Hospital Plumbing Systems

November 21, 2009  |   Posted in News, Technical Articles    

One of the primary issues facing health care providers today is figuring out how to minimize the risk to patients and the public while they are in their facility.  People are admitted to hospitals to recover.  This will ideally happen without contracting a “hospital-acquired infection.”  Design engineers, design/build contractors, hospital engineering personnel and hospital risk-management personnel all need to be aware of the potential risk of Legionellae in plumbing systems and how to drastically reduce that risk.

Legionellae

The three conditions that must be present to promote the growth of the Legionellae organism are:

• Host (usually in the form of scale)
• Low velocity
• Water temperatures between 68°F – 122°F.

These conditions can be found in hot water storage tanks used for domestic hot water.  During periods of low demand, water velocity in the tank can also be very low.  Temperature setpoints are normally about 120°F.  Any temperature stratification in the tank can bring this number down further.  Finally, hot water storage tanks are normally used in conjunction with gas-fired hot water heaters.  Scale can easily form in this type of equipment if water velocities and water softening are not maintained in perfect condition.  The scale can then break off and settle in the hot water storage tank.

The Ace “Mini-Pack” from Ajax Boiler, a semi-instantaneous potable water heater, is the perfect fit for the health care industry.  The Mini-Pack eliminates the need for a hot water storage tank and produces hot water to plus or minus 4 degrees from setpoint.  This also means dramatic reduction or elimination of scale, depending on the actual setpoint.  The volume of water that is contained within the shell of the Mini-Pack is in constant circulation at an optimal velocity via the 1/6 hp circulating pump, which mixes with the circulated return water from the building.  The Ace Mini-Pack eliminates the proliferation of Legionellae bacterium by maintaining safe water temperatures, higher water velocities, and minimal scale formation.

About the Mini-Pack

The Mini-Pack has an all stainless steel shell with a copper “U” tube bundle that heats potable water using either steam or boiler water.  The stainless steel shell also ensures rust free hot water.

Vertical or horizontal Mini-Pack models are available. All models minimize floor space usage and eliminate the need for storage tanks. The double-wall tube Mini-Pack offers a proven, practical way to comply with the latest National Uniform Plumbing Code requirement for protection against cross contamination.

Output flows from 1 to 300 gallons per minute are possible. Separate Mini-Packs can be provided for multiple temperature applications or mixing valves can be used to provide the desired temperature for each requirement. A temperature sensor accurately adjusts the steam (or water) control valve to maintain the desired output water temperature to within plus or minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit over the normal operating range of the Mini-Pack.

The Mini-Pack’s proven design, small foot-print, high volume output, close temperature control, and large installation base, will keep your health care facility in peak performance.