Overview of Remote Terminal Units
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsOverview of Remote Terminal Units
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsLuis Carlos Torrico Barrios
Petroleum Engineer
S 3030-9
Remote Terminal Unit
A remote terminal unit (RTU) is amicroprocessorelectronic device
controlled that interconnects the objects of the physical world to acontrol system
distributedoSCADA(control and data acquisition system) through the
transmission oftelemetryof data to the system, and by using messages from the
control system to manage connected objects. Another term that can be
used for RTU is the remote telemetry unit, the common usage term varies with the
general application area.
Architecture and communications
An RTU supervises digital and analog field parameters and transmits the data.
to the Monitoring Center. An RTU can be connected to the Central Station with
different media of communication (usually series (RS232, RS485, RS422
Ethernet) RTU supports standard protocols (ModbusIEC 60870-5-101/103/104
DNP3IEC 60870-6, CIPC,IEC 61850, etc) the interconnection with any software of
third parties. In some control applications, RTU high-capacity relay unit
current to a digital output (or "make") on board to toggle the on and off of
the devices in the field. The DO board changes the tension of the relay coil, which closes
the high current contacts, which complete the power circuit to the device.
An RTU can monitor analog inputs of different types, including from 4 to
20 mA(4-20 mA0-10 V., -2.5 to 2.5 V, 1-5 V, etc., the RTU system or the machine is
translate this raw data into the appropriate units, such as gallons of water or the
left temperature before presenting the data to the user via the HMI.
RTUs are differentiated fromprogrammable logic controllers(PLC) in which the RTUs
are more suitable for wide geographic telemetry, often using the
wireless communications, while automata are more suitable for the
local area control (plants, production lines, etc.) when the system uses means
physicals to control. TheIEC 61131 standardIt is the most programming tool
popular for its use with PLCs, RTUs, while they often use tools
programming related.
Software and logic control
Modern RTUs are generally capable of running simple programs.
autonomous without the intervention of the host teams of la DCSthe SCADAof the system for
simplify the deployment, and to provide redundancy for security reasons. A
RTU in a modern water management system usually has the code to modify its
behavior when the physical override switches of the RTU are toggled
during the maintenance of the maintenance staff. This is done for reasons of
security, a lack of communication between the system operators and the staff
maintenance could cause the system operators to accidentally allow power
when a water pump is being replaced, for example.
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Luis Carlos Torrico Barrios
Petroleum Engineer
S 3030-9
Comparison with other control systems
RTUPLCyDCSare increasingly starting to overlap in the
responsibilities, and many sellers sell RTUs with similar PLC features,
and vice versa. The industry has standardized inthe IEC 61131-3 standardblock language
functional for creating programs to be executed in RTU and PLC, although
almost all vendors also offer proprietary alternatives and environments
associated development.
In addition, some manufacturers currently supply RTU with a complete
pre-defined functionality, sometimes with PLC extensions and/or interfaces for the
configuration. See lthe MultiSmart bomb station managerto see an example of the
water / wastewater.
Some RTU providers have created simple user [Link]
allows customers to easily configure their RTUs. Some examples are MoxGRAF of
MOX productsfor your MX602 field controller and the PC-Link of Technology
Promosys for its RTU-1, RTU-3, and RTU-8.
In some applications, data loggers are used in similar applications.
Aprogrammable automation controller(PAC) is a compact controller that
combine the features and capabilities of a PC-based control system with the
from a typical PLC. PACs have been deployed in SCADA systems to provide
functions of RTU and PLC. In many electrical applications of the SCADA substation
distribute RTU" use information processors or station equipment to
communicate with ldigital protection relays, the PACs and other I/O devices, and
communicate with the SCADA master instead of a traditional RTU.
Applications
Oil and remote instrumentation gas monitoring, (platforms
marinas, oil wells on land.
The networks of remote pumping stations (collection of wastewater, or
for the water supply).
Hydrographic monitoring and control (water supply, reservoirs, systems
of sewage.
Environmental monitoring(contamination systems, air quality,
monitoring of emissions.
My zone control applications.
Protection of the supervision and data logging of the transmission network
power
Air traffic equipment, such as navigation aids (DVOR, DME, ILS)
y GP)
The outdoor warning sirens, as they are controlled, and sending the
data for activation verification, problems with the siren, or other data.
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