Computer based architecture to control water detritiation process

•Pilot Plant by ICSI includes specific development of SCADA system for tritium separation technology based on LPCE process.•SCADA system provides main data acquisition and process control functions at the supervisory level.•The application provides to the operator reliable information for an effective control and quick response as it is required.•The application assures an extensive automatic control to decrease human errors rate.•SCADA of PESTD offers the confidence to recommend this approach for designing a control system for any tritium application. This paper presents control architecture of Liquid Phase Catalytic Exchange (LPCE) process from Pilot Plant for Tritium and Deuterium Separation (PESTD) ICSI Rm. Valcea, as part of plant control and safety strategy. The PESTD control system has been built on distributed control and SCADA, in order to achieve the facility's goal to detritiate heavy water, protecting the personnel, the public and the environment. The architecture of control system combined with hardware configuration and software applications avoid process control interruption and keep it within safety limits. This new system is realized as response to updated requirements for PESTD related to process configuration and safety requirements (related to tritium and hydrogen) considering applicable norms and laws of the Romanian Regulatory Body for nuclear activities. The work done to implement these requirements has been complex, especially due to the particularity of the existing situation. The experience gained during development of LPCE process control was used to complete control system of PESTD and manage the ongoing changes that characterize a research facility. The approach used in LPCE process can be considered for other similar facilities, with differences and particularities resulting from the applicable local legislation.