STEAM STE R I L I SAT ION
applications, with the aim to deliver steam of a quality that exceeds the standards set out in BS EN 285. The unit delivers repeatable high-quality steam under a variety of operating conditions which exceeds the minimum steam dryness value of 95%, as well as reducing level of non-condensable gases (as outlined in BS EN 285). Steriliser operation has a particularly
‘peaky’ steam load profile, with the load high at certain points of the cycle and then instantaneously dropping to low flow rates at other points of the cycle. The latest monitoring equipment utilised by Spirax Sarco shows that the dryness output from their latest generator exceeds the BS EN 285 recommendations throughout these dynamic changes in load, ensuring that high quality is delivered continuously throughout the sterilisation cycle. When trying to trace the cause of wet packs on existing plant, this is something that is particularly difficult to assess. The common dryness testing regime is based on a point in time and is not continuous, so identifying wet steam can be somewhat ‘hit and miss’ and dependant on operating conditions prevailing at the time of the test. This latest generator can therefore safeguard against issues resulting from poor steam quality at all points in the operating cycle.
The future of clean energy We are all aware of the drive to reduce the use of fossil fuels in our bid to lower carbon emissions. The way this impacts on the thermal needs of industry is a problem that is challenging our engineering minds, particularly where there are large instantaneous thermal loads required by the process.
The CSSD is one area that faces this challenge. Typically a hospital or CSSD department will have an energy centre that uses gas as the primary fuel, which then distributes thermal energy in the form of steam to the sterile services plant. The steam has very high energy content when compared to a typical circulating hot water system (26 times more energy per kg than a water circuit working on 80-60o
C flow and
return). Steam is also very easily distributed, without the need for circulation pumps to move large volumes of water. However, in the long term, we will still need to consider the primary fuel source. While we currently strive to find an alternative to burning natural gas, there is much development taking place to seek a fuel that can flow through our national infrastructure. We may find that a breakthrough is achieved in the use of bio gas or maybe hydrogen – we read and watch with anticipation as these developments progress.
One answer for the CSSD may be through increasing electrification, by using electric clean steam generators. The
APRIL 2021
Sterilisation must be right first time, every time, to safeguard patient health and ensure sterile services run as smoothly as possible. By implementing a clean steam generator system, that delivers dedicated high-quality steam for the sterilisation process, healthcare facilities can better control the quality of their steam supply to protect against ineffective sterilisation.
electrical power can be obtained from a renewable ‘low/zero carbon’ source and this may solve some of the issues; many hospitals are indeed investing in their own solar capabilities. However, the thermal requirement of a number of sterilisers would place a significant instantaneous demand on the electrical infrastructure of a CSSD or hospital. We touched earlier on the peaky profile of the steam load.
There is a solution to help overcome the need for large electrical loads. High instantaneous steam demand can be met using a steam accumulator, which can store the thermal energy that is produced by the generator, only to release it in the form of steam, as and when the process demands it. This can indeed reduce the peaks on electrical load, while satisfying the peaks of the steam demand.
A step on from this is to store energy,
particularly from renewables like solar and wind, when they are available, or from the grid when tariffs are preferential. This harnessed energy can then be released to deliver steam to the sterilisers when needed. The challenge is to do this efficiently and with a technology that will minimise the environmental impact, both in its initial production and its end of life disposal. Spirax Sarco is using its expertise to produce innovative solutions relating to storing and delivering thermal energy which is harnessed from low carbon sources. This may well pave the way not only for sterile services, but for many aspects of heating and process in the future. Who would have thought, the creation of low carbon steam? A real modern day, 21st century industrial revolution. CSJ
Download your steam sterilisation best practice guide for sterile services at:
sxscom.uk/sterilisationinhealthcare. NICE Healthcare-associated infections Quality Standard 2016. Available at www.
nice.org.uk/guidance/qs113 HSE Methods of Contamination Guidance. Available at
https://www.hse.gov. uk/biosafety/blood-borne-viruses/methods-
of-decontamination.htm
References 1 Patient Safety NHS Improvement Hub https://
improvement.nhs.uk/improvement-hub/patient- safety/
2 British Medical Journal 2020 Public Health Original Research Modelling the annual NHS costs and outcomes attributable to healthcare-associated infections in England. Available at https://bmjopen.
bmj.com/content/10/1/e033367
About the author
Angelo Giambrone has built a wealth of experience in steam over the past 30 years. He joined Spirax Sarco as a technical sales engineer, working with steam users across the industry spectrum and developing a varied application knowledge. As part of the engineered systems department, his focus moved towards identifying energy saving schemes and delivering packaged solutions into the market, which included the introduction of the Easiheat plate heat exchange system that is now used widely within the hospital sector. In recent years, he has worked in business development. His ongoing involvement with hospitals led to him recently being appointed as regional business development manager for the healthcare sector in Northern Europe, which covers both hospital and pharmaceutical responsibilities.
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