Smith & Loveless standardizes digital pump station control

Municipal and industrial pump stations increasingly require clearer operational visibility and simpler upgrades from legacy relay logic. Addressing this need, Smith & Loveless Inc. introduced the PumpLogix™ Plus pump station controller, a standardized control platform for duplex and triplex above-ground pumping systems.

Relay replacements with integrated HMI
Many existing lift stations still rely on hardwired relay logic, which can limit diagnostics and require custom panel redesigns during upgrades. PumpLogix™ Plus replaces these relay-based schemes with a controller that includes a front-mounted touchscreen LCD interface.

The human-machine interface (HMI) provides direct access to system status, navigation menus, and embedded help screens. This allows operators and maintenance staff to review alarms, operating states, and configuration parameters at the panel without additional external devices. The standardized I/O design supports two- or three-pump configurations using built-in capacity rather than custom panel modifications.

Core I/O and level control in one package
The controller includes four relay outputs dedicated to pump control and station alarm functions. Level monitoring is handled through a primary level transducer with a backup float arrangement, a common redundancy approach in wastewater lift stations to maintain operation if one sensing method fails.

To improve situational awareness, the interface displays an approximate wet well level using an internal level simulation based on sensor inputs. This gives operators a visual indication of basin conditions, supporting faster assessment during maintenance or alarm events.

Variable speed operation tied to basin conditions
PumpLogix™ Plus can also manage variable frequency drives (VFDs). By adjusting pump speed references according to measured wet well levels, the controller supports more gradual response to inflow changes compared with fixed-speed cycling. This operating method can reduce hydraulic transients and mechanical stress associated with frequent starts and stops.

Such control strategies are commonly used in wastewater and stormwater systems to balance energy use, pump wear, and overflow risk, particularly in networks that form part of a broader digital supply chain for municipal infrastructure data.

Environmental protection and remote access
The enclosure is rated NEMA 4/4X, indicating protection against water ingress, corrosion, and windblown dust, which are typical environmental exposures for lift station electrical panels.

The controller is compatible with S&L RemoteView™, a remote monitoring platform that allows off-site access to pump station status and alarms. Remote connectivity supports troubleshooting and performance checks without requiring personnel to travel to each location, which can shorten response times and reduce maintenance effort across distributed sewer collection assets.

Application scope
PumpLogix™ Plus is designed for municipal wastewater authorities, rural sewer systems, private and commercial developments, industrial facilities, military installations, and park infrastructure. These applications often use above-ground duplex or triplex pump stations where safe access to controls and clear system feedback are important for routine operation and emergency response.

By standardizing hardware, integrating HMI-based monitoring, and supporting VFD control, the platform consolidates functions that were previously spread across relays, standalone indicators, and external monitoring devices, simplifying panel design and long-term maintenance.

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