The DVGW is an organization that establishes
standards and test protocols. It also approves or
certifies laboratories to then conduct testing
according to those standards and protocols. The same
can be said for NSF in the US.
The DVGW is located in Bonn, Germany. It
has its own laboratory by the name of TZW located in
Karlruhe, Germany. Beyond that, the DVGW has certified
some twenty plus privately owned laboratories throughout
central Europe who are authorized to conduct
certification testing. The same holds true for NSF. It
has its own laboratory and those certified by NSF like
WQA, UL and Pace Laboratories to name a few.
The DVGW also issues test marks or
certifications (i.e. the WQA equivalent of a "Gold
Seal") like the "W510" standard. Their internal code for
the W510 certification is "9191 - Kalkschutzanlage"
(scale protection device). In order to obtain the W510
certification seal or certification mark, the applicant
has to pass a total of three test protocols: Efficacy
(W512), material safety and structural integrity.
Learn more about DVGW 9191 - Water Devices for Scale
Prevention
The DVGW 9191 - Anti-Scale standard uses the worlds
strictest guidelines to determine the effectiveness
of a system to prevent scale using Worksheet W 510.
W510 combines 3 testing requirements that all
systems must pass: 1) Structural Integrity, 2)
Microbiological Testing (W 270 and KTW tests) and 3)
Performance in Scale Prevention (W512). Unlike the
NSF acceptable passing level of 50% for performance,
the DVGW protocol for scale prevention performance
(W 512) requires 80% or better to pass. In order to
obtain a certification under DW-9191 with test
report W 510 you must pass at least 4 separate
tests, plus the W 510 requirements. Pelican has
passed all 5 requirements to be listed as a DW-9191
certified product.
The DVGW W 512 standard is the most stringent of its
type in the world. In order to be subjected to the
most rigorous test protocol possible, sparing no
expense, we have commissioned to have our equipment
performance not tested in the US , but tested by a
DVGW certified laboratory in the home country of the
standard itself, Germany. The test aims to simulate
real life conditions over an exceptionally long
period of time using some extremely challenging
natural well water.
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DVGW W 270 & KTW Assessments - Microbiological
Testing |
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To protect drinking water from microorganisms on
non-metallic materials, the DVGW indicated the
necessity for adherence to the requirements set out
in the DVGW Code of Practice W 270 "The growth of
microorganisms on materials intended for use in
drinking water systems - examination and
assessment!". DVGW also established KTW Assessments
which test all plastic parts, coatings, rubber and
lubricants to UBA and BGA guidelines to ensure
chemicals are not leeched into your water.
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Why we publish our test data and others do not |
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True in both Europe and the US, a certification is a
pass/fail proposition. The certification states that
the applicant has passed and fulfilled the
requirements of the standard. Individual test
results are not published in either jurisdiction.
The reason for that is due to the minimum
requirement to past those tests. For example, NSF 42
requires at least 50% reduction in order to pass.
That means a product claiming certification may only
remove 50% at the end of filter life. As a result
most companies wont publish their test data, fearing
the consumer seeing their low results at end of
filter life.
Pelican publishes its test data because we acheived
a 99.6% scale prevention rating during the entire
length of the test. No other salt free system has
received a certified rating that high.
Note: Just
1/4" of scale build-up can increase heating costs by 40%
or more. Observe the scale build up on the untreated
side after only 3 days of operation.
A salt free water softener is any device, substance or
process that when applied will result in any, or all of
the following benefits to varying degrees in the areas
of scale reduction, improved cleaning / housekeeping and
subjective improvements in personal care without the use
of sodium/potassium chloride.
The Water Quality Association (WQA) is a
not-for-profit international trade association
representing the residential, commercial,
industrial, and small community water treatment
industry. WQA maintains a close dialogue with other
organizations representing different aspects of the
water industry in order to best serve consumers,
government officials, and industry members. WQA is a
resource and information source, a voice for the
industry, an educator for professionals, a
laboratory for product testing, and a communicator
to the public.
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About the WQA Gold Seal Certification Program |
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The Water Quality Association's Gold Seal
Certification Program is dedicated to providing
public health and safety services throughout the USA
and globally, while maintaining expert service,
superior reputation, and fair pricing. The Gold Seal
Program offers certification of all products and
chemicals that contact drinking water.
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