the data collected from connected flowmeters, operators can make informed decisions to optimize processes and improve efficiency. Additionally, IoT connectivity facilitates predictive maintenance, where potential issues are identified and addressed before they cause significant disruptions. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of the equipment but also minimizes maintenance costs and operational interruptions. Remote verification capabilities allow real-time asset health management and in turn lower the cost of ownership.

 

Scalability and Future-Readiness
IoT-enabled instrumentation offers scalability, allowing water utilities to expand their systems as needed. Whether it’s adding new measurement points or integrating additional sensors, ABB’s modular approach ensures that our solutions can grow with our customers’ needs. This future readiness is a key benefit, providing the flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and technological advancements.

 

Modularity: Enabling Faster Delivery and Enhanced Customization
Modularity in design is a cornerstone of ABB’s approach to developing the next generation of electromagnetic flowmeters. This concept offers significant benefits, particularly in terms of lead times and customization options.

 

Faster Delivery
In today's competitive landscape, faster delivery times for their instrumentation solutions make a huge difference in the success of operators. ABB’s modular design allows for quicker assembly and testing processes, reducing lead times significantly. This means customers can implement their solutions faster, enhancing their operational efficiency and responsiveness to market demands.

 

Enhanced Customization
Modularity enables a high degree of customization, allowing customers to select and configure the exact components and features they need for their specific applications. This flexibility ensures that each solution is tailored to meet unique operational requirements, providing maximum value and performance. By offering plug-in cards for Modbus, Ethernet, Profinet, and more, ABB’s flowmeters can be easily adapted to various communication standards, ensuring seamless integration into existing systems.

 

Real-World Applications in the Water Industry
Let’s explore some real-world applications where ABB’s future-proof instrumentation is making a significant impact in the water industry.

 

Optimizing Water Treatment Processes
In water treatment plants, accurate flow measurement and real-time data are critical for process optimization. ABB’s electromagnetic flowmeters, with their high accuracy and ability to handle high suspended solids, ensure precise monitoring of water flows. Combined with IoT connectivity, operators can continuously track performance, make data-driven adjustments, and enhance treatment efficiency. This results in better water quality and reduces operational costs.

 

Enhancing Water Distribution Networks
Water distribution networks require reliable flow measurement to manage supply and detect leaks promptly. ABB’s flowmeters, equipped with Ethernet and Profinet interfaces, provide real-time data on water flow throughout the network. This connectivity allows for immediate detection of anomalies, enabling quick response to potential leaks and minimizing water loss. The result is a more efficient and sustainable distribution system.

 

Improving Wastewater Management
Wastewater management involves handling complex and variable flows. ABB’s flowmeters, designed to operate reliably in such conditions, offer precise measurement even with high suspended solids. IoT connectivity further enhances wastewater management by providing real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities. This ensures continuous operation, reduces the risk of environmental incidents, and lowers maintenance costs.

 

Conclusion
Adopting future-proof instrumentation is a strategic move for the water industry, offering significant benefits in terms of performance, connectivity, and modularity. ABB’s commitment to delivering high-performance solutions, combined with advanced IoT capabilities and modular design, ensures that our customers can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. By embracing these technologies, water utilities can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability in their operations.

At ABB, we are dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in instrumentation, helping our customers navigate the complexities of modern water management. Our future-proof solutions are designed to provide the reliability and flexibility needed to succeed in an ever-changing landscape. Together, we are shaping the future of the water industry, one advanced flowmeter at a time.


Find out more: https://new.abb.com/products/measurement-products/flow/electromagnetic-flowmeters


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