Water Treatment Control System Upgrade
Client – Scottish Water
Future-Proofing Lintrathen WTW Through Control System Upgrades.
Overview
Lintrathen Water Treatment Works (WTW) has been identified as being at risk of operational failure due to ageing and obsolete control system technology.
The site’s existing Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) infrastructure dates back to the 1970s. A recent PLC card failure highlighted the increasing risk posed by unsupported equipment, with critical components no longer available for replacement. Without intervention, this could impact the reliability of water treatment operations and increase operational risk.
Scottish Water required a solution to modernise the control system infrastructure while maintaining continuous treatment operations. The project is further complicated by the need to migrate critical control functions within a constrained programme and undertake installation works within restricted access and confined space environments.
Outcome
Replacing obsolete control system technology to improve resilience, enhance security and maintain uninterrupted water treatment operations.
RSE has designed and is delivering a new PLC and HMI solution for Lintrathen WTW’s six Rapid Gravity Filters, together with a new master PLC to improve communication across the treatment process.
The upgrade programme is replacing obsolete control system technology while successfully migrating
existing control functions and operational signals to the new platform. Once complete, the project will remove unsupported equipment from service and provide Scottish Water with a modern, resilient control system that supports the site’s long-term operational requirements.
To minimise operational risk, RSE developed an innovative migration strategy that allows the existing control system to remain operational throughout the programme. By linking the existing and new PLC architecture, critical treatment processes can continue operating while migration activities are undertaken, avoiding disruption to water treatment operations.
A major project milestone has already been achieved through the successful migration of the backwash pumps, air blowers and V30 air release valve control systems during an intensive four-day programme designed to minimise operational impact. As part of this programme, two of the six Rapid Gravity Filters (RGFs) have been successfully migrated, tested and returned to service on the new control system, where they are now operating reliably without issue.
Throughout the delivery phase, extensive off-site testing, software verification and hardware validation are being undertaken to reduce risk and ensure a smooth transition to the new system. Additional safety measures and rescue planning have also been implemented to support installation activities within restricted access and confined space environments.
Upon completion, the upgraded control system will provide Scottish Water with a modern, secure and future-ready operational technology platform that enhances resilience and supports the continued delivery of reliable drinking water treatment.
Key Benefits
- Reduced operational risk through the replacement of obsolete 1970s control system technology
- Maintained water treatment operations throughout system migration
- Improved system resilience, functionality and long-term supportability
- Enhanced cyber security through modern control system architecture
- Future-ready platform capable of supporting ongoing site development
Want to Know More?
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