Year
1999
Abstract
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has developed a Portable Data Acquisition and Control (PDAC) System that is basically a laboratory-scale Program Logic Control (PLC). This system can obtain signals from numerous sensors (e.g., pH, level, pressure, and flow meters), open and close valves, and turn on and off pumps. The data can then be saved on a spreadsheet or displayed as a graph/indicator in real-time on a computer screen. The whole PDAC system was designed to be portable so that it could sit on a bench top during laboratory-scale treatability studies, or moved out into the field during larger studies. The system is also fairly simple to use. All that is required is some working knowledge of sensors, control devices, and LabVIEW ® software, and how to properly wire the process equipment. This system has been used during treatability studies on cyanide oxidation, controlled hydrolysis of water-reactive wastes, and other waste treatment studies that enable LLNL to comply with the Federal Facility Compliance Act (FFCAct). Improved data acquisition allows the study to be better monitored and therefore better controlled, and can be used to determine the results of the treatment study more effectively. This also contributes to the design of larger treatment processes.