WATER HYGIENE AND SAFETY One of the additional benefits of installing Tanktronic is


its ability to streamline maintenance. The system provides detailed, accurate information on the condition of the water in storage tanks, meaning that maintenance teams no longer need rely solely on routine inspections to check for issues. Instead, they can perform targeted maintenance when the system alerts them to a potential problem, such as a rise in temperature. This data-driven approach to water management not only reduces the time and effort spent on unnecessary maintenance, but also helps to minimise the use of chemicals required for tank cleaning and disinfection. By preventing biofilms from forming, facilities can reduce the frequency of chlorination treatments, saving both time and resources. Electronic tank management systems like Tanktronic also help facilities maintain compliance with water safety regulations by providing accurate, up-to-date records of water usage, temperature, and hygiene levels.


Float valves While electronic tank management systems offer electronic control and monitoring, delayed action mechanical float valves play a crucial role in ensuring that water levels are maintained efficiently. Keraflo’s Aylesbury range of mechanical valves are designed to provide an accurate and efficient method of controlling the level of stored water in tanks with or without raised valve chambers. These mechanical float valves prevent the constant trickling of water into the tank, which can lead to stagnation and uneven water levels. Instead, they only activate when the water level in the tank drops to a specified point, triggering a quick, full refill, rather than a slow, continuous one. This means the water enters the tank at a maximum flow, actively churning the water in the tank, and avoiding the slow, continuous refilling that can create stagnant zones where bacteria may grow. The Aylesbury range is ideal for pumped systems because the open to close ‘on/off’ valve operation avoids pump hunting and water hammer. The K Type and KAX Type valves’ weighted float can be adjusted to a number of positions on the brass float arm, allowing the tank’s stored water level to be easily modified. While identical in operation to the K Type, the KAX Type valves have extended drops, and are suitable for tanks with raised valve chambers. The KB Type valve has a number of benefits – including a virtually unlimited range of opening and closing levels, and easy adjustment of variables (capacity can be matched to demand). Keraflo’s Tanktronic and Aylesbury range of valves have been used in a variety of buildings, including the Garrett Anderson Centre at Ipswich General Hospital, Queen’s Hospital, Burton on Trent, and by the Ministry of Defence.


Fire sprinkler valves The use of automatic fire sprinklers is strongly recommended by all UK fire and rescue services, especially in hospitals, where fires can put vulnerable individuals at greater risk. In 2022-2023, NHS Trusts recorded 1,372 fires, marking an 18% increase on the previous year.2


Keraflo’s Fire Valves, the first of their kind to receive accreditation from the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) under the stringent LPS 2083 standard, ‘provide an excellent solution for fire sprinkler systems’, the company maintains.


1276 Flow Type Fire Sprinkler Tank Float Valve Kit is ideal for both deep and shallow tanks, offering adjustable water level settings to meet the unique demands of sprinkler systems. The FB Type float valve operates quietly, eliminating common issues like water hammer and valve bounce. With accessible, externally mounted control valves, maintenance is simplified, and servicing can be carried out without needing to re-chlorinate the tank. These features, combined with their high reliability and a 10-year warranty, make Keraflo’s fire sprinkler valves a trusted choice for healthcare facilities.


Managing cold water storage The management of cold water storage in healthcare estates requires a delicate balance between ensuring water hygiene and optimising efficiency. With older buildings posing a significant risk for the growth of harmful bacteria such as Legionella, healthcare estate managers must prioritise the implementation of solutions that prevent contamination and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Fire safety must also be a top priority in environments where vulnerable individuals may struggle to evacuate quickly. Electronic tank management systems, delayed action


This equates to about four fires per day


across the NHS estate, highlighting the critical need for effective fire suppression systems. Sprinklers are particularly valuable in healthcare settings, as they react to heat by spraying water when temperatures reach 60- 70 °C, helping to suppress fires, and giving those with mobility issues more time to evacuate. Keraflo’s Fire Valves, the first of their kind to receive accreditation from the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) under the stringent LPS 2083 standard, provide an excellent solution for fire sprinkler systems. Our FP


mechanical float valves, and certified fire sprinkler valves, offer healthcare facilities an effective way to manage both water hygiene and fire safety. These technologies not only help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, but also contribute to water conservation and fire risk reduction by ensuring that tanks are refilled efficiently, and water is always available when needed. Adopting these tools will be key to helping healthcare estates manage their resources safely and sustainably.


References 1 Environment Agency. A summary of England’s revised draft regional and water resources management plans [Internet]. England: Environment Agency; March 2021. https://tinyurl. com/4zbd9xmv


2 NHS Digital. Estate Returns Information Collection 2022/23, Summary page and dataset for ERIC 2022/23 (Report V2i, tab 6) [Internet]. England: NHS Digital; December 2023. https://tinyurl.com/5n8sah5p


Richard Braid


Richard Braid joined Keraflo – part of Davidson Holdings – and ‘a leading UK manufacturer and provider of water and energy saving management solutions for commercial, residential and public sector buildings’ – as managing director in 2021. Spanning the past three decades, his career has firmly been cemented within the heating and hot water sector, working across various sales, marketing, and specification roles. His previous positions include head of Showers and Hot Water at RXG Group, National Development manager at Bristan, Marketing director at Biasi, Marketing manager at Halstead Glen Dimplex, and Commercial Product manager at Twyford Bathrooms.


November 2024 Health Estate Journal 51


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