Steam quality
the feedwater by way of chemical treatment, use of R.O. (reverse osmosis) plant or adequate pre-heating and “de-gassing” in order to ‘purge’ oxygen from the water before steam is generated. This applies also on the clean steam side of our system. Recognising the importance of these steps in combination, our research team have developed a healthcare-specific De-Aerator Tower in order to purge non-condensible gases from the clean steam feedwater and to ensure that this remains the case under all load conditions. This is shown below in situ at our test facilities and is now incorporated into our Clean Steam Generator solution. Another critical factor in achieving
consistent steam quality is the ability of our steam generating plant to respond to dynamic load conditions with multiple items of plant being served, or significant fluctuations in demand (for example on test/start-up) from individual equipment. If our steam generating plant, whether a separate generator of plant steam or a smaller generator “on board” our sterilser unit, does not have sufficient stored energy or overall capacity to be able to respond appropriately to such changes, then it is very unlikely that we will be able to maintain steam quality in accordance with EN285. In order to test this in a practical example we used our test and research facilities in the UK to recreate such conditions. Using a control system to create various dynamic changes to the steam load placed on our Clean Steam Generator, incorporating the healthcare De-Aerator Tower and measuring steam dryness, we are able to show the consistency of performance that needs to (and indeed can) be achieved. This is illustrated on the five- minute timeline captured in Fig 3. We can clearly see that despite a varying load during pulse/vacuum phases and with multiple steam loads coming online (up to 188kg/hr flow rate), using this technology we are able to maintain a steam dryness in accordance with EN285 under all conditions. Note, however how much the steam quality (dryness) still varies even with this specifically designed solution, imagine what this would look like without these safeguards in place. In addition to the right equipment being used, it is critical that this is well-maintained and properly reviewed. Whether on the plant steam or clean steam side of the process, a regular maintenance schedule – ideally covered by a service contract – is vital, alongside regular surveys and audits of the system to ensure that all is as it should be. This is also a vital ‘check and balance’ to review in the context of changes to site demands and systems.
Figure 2. Heathcare specific innovation to ensure EN285 NCG compliance
Figure 3. Responsiveness to load changes when using bulk steam generation
What about the future and our decarbonisation challenges? As the ticking of the Net Zero clock becomes ever-louder, it is tempting to rush headlong into activities and select apparently easy-to- implement solutions. In some cases, this will be adequate and may not adversely impact services. In many instances, this requires much more careful consideration, as the consequences for hospital infrastructure and the knock-on effects for decontamination services can be potentially lethal. As things presently stand, electrification represents the best realistic opportunity for decarbonisation and ultimately achieving Net Zero. However, caution needs to be exercised in selecting our electrification solutions; it is absolutely vital that we give consideration to the points raised within this article and select a decarbonisation partner that is well-placed to advise on such. The ultimate system design and solution will need to deliver steam quality in accordance with EN285 under all conditions, to avoid problems with decontamination processes and the introduction of potential patient risk. Reassuringly, we have recognised the critical
nature of these issues for the future of critical services in healthcare and have developed a range of electrified solutions for both plant steam and clean steam systems. We recognise that maintaining system resilience and dealing
with ever-increasing demand, while improving quality is a key challenge – with our global steam systems expertise, we are always on hand to help strerile services departments embrace these challenges.
CSJ
About the author
Steve Bishop is a Business Development Specialist at Spirax Sarco (UK & ROI). He has a particular focus on the hospital sector, as well as many years’ experience of a variety of general industrial and steam-using processes, including manufacturing experience across a variety of industries. Steve is passionate about the crucial role that
steam continues to play in the delivery of Thermal Energy for customers. The business is focused on rapidly developing new technologies and approaches, as well as achieving Net Zero goals.
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