MCERTS: Ultrasonic Flowmeters Focus

Sira Environmental Ltd delivers the MCERTS certification schemes, including MCERTS flowmeter certification, working closely with the Environment Agency (EA) to implement the required standards.

The MCERTS standard for Flowmeters was published in its current version (2.1) in March 2008. The standard specifies performance requirements and test procedures for flowmeters used for the monitoring of raw water abstraction, treated wastewater discharges from industrial processes, ultraviolet disinfection processes and industrial processes.

The standard applies to flowmeters making measurements of volumetric flow-rate or total volume passed in closed pressurised pipes, partially filled pipes and open channels. It also covers instruments which make measurements of fluid velocity, differential pressure or liquid level from which the instrument calculates, and outputs, a value for volumetric flow-rate or total volume passed.

There are now a number of MCERTS certified ultrasonic flowmeters available for use in open channels. MCERTS certified instruments are available from Emerson Mobrey, Pulsar Process Measurement and Siemens.

Derek Moore, Product Manager at Siemens Industry Automation and Drive Technologies gave his views on the MCERTS scheme, and how it has impacted on his company:

What advantages has MCERTS brought to your organisation?
“MCERTS has brought a level playing field in the market place which further assures our customers that they are purchasing a quality product that has been externally tested by an independent body to meet the requirements of open channel flow applications.”

Why did you initially seek certification on your products?
“As the global leader in the supply of ultrasonic products, Siemens understand the pressures set on our customers to meet new local legislation requirements. By certifying our products, we saw this as further way to strengthen the partnerships with our framework customers.”

Have you noticed an increase in demand for MCERTS products in the market?
“Siemens products sales continue to grow year on year and we believe that the demands set on our customers to comply with new legislation contribute to this success.”

Ultrasonic flowmeters in the field
Ultrasonic flowmeters are used extensively throughout industry and particularly in the water industry, where self-monitoring of effluent flow has been a requirement since 2004. More recently, the requirement for self monitoring of effluent flow has been extended to other industries too.

Industrial process operators therefore have a choice when specifying ultrasonic flow monitoring instruments. Each of the three manufacturers has submitted samples of their instruments for test, both in the laboratory and in the field. The resulting MCERTS product conformity certificate provides independent, verifiable evidence that the Environment Agency’s performance requirements have been met. Furthermore, it provides an assurance that the manufacturers own performance specifications are realistic.

MCERTS certificates have a validity period of 5 years after which, each instrument must undergo recertification. To recertify, the instrument must meet the requirements of the current MCERTS performance standard. This ensures all manufacturers are working to the same benchmark, and encourages continual improvement of products.

The Environment Agency’s Operator Monitoring Assessment Scheme (OMA) has been extended to cover emissions to water for over a year now (from April 2009). This has resulted in significant interest, amongst process operators, in MCERTS certified monitoring equipment, as it enables a process operator to gain a high score for certain sections of their OMA audit.

There has also been significant interest in MCERTS certified monitoring equipment, amongst manufacturers this year, with many of them working towards obtaining certification in time for the WWEM tradeshow in November.

More information about MCERTS (and the MCERTS standards) can be found at www.mcerts.net and existing MCERTS certificates and Sira services can be accessed at www.siraenvironmental.com. Alternatively your can email us at info@siraenvironmental.com

Footnote: If you are a manufacturer of MCERTS equipment and would like Sira to feature your product range and the impact MCERTS certification has had on your organization, please contact Sira at info@siraenvironmental.com