December 2004
Season's Greetings All the leaves are gone and it's almost time to get ready for the snow. Although we might not shovel driveways, we CAN find solutions for even the most difficult automation and information problems. If you have data, material handling, or process control issues that need solutions, please contact James Smith to arrange for our expert assistance. In 1999 Synchrony Industrial Controls entered the municipal water and wastewater control system market when we were asked to provide an automation solution for a small town that needed unattended control and monitoring of remote wells. What we learned was that our many years of experience in providing industrial controls to automated manufacturers could be directly applied to the water industry. By applying our philosophy of adapting state-of-the-art, general purpose automation equipment for use in particular industries, we were able to give our new customer the most efficient and robust water control system in the region. We have just completed our 5th year providing control systems for municipal water and wastewater systems. As our approach and offerings have matured over these five years we have grown to be the largest independent supplier of municipal water and wastewater control systems in Southwestern Virginia. This issue focuses on some water and wastewater projects we have recently completed.
Company News Synchrony Upgrades Municipal Water System The Town of Vinton, located in Southwestern Virginia, has a large distributed water/wastewater system comprised of numerous wells, water storage tanks, and sewage lift stations. Several years ago, Synchrony began working with the Town's Public Works Department and a local engineering firm to develop a SCADA/RTU system that would provide remote monitoring and control; data collection; and reporting functionality. Recently Synchrony was awarded the third and final planned stage of the upgrade project. Private Property Owners Select Synchrony for New Control System The Waterloo Property Owners Association (WPOA) in Warrenton, VA has operated an automated water system since the upscale development was built in 1989. This water system supplies water to more than 75 homes as well as the fire hydrants that are located throughout the neighborhood. Five wells provide water to one central 75,000 gallon storage tank located at the highest point in the neighborhood. The original system utilized a bellows style level gauge with a mercury switch to signal the remote pumps to start or stop. The signal from the tank was originally carried to the pumps via leased lines provided by the phone company.
Industry News A helpful article from the Water and Wastewater International Website Innovative Approach to Control Systems Integration Water companies face increasing pressure to improve returns on investment done through large programmes, such as the Asset Management Programme. Companies are finding innovative ways to maintain service quality with a reduced cost of ownership. The control system is one area that plays a vital role in meeting business objectives, including safety, legal compliance, quality of service and productivity.
Employee Spotlight Brian Foster, Shop Technician Brian has been a valued employee at Synchrony Industrial Controls since he joined the company over five years ago. He came to Synchrony with a wealth of experience in CAD, panel building, and PLC troubleshooting. During Brian's time at Synchrony he has honed these skills as well as developed new skills in Radio Frequency testing, instrument calibration, and control system startup support. Whatever services Brian is providing to you, whether building a control panel, developing CAD drawings, or troubleshooting issues with existing installations, Brian always works in a professional and efficient manner and will get the job done.
Calendar of Events Future events are scheduled for:
March 20 - 23, 2005 VA Rural Water Association Annual Conference Place: Williamsburg, VA
About Us Synchrony Industrial Controls, Inc., based in Roanoke, Virginia, provides automation systems and advanced technology for government and industry. To learn more about us, please visit our website , or call us at (540) 989-1541. Please send comments to us at newsletter@sunapsys.com.