Loads On Underground Pipe Due To Frost Penetration

To date only a few computers have been employed for control purposes in the water industry, and on the whole results have been disappointing. Primarily, the problems have been related to overselling and improper application. Several major manufacturing companies, as well as some smaller ones, have suffered severe financial losses as a result of overzealous application of these process controllers. However, it should only be a matter of time before certain major utilities can justify computers for this purpose. In any event, the computer should be only a subsystem, thus allowing the operator to perform all control and to view all critical telemetering data without benefit of the computer. Also, except for simple logging and point-type control, the utility should consider developing its own software. Each water-distribution system has its unique control problems, and it is very unlikely that a proper software package can be developed without benefit of considerable operating history. Most significant is the fact that equipment being employed now, will not become obsolete. The machinery, even more than the operators, must rely on specific and accurate data coming from the primary devices, and the method of interfacing to the computer should be mostly at the receiving end. How much this new tool will ultimately affect the industry cannot yet be fully known or appreciated. All in all, it may be some years before computer-controlled systems are practical, but even now the water industry recognizes the importance of centralized telemetering and control systems. Manufacturers, must gear systems and components to the smaller utility. There are 18 000 community water utilities in the US alone, and less than 3 per cent serve populations over 25 000 whereas -86 per cent serve less than 5 000 people. By and large, it is the small utility that can realize the most benefit from automation and, by using the building-block type of equipment, can finance its telemetering system without any large capital outlay.