At the start of this month, the Water Byelaws Scheme was replaced by the
Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS), following the introduction of the
Water Supply (Fittings) Regulations 1999. The move will bring about some
interesting changes.
The move arises out of a need to make codes of practices easier to
understand and to harmonise the UK regulations with those of Europe.
Focus on backflow
Greater compatibility of regulations also extends to the technologies now in
use in keeping water safe and free from contaminants. The problem of
backflow, for instance, has come in for some considerable attention.
Backflow occurs when flow in a water distribution system is reversed
creating the possibility of drawing in contaminants. Backflow can lead to
the degradation of industrial or domestic water supplies.
To prevent this contamination, the WRc (Water Research Centre) which will
administer the WRAS, stipulates that a protection device must be used.
Until recently the only universally applied system in the UK which had been
officially ratified by the WRc in Byelaw 25 was the type A air gap system.
However this remedy was not without its problems. For example, the air gap
system necessitates the water supply being open to atmosphere, therefore
allowing the possibility of debris and bacteria to enter the supply.
Also, because prolonged storage of a small amount of water is necessary for
the system to function effectively the water may not be thought clean
enough for some industries, such as the food industry.
The RPZ solution
An alternative to the type A air gap system is a mechanical device that
controls backflow by reducing the pressure zones – generally known as an RPZ
valve.
Danfoss has been using the RPZ valve, through its Socla valve range on
mainland Europe and in the US for over 25 years.
Although accredited and used by several UK water authorities, until now it
has not been widely used in the UK. The relaxation of the type A air gap
stipulation means that industry is now freed up to use the RPZ valve and is
beginning to fully appreciate its benefits.
But what exactly is an RPZ valve and how does it work? Basically the
technology is very simple. The valve protects the potable water supply by
interrupting the continuity of the supply to the user automatically whenever
there is a shift in pressure.
This technology can be put to use in virtually any network no matter how
complex. For example many different industries, agricultural, chemical and
general industrial are served by the same mains supply network, but of
course may be operating different in-house systems, with water pressures
that differ from that of the mains.
The Socla range of RPZ valves will work with any system no matter how
complex or seemingly incompatible guaranteeing a pollution free solution.
There are several advantages of using the RPZ-type valve. In food
processing, for example, the use of RPZ valves could remove the cost of
maintaining large holding tanks usually in a roof space – which comply
with the type A air gap system. Removing these tanks could save space and
minimise plant investment costs.
There is also the actual cost of the valve if the price of a pump and
break tank are taken into account, there can be savings of 80% including
labour.
The RPZ simply fits into the supply system, all working parts can be
accessed quickly and no extra piping is required.
The addition of an RPZ valve will not only reduce maintenance requirements
but eliminate the need for a separate pump, as mains pressure is maintained
at all times.
Strict monitoring
Both type A air gap systems and RPZ valves must be subjected to strict
maintenance and monitoring procedures under the regulations, with at least
an annual performance check for which the user is responsible.
The Socla RPZ valve range has two kinds of maintenance kit for quickly
monitoring performance.
A check list is included with the kit which explains the test method and
functionality of the following:
– upstream stop valve
– discharge valve
– stop valve
– downstream check valve
It also tests the differential pressure, which triggers supply
disconnection. The kits ensure that maintenance and compliance with
regulation testing is a simple procedure.
Five Fluid Categories
There are some instances when the RPZ valve would not be suitable for use.
It is believed that plans are afoot under the WRAS for five categories of
fluid ( previously only three).
The categories will range from one for potable, wholesome water through
to five, for water with serious contaminant possibilities.
The latter category covers radio active fluids and fluids containing
life-threatening pathogens, for which the RPZ valve would not be suitable.
In conclusion, the harmonisation of the of anti-pollution systems with
European standards is likely to have a positive effect on manufacturing
industry.
The previous system of byelaws in the UK sometimes meant that what was legal
in one district was outlawed in another. A confusing and unsatisfactory
state of affairs.
Now that RPZ valves have been accredited, potential customers have a wider
choice and will be able to make an informed decision based on suitability
and cost.
© Faversham House Ltd 2023 edie news articles may be copied or forwarded for individual use only. No other reproduction or distribution is permitted without prior written consent.
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