What is a remote telemetry unit (RTU)?
A remote telemetry unit, abbreviated RTU, is a device that monitors and controls equipment remotely. RTUs collect, store and transmit data to a central control system.
Industries that commonly use RTUs include:
- Utilities
- Oil and gas industries
- Water and wastewater management
- Power distribution
- Environmental monitoring
Within the water industry, RTUs monitor and control:
- Pump stations
- Reservoir levels
- Flow rates and pressure in pipes
- Water treatment plant operations
How remote telemetry units (RTUs) work
RTUs work by collecting data from sensors and other devices and sending that data to a central control system.
RTUs start by collecting raw data from sensors, meters and actuators that measure various parameters. The RTU can then process and format the collected data for transmission. Data can be temporarily stored in RTU memory before the data is transmitted.
After data collection, the RTU transmits to a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system or central control system using various transmission protocols. RTUs can also receive information and commands from the control center.
If necessary, an RTU can execute automated control actions like closing valves.
RTUs can also detect and report faults. The alerts can be sent via SCADA, text messages or emails for quick responses from operators.
RTUs can:
- Monitor conditions such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, water level and humidity.
- Collect data and information from sensors, meters and other devices.
- Send commands to remote equipment such as opening and closing valves, starting and stopping pumps, or adjusting power flow levels.
- Detect abnormal conditions and alert operators.
What is remote telemetry?
As the name suggests, remote telemetry is the process of collecting, transmitting and analyzing data from remote locations. Data can be transmitted through wires or wireless communication technologies (cellular, radio or satellite).
Remote telemetry allows for monitoring and control of systems and equipment that are in remote locations.
Remote telemetry is used in the water industry to monitor pipelines, reservoirs, pumps and treatment plants.
Is a remote telemetry unit the same as a remote terminal unit?
Remote terminal units do much of the same as remote telemetry units. They are both considered industrial devices that are used in automation and monitoring systems. They both collect data from remote equipment and transmit it to a central control system.
Remote terminal units differ from remote telemetry units in that they may feature more control functions within a system. Whereas Remote telemetry units specialize in data collection and transmission but may have limited control capabilities.
Remote telemetry units are used primarily for data collection while remote terminal units can be used for data collection and execution of automation and control functions.
What are remote telemetry units (RTUs) used for?
RTUs are used in various industries for many things – most notably monitoring.
Remote telemetry units are used for:
- Remote monitoring
- Automation and efficiency
- Communication
- Integration with SCADA
