IMO Precision Controls Case Studies showcase real customers and how IMO’s products can be used in a variety of applications, and how they benefit both the OEM and user. This study demonstrates the use of i3 Intelligent controllers to monitor and remotely access a livestock containment system to provide SMS alarms in case of critical system fault.

Monitoring seawater tanks

Located in Balcatta, Western Australia, the client needed remote alarm messaging in case of any critical system faults to a frequently unmanned live Lobster containment facility. In this instance, live Spiny Lobsters are contained in large seawater tanks (up to several tons of livestock) prior to export around the world. Each tank is temperature controlled and a continuous flow of seawater must be maintained for the filtration and oxygenation system to keep the lobsters in a healthy condition. In the event of loss of flow or dramatic change in water temperature, action must be taken to rectify the problem or the livestock will not survive.

Complete system monitoring

The i3A and i3-MA was deemed the best and most cost-effective solution after a site visit and customer consultation on a reliable long-term solution. The i3 sits alongside the existing control system to check the status of both temperature and flow at the two containment tanks. The customer could send status messages to the i3 and receive system information back as to the running conditions. Upon no flow or over/under temperature alarms the customer received SMS messages alerting them of the situation and allowing them to act promptly.

Quickly configured

According to System supplier Motherwell Automation, digital and analogue signals were easily wired directly to the i3A, with expansion I/O provided by an IMO Modbus Remote I/O module, and communication between the two devices was quickly configured. SMS status and alarming was a relatively simple addition with the i3MA, and provided a straightforward solution for the customer to monitor each input with their mobile phone.

The i3 monitoring system has helped Lobster Alive maintain constant temperatures during the hot summer months and throughout the year by advising when a problem has arisen and alerting the relevant people by messaging to up to three mobile phones. Once the text is received the company respond immediately to the problem whether it is during the day or in the middle of the night.

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