Hancock Sigma Sensing Inc
Hancock Sigma Sensing Inc (HSSI) develops and markets automatic remote monitoring systems for various applications. The primary field of operations is the municipal water/sewerage market particularly for locations that are not served by existing SCADA systems. HSSI is a partnership between Hancock Associates and Sigma Engineering Ltd. Hancock Associates is a proprietorship of Geoff Hancock, who has over 30 years experience in a variety of industrial fields. Since 1985 he has specialized in systems in which information from remote sites is collected by a central station for analysis. Sigma Engineering Ltd is a Vancouver based consulting company that has over 25 years experience in civil and water resource engineering. The company has completed projects throughout the province and has served clients at all levels of government as well as the private sector.
Brochure with information about HSSI (requires Acrobat reader)
Presentation with further information about HSSI (requires Acrobat reader)
Remote Monitoring Stations (RMS)
Automatic water monitoring provides a cost effective, weatherproof, reliable means for water utilities to obtain continuous sampling and comprehensive data logging. Where frequent or continuous sampling is required the system has a financial advantage which increases with the frequency of sampling or where stations are remote or difficult to access. The RMS systems utilize spread spectrum radio transmission technology, computer data loggers and analyzers together with standard data collection transducers. Spread spectrum radio technology allows the data to be transmitted on shifting frequencies, which has the ability to find an open frequency if there is interference on a given frequency. All of the components are proven off the shelf systems that are integrated to provide custom solutions to each situation.
Once installed, the RMS system needs a minimum of maintenance. The data can be collected at adjustable intervals and downloaded to a site data logger and transmitted to a central computer, with a SCADA link if needed.
System Overview
An RMS system simply consists of a Slave station which collects the data and a Control station which processes the data. The Slave station is comprised of sensors, a datalogger, radio transmitter and a power supply. The Control station consists of a transceiver, laptop or desk computer, printer and power supply. Depending on the topography between the Slave station and the Control station, there may be need for a Repeater station located within sight of both Slave and Master Stations. Schematic and pictorial diagrams of the stations are shown overleaf.
Benefits for Data Collection
RMS systems offer the following benefits over manual or other data collection systems:
- Cost effective real time data collection;
- Document & maintain standards;
- Address problems sooner;
- Data for system planning;
- Reduced risk of transcription error;
- Frequent data collection intervals at minimal extra cost;
- Minimal operator requirements; Diagnostics and settings by radio;
- Potential use in trouble shooting;
- Remote operations - no external wires.
Customer Specifications
Each HSSI system is configured to the needs of the customer. There are a variety of transducers available which when matched with the datalogger capability and the power supply options provides numerous configurations to suit every requirement. The system, once in operation, can be modified by adding or deleting transducers, changing the data collection interval and even moving the monitoring station to a new location.
Transducer options
- Electrical conditions (amps, volts, etc)
- Water Parameters (Flow, Residual Chlorine, Turbidity, Pressure, pH, D.O.)
- Atmospheric conditions (temperature, wind speed, sunlight, precipitation)
Power supply options
- 110 volt connection
- Solar panel with batteries
Data collection options
- Change collection frequency
- Provide alarm notices when data is outside a prescribed range
- Provide graphical displays as well as numerical tables for trend analysis
- Data collection from several remote monitoring stations to a single control station.
Other options
- Training of operators
- Contract maintenance/diagnostics
- Operation and maintenance manuals
- System expansion
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Hancock Sigma Sensing Inc. 400-1444 Alberni Street Vancouver BC, V6G 2Z4 Phone: (604) 688-8271 Fax: (604) 688-1286 Geoff Hancock/Glenn McDonnell |