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UTC SENTINELTM -- ELECTRONIC URINAL TANK CONTROL SYSTEM
CAT. 03-022 |
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PROCESS/ PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
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Commercial, industrial, institutional, or multi-residential facilities that have washrooms equipped with overhead urinal tanks typically use far more water than is required to effectively purge single or multiple urinals. Water Matrix TM has developed an electronic water conservation technology for urinal tank control that is automated and vandal resistant while preventing both drain degradation and odour. | The UTC SentinelTM integrates an infrared motion sensor and a programmable control unit to automate flushing of urinal tanks after a timed delay after use, or at the end of an inactivity countdown. The system conforms to the plumbing code and the control unit is CSA approved. Automatic flush counting software is integrated to monitor and to document reductions in water consumption. | Installations generally demonstrate 85% to 95% reductions in water usage, translating to a payback period of approximately one year.
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PROCESS/ PRODUCT APPLICATION:
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The UTC Sentinel is appropriate for new construction projects or retrofits for flush valves or urinal tanks. In new construction and flush-valve retrofit applications, this product provides a cost effective and flexible means of controlling multi-urinal washrooms. Maintenance associated with the fixture is reduced or eliminated and previously unflushed fixtures are now guaranteed to be flushed after use. Urinal tank retrofits eliminate excessive consumption while ensuring that urinals remain sufficiently primed. | The programmable timed delay sequence is particularly beneficial for washroom facilities that experience high traffic at set time periods (i.e., school recesses and/or lunch hours). The delay can be set such that flushing occurs after a preset delay time period. | Table 1 illustrates the savings potential for a UTC Sentinel installation at a facility occupied 10 hours per day for 200 days of the year. This includes a flush cycle activated once every 24 hours during periods of inactivity. |
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PROCESS/ PRODUCT OPERATION:
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Used to monitor the immediate area in front of one or more urinals, the passive infrared motion sensor activates a pre-set time delay which signals the Programmable Control Unit to activate a central solenoid valve. Pre-cut masks on the sensor limit the field of activation so that false flushes are prevented. A slow actuating Ònormally closedÓ solenoid valve is used to eliminate wear associated with persistent sudden flow impact and remains closed on power failure. It can be placed out of sight, protecting it from vandalism. In new construction and flush valve retrofits, it is located in the main supply line; for urinal tank retrofits, it is situated in the overhead urinal tank. The motion sensor can be flush mounted, surface mounted, or recessed in the ceiling above. The Programmable Control Unit regulates the timed delay after use, the inactivity timer, and the flow volume through the solenoid valve. These parameters are set via simple push-button programming. The control unit has a low power requirement (Input: 120V AC/ 60Hz/ 35W; Output: 24V DC/1.2Amps) and can be located in a closet or separate room if desired. In normal operation, there are three control zones. When the inactivity timer is activated, the urinals are flushed within a pre-programmed period (1Ð99 hours), ensuring that the traps are primed at all times and odour is prevented. |
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| When the motion sensor delay is activated a countdown timer is initiated so that there is one flush at the end of the timing period. The solenoid valve cycle time signals the system to fill the urinal tank to a preset volume in a predetermined time period, and works in conjunction with both the inactivity control zone and the active use periods. Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the system configuration. | For high traffic washrooms, these features conserve water while allowing the flexibility to program in accordance with the use patterns of individual installations. The system also tracks flush frequency as a part of an overall water conservation strategy. Table 2 compares water consumption patterns for two urinal tanks before and after UTC Sentinel retrofit installation at a public school. | ||
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VENDOR INFORMATION: Water MatrixTM |
In addition to being an Original Equipment Manufacturer, Water MatrixTM sells directly to end users and provides full contracting services in the field of water conservation for both retrofit and new construction projects. The company offers a free preliminary analysis of savings potential and free trials of its proprietary water conservation equipment. | Water conservation savings guarantees are available upon request. In addition to offering financing and lease contracting, the company is able to offer performance contracting due to its designation as a Water & Energy Service Company (WESCO). A patent application for the UTC SentinelTM has been filed. | The company has also developed an automated bleeding system, the No-Freeze Sentinelª, which substantially reduces the amount of flowing water required to prevent pipes from freezing in homes where manual bleeders are used. |
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This document was originally published October, 1999. It is best viewed with a 640 x 480 monitor setting. While OCETA has reviewed this product/process with the Vendor and conducted limited independent investigation, OCETA assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information.
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