Instrumentation firm VEGA Controls has announced an apparent first for the water sector – the WRAS approval of a submersible pressure sensor as a whole device.
The VEGAWELL submersible pressure sensor is the first and only transmitter of this type to be fully WRAS certified, says the firm, meeting the requirements of Regulation 31 (4)(b). The certification means it will not contaminate or harbour microbial growth when used in potable or drinking water. So it can be deployed anywhere on the water supply chain: from the heart of a water treatment facility, to monitoring in the network or measurement of drinking water on a business premises.
Uniquely for this type of sensor, it has been fully laboratory tested and assessed as a compete device/assembly. This was on top of the materials of the individual components, which included testing and scrutiny of their composition, design and surface finishes. A newly certified material has also been added, the 99.9% pure CERTEC® Sapphire ceramic that makes up the sensor diaphragm of the sensor.
VEGA Controls says this is what makes the measurement of these devices so highly accurate and repeatable with almost zero-drift, yet extremely robust, pressure-shock and overload resistant.
The VEGAWELL WRAS certified transmitter is now capable of cost effective, safe level and pressure measurement of drinking water throughout the supply chain. With ranges from 0.1 Bar to 60 Bar, it is extremely versatile, and suitable applications include clean water reservoirs, pump control, storage or small header tanks and associated pipework, found either in the water company supply or end users on- site storage or ‘towns water’ buffer tanks.
Additionally, it features integrated lightning protection as standard, PE cable lengths up to 1000m, as well as an optional PT100 output for water temperature measurement.
What is WRAS ?
It is the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme, a conformance mark that denotes compliance with high standards set out in the UK water regulations established in 1999. It covers all plumbing systems, water fittings, and equipment supplied, or to be supplied, with water from the public water supply.
The Water Regulations 1999 (and within those, Regulation 31) are enforced by the UK water supply companies (who act as appointed/authorised enforcement for the UK Government). A WRAS approval number is a way of proving adherence to the above legislation. Of course it needs to be used in an appropriate way to meet those regulations too.
Ray Tregale, MD of VEGA Controls highlighted the distinction of this certification: “Many manufacturers designate sensors as ‘approved’, but in reality they are not WRAS certified or listed on the WRAS website.”
