Burkert valves offer top-up facility to existing systems

Rainwater harvesting systems have many benefits, not only to the environment but also to the average householder as well as business. The collection systems are helping to address the ever-increasing demand for drinking water.


Burkert servo-assisted solenoid valves are offering the top-up facility on rainwater collection systems provided by Rainharvesting Systems, a UK specialist in the technology.

Used in both commercial and domestic premises, the collection systems are helping to offset the ever-growing demand for drinking water, providing an alternative water source for facilities such as toilets, washing machines, garden irrigation systems and swimming pools.

The large amounts of water they collect can also help to reduce the risk of flooding.

Although rainwater harvesting has traditionally been practised in arid and semi-arid areas, the detrimental effects of global warming mean that even UK householders will need to reduce their water consumption substantially over the next few decades. The reason for this is because of the projected fall in the volume of water provided by UK rivers over the next 40 years.

Waste not, want not
Rainwater harvesting has a significant role to play in achieving this reduction. Presently, up to 50% of the 160l of water used by each person daily in the UK need not be drinking quality water, so using rainwater from the roofs of buildings would greatly reduce consumption. In addition, collecting rainwater also helps to prevent flooding – especially in urban areas – by reducing the amount of stormwater discharged to soakaways or storm drains.

Rainharvesting Systems, based in Stroud, has been designing rainwater collection systems since 1994. The company provides systems for domestic use, as well as for schools, offices and industrial and agricultural buildings.

The systems are fully automatic and only activate when water is required. Moreover, in the event that there is insufficient rainwater in the collection tank to meet demand, the system has the facility for mains water top-up.

This is provided by the Mains Water Top-Up Unit, via a solenoid valve that operates to let mains water fill the tank to the minimum level required.

Float switch

The solenoid valve is a Burkert 6213, 2/2 servo-assisted unit, which can be used universally on fluids. Operated by a remote low-level float switch on the rainwater tank, the 6213 is IP65 rated and is characterised by the following:

  • It can switch from zero bar;
  • Its high flow rate;
  • Its low noise; and
  • Its anti-water hammer design.

The valve is designed to close slowly. Moreover, the optimised design of the valve means it requires minimal servicing, keeping maintenance requirements to a minimum.

In addition to the 6213 top-up valve, Burkert is also offering its 8175 ultrasonic level sensor and 8035 flow meter as a package for easy integration with the control systems used for rainwater collection.

Designed for liquid level or volume measurement in open or closed vessels, the 8175 level sensor provides the benefits of non-contact, sensing over distances up to 10 meters.

Easy integration

The unit can be integrated easily into almost any building management system, due to its 4-20 mA output signal. The 8035 flow meter completes the package, providing users with the ability to easily totalise the amount of water they are using.

Available as a compact version, or for control cabinet or remote mounting, the 8035 is a robust IP65-rated, inline unit that also has a 4-20mA output for connection to building management control systems.

www.burkert.com

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