Sourcing and Migrating the SIMATIC PCS 7 Water Library - Transition to Industry Library (IL)

The standalone 'SIMATIC PCS 7 Water Library' is no longer offered or distributed as an independent product for modern SIMATIC PCS 7 versions (including v8.1, v8.2, v9.0, and newer). Siemens officially integrated the functionality, algorithms, and faceplates of the former Water Library into the SIMATIC PCS 7 Industry Library (IL). To implement water, wastewater, or municipal utility automation in PCS 7 v8.1 or higher, engineers must procure the SIMATIC PCS 7 Industry Library and utilize its standardized technological blocks (such as Aggr16, VlvPos, and MonDi08) alongside preconfigured water application templates available via Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) or specialized sector support.

Evolution from Water Library to SIMATIC PCS 7 Industry Library

During the lifecycle of SIMATIC PCS 7 v7.0 and v7.1, Siemens maintained several sector-specific libraries, including the SIMATIC PCS 7 Water Library, designed specifically for potable water treatment plants, desalination facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, and distribution pumping networks.

With the release of SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.0 and the Advanced Process Library (APL) design paradigm, Siemens restructured its sector libraries:
- The standalone Water Library was declared phased out around 2012.
- All specialized algorithms (multi-pump aggregation, polygon flow calculations, weir gate positioners, weir monitoring, and energy-optimized dosing) were consolidated into the SIMATIC PCS 7 Industry Library (IL).
- The Industry Library was designed as a direct modular extension to the APL, ensuring uniform look-and-feel, OS faceplate ergonomics, alarm handling, and seamless integration with SIMATIC WinCC and Comfort Operator Panels.

Key Functional Blocks in the Industry Library Water Suite

The Industry Library provides technological blocks tailored to municipal water and process industrial engineering:

Aggr16 (FB1113): Manages aggregate management for up to 16 identical units (e.g., raw water intake pumps, aerators, sand filters). It handles automatic runtime equalization, priority switching, maintenance rotation, and cascade staging/destaging based on demand signals.
VlvPos (FB1111): Controls motorized control valves and weir penstocks with continuous position feedback, inching control, and travel time monitoring.
MonDi08 (FB1102): Multi-channel digital monitoring block for binary status signals, motor protection trip contacts, and dry-run switches.
TimeTrig (FB1114): Programmable time trigger block for recurring maintenance cycles, periodic backwashing, and scheduled sampling.
Panel Blocks (PC_...): Paired interface blocks enabling operators to view and command water technological blocks directly from local SIMATIC Comfort Panels situated at remote pump stations.

Functional Comparison: Legacy Water Library vs Industry Library

The table below outlines key architectural differences:

FeatureLegacy Water Library (v7.0/v7.1)Industry Library (v8.0/v8.1/v8.2+)Design StandardClassic Standard LibraryAdvanced Process Library (APL) StyleHMI FaceplatesClassic WinCC OCXHigh-Resolution APL FaceplatesTouch Panel IntegrationLimited (WinCC flexible manual)Native TIA Portal Comfort Panel BlocksAggregate ManagementUp to 8 units (Aggr08)Up to 16 units (Aggr16) with runtime equalizationOperating System SupportWindows XP / Server 2003Windows 7 / Windows 10 / Server 2012 R2AvailabilityDiscontinued / Phased OutActive Product (Siemens Industry Mall)

Step-by-Step Procedure: Sourcing and Deploying Water Templates

To obtain and implement water automation functions in PCS 7 v8.1:

Step 1: Install SIMATIC PCS 7 Industry Library

Obtain the official Industry Library installation media matching your PCS 7 release (e.g., Industry Library V8.1 for PCS 7 V8.1).
Run Setup.exe on the Engineering Station and all OS Servers/Clients.
Transfer the floating engineering license via Automation License Manager (ALM).

Step 2: Access Water Application Templates

Navigate to the Siemens Industry Online Support portal (SIOS) and search for 'PCS 7 Water Industry Learning Suite' or 'Water & Wastewater Application Templates' (Topic ID: 109780813 / 78648076).
If templates require authorization, contact your local Siemens branch or email [email protected] specifying your project details and PCS 7 version.
Download the template library archive (.zip).

Step 3: Integrate into Master Data Library

In SIMATIC Manager, retrieve the downloaded template library.
Open your project's Master Data Library.
Copy the required water templates (CFC models and CMTs) into your Master Data Library Templates folder.
Copy the underlying Industry Library blocks (IL_PCS7 and IL_PAC) into the MDL Blocks folder.
Perform Options > Charts > Update Block Types across all target AS programs.

Verification

To confirm that Industry Library water blocks are operating correctly:
1. Block Update Consistency: In SIMATIC Manager, select the AS station and run Options > Charts > Update Block Types. Verify that all IL blocks show identical versions between the Master Data Library and the target chart folders.
2. CFC Test Mode: Open a test CFC containing Aggr16; switch to test mode and simulate pump operating hours. Confirm that the lead pump switches automatically to balance operating hours according to configured criteria.
3. OS Faceplate Test: Open the corresponding WinCC runtime picture. Click the pump aggregate block icon; verify that the standard APL-style faceplate opens with complete command views, maintenance overrides, and hour meters.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Engineers deploying the Industry Library must observe:
- Direct in-place migration of legacy Water Library blocks (W_AGGR, W_VALVE) to Industry Library blocks is not supported; parameter structures and data types differ significantly, requiring manual re-engineering.
- Always validate final license quantities and MLFBs against the applicable Siemens catalog and authorized distributor quotation. Software packages must be purchased for active, supported releases.
- Industry Library blocks consume standard AS Process Object (PO) runtime licenses; verify controller SEC card headroom prior to instantiating large multi-pump templates.

Engineer FAQ

Where can I find video tutorials for water engineering in PCS 7?

Siemens hosts the 'Water Industry Learning Suite' on the official Siemens website, demonstrating multi-pump control, flow totalization, and panel integration using the Industry Library.

Does the Industry Library require separate OS Runtime licenses?

No separate WinCC runtime license is required specifically for Industry Library faceplates beyond standard WinCC RT PO licenses. However, the AS engineering and runtime licenses must be properly licensed via ALM.

Can Industry Library blocks run on standard S7-400 CPUs?

Yes. Industry Library blocks are fully qualified for standard S7-400 CPUs (e.g., CPU 414-3, CPU 416-3, CPU 417-4) as well as the Process Automation controller CPU 410-5H.