THE new Programme Logic Control (PLC) System installed at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) by HM Project Services of Holland  is now 95% in operation after its successful test run yesterday.

A training session which lasted for over two hours was conducted by  the contracting and installation company for the DHB maintenance and operation staff, who were able to experience the  full functioning of the new system.
The new PLC which cost $16.1M would see a fully computerised operation between the eastern and western control booths on the bridge.
Henny Muskens, who detailed the retractor control system conversion, indicated that this new system has removed the large and outdated equipment which was installed on the DHB some 15 years ago.
He explained that it is now replaced by the smaller but modernised system which comprises the PLC control and a wireless internet modem which allows the system to communicate to the four stations on the bridge that are responsible for the opening and closing of the structure.
The training session brought the operators and maintenance team up to date with the new technology and gave them a first-hand opportunity to see the operation in place as the bridge opened on its regular schedule around midday yesterday.
In operation, the new system which was controlled from a laptop computer saw precision opening, but adjustments would have to be made to the speed and similar controls in the event of tidal pressure.
During the test run, General Manager of DHB, Mr. Rawlston Adams, gave  particulars of the operation of the opening and closing and indicated that this new state-of-the-art installation would increase the service of the DHB to its fullest capacity.
He noted that if for some reason there is no communication to the main control panel, the system could still function manually and be as effective as if it were connected via wireless.
Engineer Corne Veronde from the contracting firm that installed the new PLC system indicated that when completed, this will be one of the first and most modern PLC systems in South America.
Meanwhile, the fine-tuning is expected be completed in 24 hours and the final test will be done today at 13:00 hrs when the bridge will be  opened.