How Ethernet Improves Communications

Fiber optical Throughout most of the history of personal computers, serial ports have been the most basic way to transfer data. Serial communication is a standard, accessible way to communicate with a large variety of devices including modems, mice, and most importantly (from a control engineer’s viewpoint) programmable logic controllers (PLCs). During this period, and extending into…

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Stuxnet and You: The Importance of Cyber Security

45383368_secureflatscreenCR The Stuxnet computer worm was discovered in 2010. It targets Siemens PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) through Siemens Step7 software. Through a rootkit, Stuxnet can control VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) attached to the PLC. Allegedly, it damaged or destroyed many Iranian centrifuges. More information about the Stuxnet infection process can be found at http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/exploring-stuxnet-s-plc-infection-process. Although it is not the first…

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How the Water-Energy Nexus Affects Your Plant

The water-energy nexus continues to draw interest from our readers and attention in the media. This month, WaterWorld magazine gave it the importance of a cover story position. Why does it deserve such prominence, and what does it mean to your and your treatment plant? In simple language, the water-energy nexus represents recognition of the interdependence between…

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Smart Water Workshop

We are partnering with the Schneider Electric Water-Wastewater Competency Center to provide a one-day workshop entitled “Smart Water for Smart Cities” on Thursday, November 13, 2014, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. The workshop will address issues such as clean power, efficient energy usage, and safety within the water/wastewater treatment environment. The event will be hosted…

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No Such Thing as “Waste” Water

As we have posted on this subject before, the municipal wastewater stream has considerable potential for energy recovery. This recent article from Municipal Focus magazine indicates how strongly some areas of the world recognize that fact as they have started referring to wastewater treatment facilities as “energy factories.” We encourage municipalities to look at their wastewater streams…

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