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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: David E. Schumacher, P.E., Superintendent of Water Production
DATE: January 27, 2016
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing the Replacement of Programmable Logic Controllers for Filter Nos. 1 - 8 for the Water Production Division.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council authorization for Tri-R Systems Incorporated (Tri-R), DeKalb, IL, to provide the services for replacing and upgrading the programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and related hardware components, and performing all necessary related programming for filter Nos. 1 - 8 at the City of Aurora Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
BACKGROUND:
The filtration system at the WTP consists of twelve filters, serving as a critical step in the overall treatment of surface water from the Fox River. Filter Nos. 1 - 8 have been in operation since the WTP plant went in service in 1992. The computer processors or PLCs, which control filter operations, have become obsolete and replacement parts are no longer available. The current system has only one processor controlling eight filters. A failure of this PLC or related components could have a serious impact on filtration operations and ultimately on the finished water provided to customers. The proposed improvements will provide four processors, each controlling two filters, providing improved reliability and a more robust control system. Replacement components will be readily available should future repairs be required.
DISCUSSION:
The labor portion of the project, both installation and programming, is highly technical and rises to the level of professional services. The proposal provided by Tri-R is all inclusive of those professional services as well as providing all needed hardware components at a total cost of $78,800.00. Purchasing delicate and specific electronic components and assuming that they will function together correctly without overall coordination can lead to ongoing deficiencies. Thus, it is believed to b...
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