VIBES Award: Environmental Product or Service

Highlights

  • Developed DERAGGER+, a device which prevents sewage pump blockages from rags or wet wipes
  • Pump blockages account for many sewage spillages, which cause considerable environmental damage
  • The product significantly increases pump efficiency and reduces energy consumption
  • Reduces labour costs and Health & Safety risks by minimising the manual unblocking of pumps
Sponsored by: NetRegs
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Clearwater Controls design, manufacture, sell and support their DERAGGER® anti-ragging and energy saving pump analyser and controller. This patented technology identifies and eliminates potential pump blockages, monitors the long-term condition of the pumps and reduces wear and tear caused by unbalanced loads.

The Environmental Product or Services Award recognises businesses that have developed, or are developing, a product or service that supports sustainable consumption, reduces environmental impact and creates new business opportunities. The judges felt this product was a worthy winner of the Environmental Product or Service Award.

Pump blockages are one of the key contributors of sewage spillages, which cause considerable environmental damage. In preventing pumps from ever getting blocked, the DERAGGER greatly reduces the likelihood of spillages. Clearwater Controls’ product increases pump efficiency and reduces energy consumption. In November 2016, Scottish Water installed two DERAGGERs in Shiresmill, Dunfermline; analysis showed energy consumption went down by 39% – and blockages were eliminated.

Software updates can be commissioned remotely. The product also has benefits on the working conditions of employees by minimising the need for manual unblocking of pumps.

Clearwater have been working in collaboration with Global Engineering company - Jacobs Engineering to enhance the breadth of the real time data that the DERAGGER collates. The project named AquaDNA™ – Dynamic Network Analysis will allow companies to customize a Real Time Dashboard that includes weather forecasting to help proactively minimise spillage risk.

The judges recognised the future potential for this product, through the enhanced reporting capability of the AquaDNA™ Dashboard, to enable predictive analysis of Networked Waste Water systems to prevent pollution incidents from happening and protecting biodiversity and habitats across wider areas of Scotland.

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"We are proud to have been recognised at this year’s VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards in the Environmental Product or Service category. Collecting a VIBES Award is a real testament to the hard work and commitment from everyone at Clearwater Controls towards reducing societys impact on the environment and we are proud to take our place amongst many excellent companies working hard to deliver a sustainable future. The Awards are a fantastic way to find out about what other businesses are doing and share best practice amongst a like-minded community that too want to improve their operations while benefiting the environment and it is hoped that others are inspired to follow suit." - Simon Crompton, Managing Director at Clearwater Controls Limited