Digital transformation for an efficient and sustainable water industry

Holistic portfolio from a single source

Water is the most important basis of life – and the more people live on earth, the greater the demand. However, climate change, urbanization, and increasing environmental pollution pose major challenges to water companies everywhere. In line with the UN goals to enable access to clean drinking and sanitary facilities for everybody by 2050, we help our customers in the water industry to achieve their sustainable water management goals. As an innovation-driven technology company, we enable the water industry to perform both clean water supply and wastewater disposal in a particularly efficient, economical, and sustainable manner.

Our water industry experts will be happy to advise you

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Digital Enterprise for the water industry

Digitalization for increased transparency and efficiency

From data collection to the use of assistance systems, the networking and integration of subsystems, the decentralization of services, and all the way to the autonomy of entire infrastructure systems: Digitization in the water industry makes possible more efficient and sustainable processes for both new and existing facilities. It involves two levers: the creation of digital twins to optimize processes and the use of digital applications.

The digital twin pays off

The digital twin creates a virtual image of the real plant: The intelligent linking of data from various sources and their processing in a consistent data model helps exploit the full potential of new and existing plants.

Reaching your goals faster and more effectively

Consistent data management and the consistent data model result in the digital twin: an exact, always up-to-date, and virtual image of the entire plant.

 

The digital twin enables, among other things, simulations to be performed as early as during the engineering phase, comprehensive tests of automation applications, and a realistic training environment for plant operators even before the actual commissioning of the plant. This creates opportunities for process optimization and knowledge management, in this way significantly accelerating commissioning. In addition, efficiency is sustainably increased throughout the entire life cycle of manufacturing and process plants.

Targeted update

Digitalization also pays off with brownfield plants by the creation of a digital image of the real plant that can be linked with imported planning data in a database structure. In this way, the data can be verified, and plant operators obtain an up-to-date digital image of the plant, which is the starting point for comprehensive operations optimization.

Find out more about our solutions for greater efficiency

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Siemens Industry Suite for the Water Industry

Smart apps for greater efficiency and security of supply

The applications and digital services from the Siemens Industry Suite for water industry provide higher transparency and therefore help identify optimization and savings potential for stronger security of supply. With the Siemens Water (SIWA) applications specifically developed for the water and waste water industry operators can optimize energy efficiency, avoid water loss, reduce contamination of water bodies and take predictive maintenance measures.
Reduce blockages by 80%

SIWA Pump Guardian

SIWA Pump Guardian is an loT solution that automatically prevents blockages in sewage pumps and provides complete transparency over pump’s and pumping station’s performance and analytics.

Reduce wastewater discharge up to 85%

SIWA Sewer

SIWA Sewer is a powerful and innovative sewer network management application, that calculates the need for control interventions in drainage systems using optimization algorithms. In this way SIWA Sewer ensures effective utilization of existing buffers in the sewer network under consideration of rainfall events, thereby avoids and reduces spill overs of untreated water.

Detecting leaks in real time

SIWA Leak for Water transmission lines

Providing transparency, SIWA Leak generates real-time information on water transportation pipelines for fully automatic detection, localization and alarming of larger or creeping leaks.

Detecting and Locating bursts in water pipelines

SIWA Burst

SIWA Burst uses intelligent algorithms over an intuitive interface to analyze in real time high frequency recorded pressure fluctuations in pipelines and to locate the source of pipe damage with an accuracy of 20 to 50 meters.

Cost-optimized pump operation in water supply systems

SIWA Optim

SIWA Optim is a solution for a cost optimized control of pumping schedules for an entire network, providing flexible operation management and cost-effective water supply under consideration of volatile electricity tariffs and water sources.

Leakage detection based on Artificial Intelligence

SIWA LeakPlus for water distribution networks

SIWA LeakPlus is a cloud based application to detect leaks in meshed drinking water networks. lt combines Real-time Monitoring of sensors, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Hydraulic Simulations into an innovative solution thus making it possible to detect and locate leaks at an early stage.

Up to two weeks advance notice

SIWA Blockage Predictor

SIWA Blockage Predictor is an AI based solution that evaluates combined sewer overflow's adaptive performance in real time, considering rainfall patterns and deviations and uses fuzzy logic to warn operator before sewers will be blocked partially or completely.

Minimize energy consumption in your drinking water distribution systems

SIWA OptimDynamics

SIWA OptimDynamics enables fully automated cost and energy effective operation of pumping stations, considering mechanical and hydraulic aspects of single pumps or pump groups.

Standardization in the water industry

Standardization for an efficient digital workflow

A modular system comprised of specifically selected components and extensive sample solutions for typical plants and processes is paving the way for greater efficiency, productivity, and availability as well as reliable operation – and guarantees a solid foundation for consistent, end-to-end digitalization.

Expert support from planning to engineering and operation.

The Water Portal provides an extensive and freely available collection of sample solutions and configurations, engineering standards, and tools for automation, process instrumentation, drive technology, and the electrotechnical equipment in water and waste water plants. Instructions for industrial security and communication are also available.

Proven expert tools for specialists

Expert support for engineering companies, system integrators, and plant construction companies for designing, configuring, and engineering water and waste water plants and systems, pump stations, and desalination plants. These future-proof sample solutions enable end customers to minimize their costs and risks throughout the lifecycle of their plant.

Discover the Water Portal

Standardized templates for engineering and operation of process control systems

Standardized engineering of the control system application pays off. It reduces costs and risks during planning, project engineering, commissioning, ongoing maintenance, and servicing and even for future modernizations of the plant. Smooth running and ergonomic operation and diagnostics are ensured for utility companies.

Integrated engineering and integrated operation

The Water Templates – available free of charge – are custom-made templates for system integrators, plant construction companies, and operators. They contain functions for open- and closed-loop control and ergonomic operation and diagnostics – including for distributed control rooms and external stations. Use of hardware components for automation systems, drive technology, and industrial communication, which includes telecontrol technology, is all fully prepared.

 

The Water Templates are optimally embedded in the integrated engineering and also encompass simulation, testing, and commissioning. Using the Water Templates also ensures a standardized database for end-to-end digitalization.

Standardized Library for Basis Processes (LBP) for the use in automation and process monitoring systems   

Standardization reduces configuration costs and increases operational reliability in the water industry. Plant manufacturers and system integrators are increasingly challenged in areas of the water industry to create more and more powerful SCADA and/or automation solutions for achieving operational efficiency at ever lower costs.

Integrated engineering and integrated operation

The Library of Basic Processes (LBP) is an open, tested as well as design-oriented block library for the SIMATIC TIA Portal and SIMATIC WinCC. With this library, you can solve a wide variety of automation tasks in the water industry very efficiently and significantly reduce the engineering workload and thus the configuration costs as well as the project duration.

 

The library for these different product variants is available for download free of charge at Siemens Online Support.

 

Apps and Digital Services for Process Industry

Find out more about the other apps in the Suite

Leverage the hidden potential in your engineering, process, diagnostic and event data with our applications and digital services to ensure uptime, improve processes and manage operations. For example with the smart condition monitoring app SITRANS SCM IQ or remote measurement app SITRANS serve IQ.

Desalination in the water industry

Desalinate seawater – prevent water scarcity

Seawater desalination is playing an increasingly important role worldwide, especially in regions suffering from growing water shortages. Software, energy supply, energy management, and end-to-end service from Siemens in the areas of design, operation, and maintenance support the energy-optimized operation of desalination plants around the world.

 

E-BoP and Smart Systems for the Water and Wastewater Industry

Smart electrification for the Water and Waste Water industry

Siemens provides reliable, safe and efficient power supply and smart electrical systems for the Water & Waste Water Industry even in challenging environments.

Economical and reliable power distribution

The primary task of medium-voltage switchgear is economical and reliable power distribution. We take this responsibility seriously and offer products and solutions for medium-voltage systems to our customers around the world. Our optimally coordinated systems meet the growing technical requirements and ensure reliable power distribution – in air-insulated or gas-insulated switchgear, and for applications outdoors or on the ocean floor.

Air-insulated switchgear for primary distribution systems

Turning global experience into your profit - cleverly switched, local added value

With air-insulated switchgear from Siemens you are always on the safe side – our switchgear is type-tested for indoor installation according to IEC 62271-200 and has always been a synonym for maximum personal and operational safety as well as local added value.

  • Ensures peace of mind
  • Saves lives
  • Increases productivity
  • Saves money
  • Preserves the environment

Gas-insulated switchgear for primary distribution systems

Compact, maintenance-free and climate-independent

For the distribution of electrical energy, Siemens offers various gas-insulated switchgear types, which can be used in transformer and distribution systems of power supply companies, but also in industrial medium-voltage systems, e.g. mining industry, steel works or paper industry. Siemens gas-insulated switchgear is also the first choice for special applications such as wind parks, offshore platforms and ships.

In all these applications, gas-insulated switchgear technology from Siemens provides exceptional advantages in respect of climatic independence, personal safety and maintenance-free design. For the customer, this offers the high benefit of maximum supply reliability in his network, both as a provider of customers and as an energy supplier for production processes.

Consistent power distribution – from end to end

The trend toward the intelligent, networked operation of buildings and increasingly automated industrial plants requires flexible, communication-capable power distribution systems. Technical requirements are becoming more demanding, and those dictated by standards more complex. Our optimally coordinated systems for low-voltage power distribution ensure consistent and thus highly efficient and reliable power distribution – from the power feed-in to the consumers. The communication-capable systems and components enable the seamless integration of electric power distribution into automation and energy management systems as well as cloud-based platforms like MindSphere for the Internet of Things (IoT). We support the planning and engineering process with software tools and data along with comprehensive consultancy and support services.

 

This is how the data can be verified and plant operators can obtain an up-to-date digital model of their plant.

Portfolio overview

A comprehensive portfolio for the water industry

Digitalization, automation, and electrification lay the foundation for efficient, reliable, and sustainable processes in the water industry. Discover custom-made products, systems, and solutions for a more sustainable water industry.

Plant engineering and management

Leverage optimization potential with the digital twin

The digital twin of a drinking water supply, waste water treatment, or seawater desalination plant consistently integrates all the relevant information and business processes – from plant engineering and commissioning to operation, maintenance, and servicing.

Process control technology

Process control technology for safe and reliable plant operation

As an exclusive manufacturer of control systems, Siemens offers DCS and SCADA – two different approaches, both of which are modular, flexibly expandable, and therefore fit for the future – that cover relevant industry standards like ergonomic operation and diagnostics as well as industrial security for critical infrastructures.

 

SCADA systems

SIMATIC SCADA systems based on the TIA Portal and WinCC are scalable from small, autonomous systems and plant-based on-site operation to distributed control centers. The systems offer open library concepts for custom application standards. WinCC Open Architecture also provides a platform for developing customized systems. The innovative SIMATIC WinCC Unified visualization system makes possible - based on the latest web technology – the utilization in the Edge or cloud environments.

 

Siemens DCS

Distributed Control Systems – the proven SIMATIC PCS 7 and Web-based PCS neo – offer libraries as an integral system component along with industry-specific application standards directly from the control system manufacturer. PCS 7 is scalable from smaller operations with a high automation density to large installations. The system provides consistent, top-down engineering, including the integration of low- and medium-voltage switchgear.

Automation hardware

Automation à la carte

Whether you need high-performance, scalable DCS controllers for complex plants, modular automation systems, distributed I/Os or power supplies – proven automation components from Siemens enable the development of application-specific, end-to-end, scalable solutions of all sizes – with options for high availability and fail-safe operation.

Process instrumentation and analytics

Processes and quality under control at all times

The Siemens portfolio for process instrumentation, when combined with the liquid analysis systems from HACH, provides solutions to meet all requirements in the water and waste water industry – from efficient process control and guaranteed water quality to sure compliance with legal guidelines.

Drive technology and industrial controls

Keep things moving efficiently and reliably

The comprehensive drive technology and industrial controls portfolio from Siemens is impressive for its seamlessly coordinated components – from frequency converters and electric motors to modular motor management systems, including industrial controls and protection relays. It covers the requirements of water and waste water management applications in every performance category and ensures economical plant operation.

Industrial communication

Flexible, powerful, and secure communication networking

The powerful networking of all system components in compliance with international standards is a critical foundation for secure and reliable plant operation in the water and waste water industry. Solutions from Siemens also include telecontrol technology for widely distributed substations that create optimal conditions for the ongoing digitalization of operations.

Electrical systems and Energy management 

Keep a constant watch on energy consumption and costs

Water and waste water plants are one of the highest energy consumers in the public sector. Our comprehensive portfolio for electrical power supply ranges from medium and low voltage to DC 24 V. Our portfolio also ensures the highest reliability and availability supported by our engineering expertise for the best optimum solution. Planning tools for network calculations and design provide full transparency of all  relevant energy consumers. They also enable operators to quickly and efficiently identify saving potentials to reduce operating costs and comply with regulations.

Digital water management

Intelligently link all operational data

With the applications specifically developed for the water and waste water industry, operators can optimize energy efficiency, avoid water loss, reduce contamination of water bodies and take predictive maintenance measures.

Cybersecurity

Maximum security

Critical infrastructures like the drinking water supply must be fully and reliably protected from cyberattacks. The comprehensive and practice-oriented security concepts from Siemens lay the groundwork for the secure operation of water management facilities using certified products, systems, and processes according to IEC 62443, the leading international standard for security in industrial automation.

Industry Services

Comprehensive services throughout the entire lifecycle

The digital transformation is also posing tremendous challenges for companies in the water and waste water industry. As an experienced industry partner, Siemens offers customized solutions and consulting services that take advantage of the full commercial and technological potential of digitalization – including plant operation, remote maintenance and diagnostics, tailored software systems for Siemens DCS and SCADA systems, virtualization solutions, and solutions covering all aspects of plant and system security.

Fields of application

Solutions tailored to specific areas of application

Requirements in the areas of drinking water, waste water, and desalination vary widely. That’s why Siemens offers a selection of perfectly tailored solutions that ensure maximum efficiency and sustainability.

Provide drinking water at a sustainable rate

Intelligent solutions and services from Siemens for planning, engineering, operation, and maintenance are ensuring reliably and sustainably treated drinking water of the highest possible quality around the world. They include process control, automation, and drive technology as well as the power supply for water treatment plants, pipeline systems, and large-scale water networks.

Treating waste water efficiently and reliably

Siemens offers tailor-made hardware and software systems, comprehensive services, and in-depth, specialized expertise for the construction of new or the modernization of existing waste water systems. This ensures safe and reliable waste water disposal via sewer networks and waste water pump stations even in the event of heavy rainfall, as well as the energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and straightforward operations management of waste water treatment plants.

Desalinate seawater – preserve life

Seawater desalination is playing an increasingly important role worldwide, especially in regions suffering from growing water shortages. Today over 150 countries are already desalinating seawater. Our customers rely on the energy-efficient process of reverse osmosis. Software, energy supply, energy management, and end-to-end service from Siemens in the areas of design, operation, and maintenance support the energy-optimized operation of desalination plants around the world.

Portfolio overview

A comprehensive portfolio for the water industry

Digitalization, automation, and electrification lay the foundation for efficient, reliable, and sustainable processes in the water industry. Discover custom-made products, systems, and solutions for a more sustainable water industry.

Components that work together perfectly

End-to-end, individually customized solutions for drinking water supply, waste water treatment, and desalination systems are commercially viable both today and tomorrow for maintaining a high security of supply and for the responsible use of water as a vital resource. All the components from Siemens’ comprehensive product portfolio are seamlessly coordinated in the company’s custom solutions for the water industry. These solutions combine the latest technologies with decades of industry expertise in all areas of water management.

Plant engineering and management

Leverage optimization potential with the digital twin

The digital twin of a drinking water supply, waste water treatment, or seawater desalination plant consistently integrates all the relevant information and business processes – from plant engineering and commissioning to operation, maintenance, and servicing.

Process control technology

Process control technology for safe and reliable plant operation

As an exclusive manufacturer of control systems, Siemens offers DCS and SCADA – two different approaches, both of which are modular, flexibly expandable, and therefore fit for the future – that cover relevant industry standards like ergonomic operation and diagnostics as well as industrial security for critical infrastructures.

 

SCADA systems

SIMATIC SCADA systems based on the TIA Portal and WinCC are scalable from small, autonomous systems and plant-based on-site operation to distributed control centers. The systems offer open library concepts for custom application standards. WinCC Open Architecture also provides a platform for developing customized systems. The innovative SIMATIC WinCC Unified visualization system makes possible - based on the latest web technology – the utilization in the Edge or cloud environments.

 

Siemens DCS

Distributed Control Systems – the proven SIMATIC PCS 7 and Web-based PCS neo – offer libraries as an integral system component along with industry-specific application standards directly from the control system manufacturer. PCS 7 is scalable from smaller operations with a high automation density to large installations. The system provides consistent, top-down engineering, including the integration of low- and medium-voltage switchgear.

Automation hardware

Automation à la carte

Whether you need high-performance, scalable DCS controllers for complex plants, modular automation systems, or distributed I/Os – proven automation systems from Siemens enable the development of application-specific, end-to-end, scalable solutions of all sizes – with options for high availability and fail-safe operation.

Process instrumentation and analytics

Processes and quality under control at all times

The Siemens portfolio for process instrumentation, when combined with the liquid analysis systems from HACH, provides solutions to meet all requirements in the water and waste water industry – from efficient process control and guaranteed water quality to sure compliance with legal guidelines.

Drive technology and industrial controls

Keep things moving efficiently and reliably

The comprehensive drive technology and industrial controls portfolio from Siemens is impressive for its seamlessly coordinated components – from frequency converters and electric motors to modular motor management systems, including industrial controls and protection relays. It covers the requirements of water and waste water management applications in every performance category and ensures economical plant operation.

Industrial communication

Flexible, powerful, and secure communication networking

The powerful networking of all system components in compliance with international standards is a critical foundation for secure and reliable plant operation in the water and waste water industry. Solutions from Siemens also include telecontrol technology for widely distributed substations that create optimal conditions for the ongoing digitalization of operations.

Industrial energy management

Keep a constant watch on energy consumption and costs

Water and waste water plants are among the highest energy consumers in the public sector. Energy management solutions from Siemens ensure full transparency of all relevant energy consumers. They enable operators to quickly and efficiently identify savings potential, reduce operating costs, and ensure reliable compliance with regulations. Planning tools for network calculation and dimensioning help lay the foundation for the successful use of energy management solutions.

Digital water management

Intelligently link all operational data

With the applications specifically developed for the water and waste water industry, operators can optimize energy efficiency, avoid water loss, reduce contamination of water bodies and take predictive maintenance measures.

Cybersecurity

Maximum security

Critical infrastructures like the drinking water supply must be fully and reliably protected from cyberattacks. The comprehensive and practice-oriented security concepts from Siemens lay the groundwork for the secure operation of water management facilities using certified products, systems, and processes according to IEC 62443, the leading international standard for security in industrial automation.

Industry Services

Comprehensive services throughout the entire lifecycle

The digital transformation is also posing tremendous challenges for companies in the water and waste water industry. As an experienced industry partner, Siemens offers customized solutions and consulting services that take advantage of the full commercial and technological potential of digitalization – including plant operation, remote maintenance and diagnostics, tailored software systems for Siemens DCS and SCADA systems, virtualization solutions, and solutions covering all aspects of plant and system security.

Integrated Panel Control

Integrated Panel Control

We offer comprehensive support for control panel standards, design and engineering. Take a look at our resources that can help you meet relevant standards, tools and data that integrate into your existing processes for increased engineering efficiency, and a product portfolio that will save you cabinet space while reducing wiring and assembly time. See how Siemens can support your panel building and get in touch with our experts today.

 

Get in touch with us :  lvswitchgear.za@siemens.com

Innovations

Ready for the future

The water industry is undergoing big changes, because new challenges worldwide are demanding consistent approaches and prompt solutions. The latest innovations from Siemens provide impressive, technologically sophisticated answers to critical questions.
Partner management

Expertise right on-site

Siemens Solution Partners and Siemens Approved Partners are available in more than 80 countries around the world as expert contacts and solution partners for the water industry.

Let’s team up and succeed

Siemens works closely with selected partners in the water industry around the world, including EPCs, system integrators, and wholesalers. Each of these partners is a proven expert in their field, with comprehensive product and system expertise in all areas of Siemens’ extensive portfolio for the water industry. This means that the comprehensive offering for digitalization and automation and drive technology can be optimally adapted to the specific requirements of customers on-site anywhere in the world.

Our other collaborations

In line with our pledge to be an agile and active market leader, we go beyond traditional distributorships and increasingly rely on collaboration in different areas. We’ve signed collaboration agreements with component manufacturers like Hach Analytics and with global players like Acciona (desalination) and young entrepreneurs like BuntPlanet (digital portfolio). This is how our company and our partners will be able to meet our customers’ requirements and offer them a comprehensive, innovative product and system portfolio, a local presence worldwide, and our usual high quality while also remaining cost-effective.

News and events

The latest information

What trends and topics are important for the water market? Find out more about current highlights, upcoming events, and new solutions.