Replacing reservoir instrumentation

22nd February 2018

Detectronic Meica have been appointed to replace the instrumentation within an enclosed reservoir in Aldermaston.

Following a survey of the reservoir’s instrumentation conducted by Steve Stone, director of Detectronic MEICA, the survey revealed that 12 instruments had deteriorated and would need to be replaced to prevent any aluminium oxide finding its way into the reservoir.

Explains Steve: “The instrumentation is vital for monitoring the level of the reservoir which supplies potable water to the local area. The level monitors provide start and stop signals to the local boreholes that supply the reservoir as well as providing low level cut-off points for both the potable pumps and fire pumps.

“It is therefore very important that each of the instruments operates at its optimum efficiency to deliver reliable data and feedback. As such, the client’s reservoir team appointed us to design, install and commission a brand new reservoir level monitoring system and integrate it within the existing control system for the site.”

Continues Steve: “As part of the installation and commissioning of the new level instrumentation, we will also be making changes to both panel hardware and software, manufacturing and installing new stainless steel access hatches and laying extensive cabling between the instruments, potable pump MCC and fire pump MCC.

“The first element of the project was to deliver a design package incorporating single-line diagrams, termination drawings, cable layout & reservoir level drawings and panel schematics for the instrumentation refurbishment. We then delivered 3D CAD models of each of the stainless steel access hatches. Following approval, we will remove existing instrumentation and commence with the installation of new cabling, containment and junction boxes.

“We will then fit the new stainless steel access hatches which are a key component in this project from a health & safety perspective. The hatches are the only way into the reservoir that is a 4m drop below each hatch. They will house the ultrasonic transmitter and pressure transducer both of which will facilitate the level monitoring. It is imperative that this instrumentation can be accessed easily but safely and that nothing can ingress the reservoir from these points.”