Implementación de un sistema automatizado para el control y visualización aplicado al proceso de distribución de agua del tanque de almacenamiento en la Empresa Novacero.

Abstract

The present curricular integration research project aimed to implement an automated system for control and visualization applied to the water distribution process from the water storage tank at Novacero company. Through the literature review of the water distribution process at the Novacero plant, the software and hardware requirements needed for water level control and visualization were determined; the system consist of four sensors placed in the tank, which take the signals to be processed by a programmable logic controller (PLC) which will activate the inlet pumps, solenoid valve and the tank´s outlet pump, in addition there is a human-machine interface (HMI) with two operating modes: automatic and manual allowing to visualize the process environment with water level data displayed in both percentage and volume. The validation and stability test of the sensors indicated a relative error and absolute error of less than 1%, which makes the use of these sensors optimal. The communication integrity test determined 100% data integrity for the SITRANS LR140 sensor. The visualization process time test indicates a difference of 54 seconds faster when using the automated system, improving the operator´s response time to failure events. From the energy consumption test, it was determined that the system consumes 24 amperes (A) during operation. The Novacero water plant operator validated the professional verification test. Finally, it is concluded that the automated control and visualization system presents good stability and zero variation of the sensors, reduction of the water level visualization time, easy access and handling, and compliance with operating standards. It is recommended to study the possibility of incorporating IIoT technology and a SIS security system.