Making Waves With Wireless Communications At The Lynn Massachusetts Regional WWTP

SCADA system modernization has been implemented with wireless communication technology as part of a capital improvements program at the Lynn Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Lynn, Massachusetts. The original scope of the project was based on reusing existing conduits to install a new fiber optic data highway. However, the WWTP is built on the former city landfill and settling has taken place impacting the integrity of underground conduits. Wireless communication between buildings was evaluated to address the risk associated with the site conditions and mitigate construction cost and schedule impacts. Subsequently, the wireless system has been installed in the nine remote process area PLC control panels and is functioning reliably between the almost 3000 active analog and digital I/O points and the operations control center without any excavation or use of underground conduits. This system provides the plant operations staff with reliable data for centralized monitoring and process control, reducing the burden associated with frequent manual and visual attention of critical unit processes.