Revista Científica ‘‘INGENIAR”: Ingeniería, Tecnología e Investigación. Vol. 8 Núm. (16) 2025. ISSN: 2737-6249

Development of an automated system for the efficient management of demineralized water pumping in a

water treatment plant.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/ig.v8i16.0283

DESARROLLO DE UN SISTEMA AUTOMATIZADO PARA LA GESTIÓN

EFICIENTE DEL BOMBEO DE AGUA DESMINERALIZADA EN UNA

PLANTA DE TRATAMIENTO DE AGUA

DEVELOPMENT OF AN AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR THE EFFICIENT

MANAGEMENT OF DEMINERALIZED WATER PUMPING IN A WATER

TREATMENT PLANT

1

Juiña Christian ; Toaza Jimmy ; Quinatoa Carlos ; Camacho José Luis

1

Department of Electrical Engineering, University Technical of Cotopaxi. Latacunga, Ecuador.

Correo: carlos.quinatoa7864@utc.edu.ec.

Resumen

Este análisis aborda la creación de un sistema automatizado para gestionar eficazmente el

bombeo de agua desmineralizada en una planta de tratamiento, con el objetivo de superar las

deficiencias de un sistema manual que causa pérdidas de eficiencia y riesgos operativos. Esta

propuesta contempla la implementación de sensores de nivel y presión, reguladores de

frecuencia, controladores lógicos programables (PLC) y una interfaz SCADA, lo que facilita la

monitorización en tiempo real y una operación más sostenible. Además, la simulación del sistema

se realiza en MATLAB/Simulink, utilizando modelos de control PI y PID para contrastar su

rendimiento. Se examinaron perturbaciones como fallos de bombas, inyecciones imprevistas y

fugas simuladas para evaluar la reacción del sistema automatizado ante situaciones críticas.

Finalmente, se demostró que los controladores PI y PID logran una estabilización eficaz del nivel

de agua, reduciendo las pérdidas y optimizando el uso de energía. El PID mostró una reacción

más precisa, manteniendo la estabilidad incluso ante cambios bruscos.

Palabras clave: Sistema automatizado, Planta de tratamiento, PI, PID, Operación, Control.

Abstract

This analysis deals with the creation of an automated system to effectively manage the pumping

of demineralized water in a treatment plant, with the objective of overcoming the shortcomings of

a manual system that causes efficiency losses and risks in operations. This proposal

contemplates the implementation of level and pressure sensors, frequency regulators,

programmable logic controllers (PLC) and a SCADA interface, facilitating real-time monitoring

and a more sustainable operation. In addition, the system simulation is carried out in

MATLAB/Simulink, using PI and PID control models to contrast its performance. Disturbances

such as pump failures, unanticipated injections and simulated leaks were examined to assess the

reaction of the automated system to critical situations. Finally, it was proved that the PI and PID

controllers achieve an effective stabilization of the water level, reducing losses and optimizing the

use of energy. The PID showed a more accurate reaction, preserving stability even in the face

of abrupt changes.

Keywords: Automated system, Treatment plant, PI, PID, Operation, Control.

Información del manuscrito:

Fecha de recepción: 15 de abril de 2025.

Fecha de aceptación: 27 de junio de 2025.

Fecha de publicación: 10 de julio de 2025.

53

Juiña et al. (2025)

1

. Introduction

operations and reducing operational

costs, while ensuring the quality and

reliability of services [4]. The

handling of demineralized water is

one of the most delicate and

essential procedures in many

industrial facilities, such as power

generation, pharmaceutical, food

and chemical plants. Demineralized

water, or deionized water, refers to

water that has been processed to

remove most of its mineral salts,

such as calcium, magnesium,

sodium, chlorides and sulfates. This

water is used in systems that require

high purity to prevent corrosion,

scaling and other modifications to

production processes or technical

equipment [5]. Considering its crucial

importance in the operation of

various industries, its transfer and

management must be carried out in

an accurate, efficient and regulated

manner, preventing losses and

ensuring a constant and high-quality

supply [6]. Currently, the company's

water treatment plant manually

operates its soft water pumping

system, resulting in procedural

inefficiencies. Operators are required

to perform repeated tasks that are

time-consuming and decrease the

plant's overall productivity. In

addition, the lack of real-time

Water is essential for several human

tasks.

Currently, water use in

Ecuador is regulated under the Law

of Water Resources, Uses and

Development of Water.

This

legislation establishes the following:

every individual has the right to have

access to clean, adequate, safe,

acceptable,

accessible

and

affordable water for personal and

domestic use in terms of quantity,

quality, continuity and coverage. In

Ecuador, drinking water coverage is

6

3%, with 83% in urban areas and

9% in rural areas, according to

3

research from 2020 [1]. For rural

areas, drinking water supply systems

are not common, they are usually

carried out by private companies,

and their construction is generally

financed by the residents. However,

mayors' offices and municipalities

also often pay for some construction

of pumping and water storage

centers for these regions [2].

Today, industry is facing increasing

demand in terms of energy

efficiency,

environmental

and resource

preservation

maximization [3]. In this scenario,

process automation has become an

essential tool for upgrading industrial

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Revista Científica ‘‘INGENIAR”: Ingeniería, Tecnología e Investigación. Vol. 8 Núm. (16) 2025. ISSN: 2737-6249

Development of an automated system for the efficient management of demineralized water pumping in a

water treatment plant.

monitoring increases the possibility

of human error, such as inaccuracies

in water level regulation, which can

impact supply quality and equipment

performance [7].

model, as shown in Figure 1.

Furthermore, from pragmatic

a

perspective, the proposal will

facilitate the company to increase its

ability to react to fluctuations in water

demand,

reducing

costs

and

From a technological perspective,

this study is significant because it

demonstrates the feasibility of

implementing a sophisticated control

system in the automotive sector,

using simulation tools such as

MATLAB and Simulink to design and

evaluate the performance of the PI

ensuring a constant and efficient

supply. In this context, this analysis

not only aims to solve a particular

problem within the plant but can also

serve as a guide for other industries

that require similar automation needs

in water resource management [8].

Fig. 1: Proposed water distribution system

The company's water pumping

system supplies three key

manual intervention, which not only

increases the workload of the

personnel, but also generates

inconsistencies in the water supply.

These deficiencies can lead to

production process failures, water

waste, and increased energy

consumption [9].

processes: clarified water, soft water

and demineralized water. However,

the lack of automation prevents

optimal tank level control and

efficient water distribution. Currently,

the system operates with an ON-OFF

controller that requires constant

55

Juiña et al. (2025)

In this line, the procedure of pumping

demineralized water in a treatment

plant is a major technical challenge.

Traditional practices, based on

need [11], in addition to the instant

identification and rectification of

faults or irregularities. In addition, the

objective is to reduce the use of

energy through frequency variators,

which make it possible to adjust the

operation of the motor to the

demands of the system, preventing

uninterrupted operation at full load

when it is not essential. From an

electrical engineering point of view,

this project symbolizes a specific use

of industrial automation to optimize

manual

controls

or

partially

automated systems, often have

significant constraints, such as

excessive energy use, mechanical

failures

due

to

out-of-range

operation, and a limited ability to

monitor in real time. For this reason,

it is essential to implement smarter,

safer and more sustainable solutions

to improve the process. The purpose

of this project is the creation of an

automated system for the efficient

management of demineralized water

pumping in a treatment plant [10].

This system is based on the use of

electrical and industrial automation

technologies, such as level and

pressure sensors, flow meters,

variable frequency drives (VFD),

water

resource

management

processes. Its implementation not

only positively influences energy

efficiency and the extension of

equipment durability but also

enhances operational safety and the

ability to react to unforeseen

circumstances [12].

In recent years, it has experienced a

remarkable growth in the degree of

automation of its processes. Major

changes in control systems have

been implemented in all sectors,

facilitating more profitable and

efficient production. The paint shop

has a pumping system in the water

plant, essential for the constant use

of demineralized water [13]. The

constant flow of this treated water

contactors,

soft

starters,

programmable

logic

controllers

(PLC) and a SCADA (Supervisory

Control and Data Acquisition)

interface for real-time monitoring and

supervision of the system [5].

The incorporation of these elements

will enable automatic control of the

start-up, shutdown and speed

regulation of the pumps according to

through

each

cleaning

and

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Revista Científica ‘‘INGENIAR”: Ingeniería, Tecnología e Investigación. Vol. 8 Núm. (16) 2025. ISSN: 2737-6249

Development of an automated system for the efficient management of demineralized water pumping in a

water treatment plant.

purification process, thanks to its

purity and lack of minerals that can

with the objective of increasing the

efficiency of the operations and the

supervision of the process [16].

cause

deposits,

corrosion

or

contamination, is useful for multiple

essential uses [14]. Therefore, it is

essential to have automated and

modern systems that contribute to

regulating and optimizing production

efficiency, resulting in savings in

time, resources and reduction of

errors and failures. Decisions are

focused on updating and improving

operating systems, evidence of the

2

. Development of the model

2.1

Control systems

In the industrial sector, it is crucial to

maintain accurate monitoring of the

volume of liquids in production

processes to ensure constant

production and prevent losses or

spills.

To achieve this goal,

company's

commitment

to

automatic filling systems for water or

other fluids are set up and managed

by sensors and actuators linked to a

programmable logic controller (PLC)

or an electrical control circuit [17].

excellence in its operations and its

ability to adjust to the constant

demands of a constantly changing

market. In addition, the suggested

system is in line with sustainable

development goals [15], as it

promotes logical water and energy

management, reduces waste of

These sensors measure the liquid

level in a container and transmit

signals to the controller, which in turn

turns the pumps on or off as required.

The most commonly used sensors

for this purpose are float sensors,

which produce an electrical pulse

when a specific level is reached,

resources

and

promotes

the

digitalization of industrial processes.

These automated solutions are

scalable and flexible, allowing their

use to be expanded to other areas of

the plant or to other industrial

facilities that meet similar needs.

Then, an automation proposal for the

level regulation system in the

demineralized water tanks of the

water treatment plant is proposed,

facilitating

efficient

process

regulation and optimizing the use of

resources in the industrial sector

[

18].

57

Juiña et al. (2025)

The obligation of a control system

includes the three main tasks:

2.2

Open loop control

Refers to systems where the output

does not influence the control action.

In an open-loop system, it is not

quantified or feedback to contrast it

with the input. In any open-loop

control system, the output is not

compared with the reference input.

Thus, each reference input is

attributed to a stable operating

condition; therefore, the accuracy of

the system is based on calibration.

In the presence of disturbances, an

open-loop control system does not

perform the required work [20]. As

shown in Figure 2, open-loop control

only applies if the relationship

between input and output is known,

and if there are no internal or external

disturbances.

•

Monitor output variables through

measurements.

Make

logical

decisions

considering that corrective action

is required based on the

information of the present state

of the process and the objective

sought.

•

Effectively implement these

process decisions.

The phases to consider when

designing a control system to meet

your needs include setting control

objectives, determining the variables

to measure, choosing variables to

manipulate, choosing a possible

control configuration, and designing

a controller [19].

Fig. 2: Diagram of an open-loop control system

actuators have been carried out

properly in the process (Systems

Engineering and Automation) [17].

2

.3

Closed loop control

Closed-loop control is distinguished

by communication via sensors from

the process to the control system,

which allows the latter to verify

whether the actions assigned to the

In a closed loop control system, as

shown in Figure 3, the controller

receives the actuation error signal,

which represents the difference

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Development of an automated system for the efficient management of demineralized water pumping in a

water treatment plant.

between the input signal and the

feedback output (which can be the

output signal itself or a function of the

same signal and its derivatives or

integrals), with the objective of

decreasing the error and directing

the system output to an appropriate

value. The concept of closed-loop

control always involves the

implementation of a control action

that feeds back to reducing system

errors [21].

Fig. 3: Diagram of a closed-loop control system

•

It provides greater control,

accuracy and precision

Closed-loop control is a tactic

frequently employed in industrial

systems for its benefits in accuracy,

compared to an open-loop

system.

stability

and

resistance

to

disturbances. Among its most

prominent features include [22]:

In the system shown in Figure 4, the

inputs R(s) and C(s) are linked as

follows, resulting in equation (1).

•

In a closed loop system, the

output affects the input, which

facilitates feedback of the

procedure.

Fig. 4: Closed loop system

Its

design

facilitates

the

rectification of the impacts of

external disturbances that may

damage the system.

퐶(푠) = 퐺(푠)퐸(푠)

It is more expensive to

implement due to its higher

complexity compared to an open

loop system.

퐸(푠) = 푅(푠) − 퐵(푠)

=

푅(푠) − 퐻(푠)퐶(푠)

(1)

59

Juiña et al. (2025)

Eliminating

E(s)

from

these

and the required pressure and acts

by modifying the motor speed to

ensure that we keep our pressure or

flow stable.

equations gives (2):

ꢀ

(ꢁ)

ꢃ(ꢁ)

=

(2)

ꢂ(ꢁ)

1+ꢄ(ꢁ)ꢃ(ꢁ)

The transfer phenomenon that links

C(s) to R(s) is known as the closed-

loop transfer function. Equation (3)

illustrates how the transfer function

links the dynamics of the closed-loop

system with the dynamics of the

The importance of PID controls lies in

their almost universal application in

most control systems. Specifically,

when the mathematical model of the

plant is not known and, therefore,

analytical design methods cannot be

used, PID controls are most

beneficial. In the field of process

control systems, it is widely

recognized that basic and modified

PID control schemes have proven

effective in providing rewarding

control, although perhaps in many

particular circumstances they do not

provide ideal control [1].

direct

and

feedback

path

components [23].

Based on equation (3), C(s) can be

obtained by the following technique:

ꢃ(ꢁ)

퐶(푠) = ₁

푅(푠)

(3)

+ꢄ(ꢁ)ꢃ(ꢁ)

2.4

PID control

PID control is a regulation system

that, by means of a feedback loop,

facilitates the regulation of speed,

temperature, pressure and flow

among other variables of a process

as a whole [8]. The PID controller

determines the difference between

our actual variable and the desired

variable (Set Point). In pumping

systems, we are often concerned

with maintaining constant pressure

or flow [24]. Therefore, the PID

control evaluates the difference

between the pressure in the pipeline

Fig. 5: Block diagram of a PID control

The PID controller is the best known

in the industrial sector. This product

is the result of the linear mixing of

three modes, the proportional mode

(

P), the integral mode (I) and the

derivative mode (D) [7].

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Development of an automated system for the efficient management of demineralized water pumping in a

water treatment plant.

The error signal present is multiplied

by a constant factor known as the

proportional mode gain (K_r ). This

results in the proportional mode

corrective effect (4):

2.5

Analysis of the control

model

Figure 6 describes the work process

for the creation and study of a factory

control model. It begins with the

collection of technical information

and literature review and then

formulates the topic. Based on this

data, two models are generated in

MATLAB: the current model and a

recent PI model, using the relevant

data for each [4].

푃 = 푘 푒(푡)

(4)

푟

As the name suggests, the integral

mode incorporates the current error

and the integral is influenced by a

퐾

ꢅ

constant , where ꢆ is known as the

ꢇ

푇

푖

integral action time. Therefore, the

corrective effect of the integral mode

(

5) is obtained:

Then, a study of the expected results

and a comparison between the

current model and the recent model

is carried out based on the actual

퐾

ꢅ

ꢈ

퐼 = _푇∫ 푒(푡)푑푡.

(5)

0

푖

The derivative method obtains the

error signal present by multiplying

that result by a constant ꢉ ꢆ , where

process of the plant.

Finally,

푟

퐷

conclusions are derived based on

this analysis, leading to the

suggestion of installing ultrasonic

sensors to improve the system [7].

ꢆ_퐷is known as the derivative action

time. Therefore, the impact of the

derivative mode is presented (6):

ꢋꢌꢈ

ꢊ = ꢉ ꢆ

(6)

푟

퐷

ꢋꢈ

Fig. 6: Methodological analysis

61

Juiña et al. (2025)

3

. Results

the water level in a tank is simulated

in the model shown in Figure 7,

taking into account both the inlet and

outlet volumetric flow. This method

enables the accurate representation

of the system's vital variables, which

facilitates the creation of control

strategies that guarantee a constant

and stable supply, reducing energy

losses and enhancing operational

efficiency.

This section shows the findings

derived from the design of an

automated system for the efficient

management of demineralized water

pumping in a water treatment plant.

The development involved the

simulation of the process in a

controlled

MATLAB/Simulink, which allowed

demonstrating the dynamic

environment

using

The model created in Simulink

performance of the system under

various operating circumstances.

Responses to tank level, control

signals and the impact of simulated

modifications, such as variations in

inflow and outflow, were studied.

The commissioning of the PI

controller proved to be effective in

maintaining the predicted level, even

in the face of drastic alterations in

demand. The findings corroborate

the proposal as a feasible and

reproducible alternative to other

similar facilities.

includes

important

physical

parameters, such as pipe diameter,

gravitational acceleration and valve

throttling factors, enabling a realistic

representation of the hydraulic

system. Through the implementation

of mathematical functions and

integration blocks, the temporal

progression of the water level is

modeled, which is crucial for defining

automatic control algorithms. This

technique contributes significantly to

the development of intelligent

pumping systems that not only

maximize energy use, but also

ensure the stability of the treatment

process, meeting the technical

criteria required in contemporary

industrial environments.

The creation of an automated system

for the efficient management of

demineralized water pumping in a

water treatment plant satisfies the

demand of improving hydraulic

processes through the application of

computer tools such as MATLAB and

Simulink. The dynamic behavior of

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Revista Científica ‘‘INGENIAR”: Ingeniería, Tecnología e Investigación. Vol. 8 Núm. (16) 2025. ISSN: 2737-6249

Development of an automated system for the efficient management of demineralized water pumping in a

water treatment plant.

Fig. 7: Simulation of dynamic water level control by means of block diagram

3

.1

Presentation

of

300 to 350 seconds, a gradual

reduction in inflow is noted, although

the change in level is not

considerable due to the corrective

intervention of the PI controller. This

Disturbances:

•

300-350 (s): Reduction of the

inlet flow rate (simulates a pump

failure).

ability

to

rectify

early

on

600-620 (s): Sudden increase in

demonstrates a robust reaction to

initial disturbances of low intensity

and short duration, which is crucial in

industrial contexts where minimal

failures should not jeopardize the

overall process.

flow an

unexpected injection).

800-820 (s): Increase in output

simulates a leak or accidentally

rate

(simulates

(

opened valve).

3

.2

Tank level response with PI

Then, between 600 and 620

control and perturbations

seconds,

excess

injected.

water

is

Figure 8 shows that, within 0 to 300

seconds, the system manages to

stabilize the tank level around the 5-

meter equilibrium point. However,

when simulating a pump failure for

immediately

This

disturbance causes a sharp increase

in the level in the tank, reaching a

point of maximum at the setpoint.

Although the controller operates to

63

Juiña et al. (2025)

balance the excess, the system

requires significant time to return to

the expected value. Finally, the

change produced between 800 and

during the 800-820 seconds, a

gradual increase of the control signal

is observed in order to neutralize the

loss of water. The reaction shows

820 seconds, which is equivalent to

the

system's

response

to

a leak, causes a rapid reduction in

the level. Despite the abruptness of

the event, the system manages to

disturbances and its ability to adjust

to preserve the hydraulic balance.

3.2.2 Tank inlet and outlet flow

gradually

recover

the

level,

rate with disturbances

demonstrating its ability to recover

from situations of flow loss.

During the initial phase, the inflow

and outflow remain relatively

constant. In the interval from 300 to

3.2.1 Control signal generated by

the PI

350 seconds, the inflow decreases

The control signal remains constant

at the beginning, with slight

variations representing the initial

stabilization process. As the first

disturbance occurs (300-350 s), the

signal undergoes a small increase,

which compensates for the reduction

of the inflow. This verifies that the PI

controller is functioning properly,

regulating the water inflow to the tank

to keep the level within the set limits

without causing over-control.

significantly, indicating pump

a

failure. This drop is regulated by the

system, and although the output is

not significantly impacted, the mass

balance is preserved thanks to the

intervention of the controller.

In the second context (600-620 s),

the sharp increase in inflow causes a

significant difference in relation to

outflow, resulting in an increase in

the level in the reservoir. The third

change (800-820 s), linked to a

simulated leak, is illustrated as an

With the immediate administration of

water in the range of 600 to 620

seconds, the control signal shows a

significant reduction, even reaching

negative values. This response of

the controller seeks to reduce the

excessive amount of water in the

tank. Then, in the simulated leakage

increase in the outflow.

This

generates a negative variation in flow

that decreases the reservoir level.

The graph illustrates the reaction of

the system to these abrupt changes

in water conditions, reflecting its

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Development of an automated system for the efficient management of demineralized water pumping in a

water treatment plant.

ability to self-regulate to operational

disturbances.

Fig. 8: Analysis of the dynamic response of a PI control system to disturbances in the pumping

of demineralized water

3

.3

Tank level response with PI

treatment, favoring the efficiency of

the pumping system.

control

The initial section of Figure 9

presents the dynamic reaction of the

tank level to the intervention of a PI

The rapid determination of the level,

without significant overshoot or

steady state failure, is evidence of

the effectiveness of the automatic

control applied. This is particularly

significant in industrial environments,

where ensuring a stable level in the

tanks ensures a constant flow for

(Proportional-Integral) controller. It is

noted that the system quickly

reaches the 5-meter setpoint, which

demonstrates proper tuning of the

controller. The stability and lack of

noticeable fluctuations indicate that

subsequent processes.

In this

the

system

exhibits

positive

context, the application of artificial

intelligence control in the pumping

system not only optimizes hydraulic

performance but also enables safer

and more energy-efficient operation,

behavior, which allows maintaining

the water level within the operating

limits established by the industrial

process of demineralized water

65

Juiña et al. (2025)

a crucial aspect for a demineralized

water treatment plant.

underlines the importance of

automating the process by means of

a

properly established artificial

3.3.1 Control signal generated by

intelligence strategy.

the PI

3

.3.2 Tank inlet and outlet flow

The second segment of the diagram

shows the control signal produced by

the PI controller. At the beginning of

rate

The third segment of the diagram

shows the correlation between the

inflow and outflow of the reservoir.

Initially, the inflow is high, which

facilitates a rapid accumulation of

water to reach the required level.

When the set point is reached, both

the

procedure,

the

controller

provides a large value signal to

quickly rectify the discrepancy

between the present and desired

level. Then, the signal decreases as

the error is reduced, stabilizing at a

stable value that makes it possible to

maintain the system in a steady

state. This reaction is common in

properly regulated systems, in which

the integral action suppresses the

flows balance, representing

a

steady-state system in which the

inflow balances the outflow, keeping

the volume of water in the tank

unchanged.

This equilibrium is

steady-state

error

without

crucial to prevent interruptions in the

supply to subsequent treatment

processes.

jeopardizing the overall stability of

the process. The constant control

signal over time indicates that the

system has reached an ideal

operating state.

The

detected

flow

behavior

corroborates the effectiveness of the

automated system in controlling the

water conditions in the tank. The fast

reaction of the inlet flow and its

precise adjustment to balance the

outlet flow make it possible to reduce

losses and enhance the overall

performance of the system. In a

demineralized water purification

facility, this ensures continuity of

operations without overloading the

This behavior is crucial in industrial

applications, since it decreases the

mechanical exhaustion of the

pumping system mechanisms and

reduces energy use. In the scenario

of a demineralized water treatment

plant, where reliability and energy

efficiency are crucial elements, the

stability of the control signal

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Development of an automated system for the efficient management of demineralized water pumping in a

water treatment plant.

pumps or compromising water

quality, underscoring the importance

of incorporating automatic control

methods into pumping management.

Fig. 9: PI controller for automated demineralized water level system

3

.4

Tank level with PID control

which is crucial for sensitive

industrial processes. This precise

regulation increases the efficiency of

the pumping system, preventing

superfluous start-up and shut-down

The initial section of Figure 10 shows

the reaction of the tank level to the

intervention of a PID controller. An

accurate stabilization of the level

around the set point of 5 meters is

noted, without a considerable jump

and with a fast convergence. This

behavior demonstrates an optimal

tuning of the controller, crucial to

ensure the hydraulic stability of the

system and to prevent energy losses

related to oscillations or overloads.

cycles

and

decreasing

of

the

deterioration

electromechanical elements of the

treatment system.

3.4.1 PID control signal

The control signal produced by the

PID algorithm is shown in the second

part. It is shown that, after a large

initial impulse, the signal quickly

reaches a stable operating zone,

signaling an effective control effort at

the start followed by a continuous

The application of the PID controller

facilitates the maintenance of the

demineralized water level within the

established operating parameters,

67

Juiña et al. (2025)

response with minimal intervention.

This suggests a properly balanced

system, with proportional, integral

and derivative control parameters set

appropriately.

the desired level, while the outflow

remains reduced. Once the desired

level has been reached, the two

flows stabilize, indicating that the

system has reached hydraulic

equilibrium, an essential requirement

for a constant and safe treatment

process.

The constant behavior of the

regulating

signal

ensures

an

accurate modulation of the inflow to

the tank, reducing variability and

favoring energy savings. The signal

output evidences the ability of the

automated system to maintain

optimal operation without the need

for human intervention, achieving the

efficiency objectives in water

treatment plants.

The stabilization of flow rates shows

the effectiveness of the applied

control, since the excessive use of

the pump is prevented, decreasing

the use of energy and extending the

durability of the device.

This

behavior is fundamental in the

creation of automated demineralized

water pumping systems, in which the

aim is to optimize operational

efficiency without affecting the quality

of the processed water.

3.4.2 Inlet and outlet flows

The third part shows the inflow and

outflow of the tank. Initially, the

inflow increases abruptly to balance

Fig. 10: PID controller for demineralized water level control system

68

Revista Científica ‘‘INGENIAR”: Ingeniería, Tecnología e Investigación. Vol. 8 Núm. (16) 2025. ISSN: 2737-6249

Development of an automated system for the efficient management of demineralized water pumping in a

water treatment plant.

4

. Conclusions

The PI regulator produced a control

signal that showed invariable

behavior after the initial adjustment

stage, avoiding oscillations that could

generate an excess of control.

During the immediate injection event

The automated system for pumping

demineralized water was tested

through

MATLAB/Simulink

which allowed

simulations,

demonstrating the dynamic behavior

of the water level under different

operating conditions. This shows

that the suggested control strategy is

viable for implementation in industrial

(

600-620 s), the signal decreased

significantly, even reaching negative

values, reflecting an immediate

action to avoid tank overfilling. Then,

before the simulated leak (800-820

environments,

where

process

s), the signal experienced

sustained increase. This adaptive

capability avoids unnecessary

a

continuity and system reliability are

crucial factors for the overall

effectiveness of the water treatment

plant.

mechanical wear of the pumps and

decreases energy use, meeting the

efficiency

and

sustainability

The simulation tests contemplated

disturbances such as pump failures,

unexpected water injection and

leaks. In all situations, the controller

was able to recover the tank level

with acceptable response times,

demonstrating its ability to control

itself. The robustness of the control

signal in the face of unforeseen

events indicates a robust and

requirements demanded by the

uninterrupted operation of water

treatment plants.

The system experienced three

fundamental changes: a pump failure

(

300-350 s), unplanned water

management (600-620 s) and a leak

800-820 s). In each circumstance,

(

the PI controller managed to recover

the water level without serious

overshoot or dropping. For example,

the rapid rise in level after

administration was adjusted in a

adaptable system.

This skill is

crucial in industrial companies,

where interruptions or deviations in

operating

parameters

can

compromise the quality of treatment

and cause significant losses.

subsequent

period

without

compromising operation. For the

leak, the level dropped rapidly but

69

Juiña et al. (2025)

recovered while maintaining stability.

These findings are evidence of the

system's ability to handle real

operating circumstances without

compromising quality or process

continuity.

allowing effective flow regulation

without requiring human intervention.

Precise regulation of the inflow

ensures logical and sustainable

energy operation. In demineralized

water treatment centers, this reaction

contributes to maintaining optimal

operating conditions, reinforcing

system reliability and process

excellence.

The use of the PID controller in the

automated system allowed a precise

and agile stabilization of the tank

level around the 5-meter set point,

thus preventing large impulses. The

system's response showed effective

convergence to the set point, even in

the face of initial variations, thus

ensuring robust hydraulic control.

This performance is vital in sensitive

industrial processes, as it avoids

disturbances that could compromise

treatment quality. In addition, PID

control contributes to reducing

mechanical wear and tear, reducing

Acknowledgement:

I would like to express my sincere

thanks to Jimmy Toaza, Carlos

Quinatoa and José Luis Camacho for

their valuable cooperation in carrying

out this study. Their commitment,

knowledge and dedication were

essential to achieve the established

goals. I particularly appreciate the

joint work done in each phase of the

work, from data collection to the

evaluation of the results. Without the

continuous support and willingness

of each of you, this research would

not have been feasible.

unnecessary

start-ups

and

promoting continuity of operations

under stable and energy-efficient

circumstances.

The PID produced a control signal

with ideal behavior: after an intense

start to correct the discrepancy with

the setpoint, it quickly stabilized in a

constant operating area.

This

characteristic evidence an adequate

organization of the proportional,

integral and derivative parameters,

70

Revista Científica ‘‘INGENIAR”: Ingeniería, Tecnología e Investigación. Vol. 8 Núm. (16) 2025. ISSN: 2737-6249

Development of an automated system for the efficient management of demineralized water pumping in a

water treatment plant.

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