Feeling flush or could you save?
February 1st 2007 Fitting Cistermiser water controllers across all washrooms should save the
University of Nottingham around £25,000 in water charges per annum. What's
more, its products are listed on DEFRA's Water Technology List meaning capital and
installation costs can be written off against tax in the year of purchase
In the UK, urinals,WCs and other washroom utilities in commercial
premises and public buildings are initially kept hygienic by
periodic 'flushing' with water, generally via a cistern. This may be
either manually operated, or activated by an electronic sensor or
pressure pad, to ensure the utility is only flushed after use. Where
neither of these water saving devices are employed, it is necessary to
comply with the UK legal
requirement for the
inlet to the flushing
cistern to be
controlled by an
effective automatic
device that
regulates the
periods during
which the cistern
may fill.
In a washroom
with urinals it is
therefore
important to
prevent the
cistern
continually
'filling and
flushing', regardless of
washroom use or occupancy.
Restricting the flow of water into the
urinal cistern to periods when the washroom is
in use is best achieved by fitting infra-red or hydraulically
operated automatic control valves, such as those
manufactured by Cistermiser. These valves save up to 80%
of the water consumed via unrestricted auto-flush cisterns.As
commercial water consumption is generally metered, this can
result in a surprisingly significant cost saving with payback of
the cost of installation being achieved in a little over seven
months, depending on the type and occupancy of a building.
The Infrared Control Valve (IRC) solenoid opens when the
Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor detects washroom occupancy. The
sensor control can be pipe, wall or ceiling mounted, using battery
or mains power. An integrated flow regulator with a time
adjustment ensures that whilst the washroom is in use the cistern
flushes once every time the PIR activates the solenoid, with a
'hygiene' flush cycle if no movement is detected within 12 hours.
In just the first phase of a project carried out during Summer 2005,
installing Cistermiser IRCs on previously uncontrolled cisterns at The
University of Nottingham, it was estimated that the resultant annual
reduction in metered charges would be some £25,000 compared to
the cost of fitting controls, budgeted at less than £20,000, thereby
achieving payback within nine months.
The Hydraulic Valve (HFC) is mechanically activated when it senses
changes in water pressure as other washroom water services are
used, allowing water to flow into the urinal cistern.Three models are
available for mains water or tank-fed systems with head pressures
from 0.5 to 5 metres. Both HFC and IRC valve options allow the
amount of water deposited into the cistern to be adjusted.
A third option, 'Direct Flush'Urinal Flush Control has a sensor
remotely mounted on the outlet pipe from the waste. This detects
any change in electrical charge in the urinal pipe caused by urine
passing though it and sends a signal to the solenoid to flush.
Cistermiser also manufactures 'Easyflush'hygienic 'no touch' WC
control valves for commercial applications and which make life easier
for less-able users.
Cistermiser also offers entire customised washroom control via a
remote mounted sensor, utilising electronic control for all washroom
utilities, including electricity, lighting, fans/ventilation, hot and cold
water supply to washbasins and cold water supply to urinals and
WCs. One concealed control box for all applications can have up to
eight sensors for a number of washrooms.
Cistermiser IRC, HFC and Direct Flush valves are on DEFRA's Water
Technology List, qualifying under the Enhanced Capital Allowance
Scheme, meaning capital and installation costs can be written off
against tax in the year of purchase. More articles from Cistermiser Limited: | 
