Case Study
Waterford Regional Hospital
Clean steam generators boost steam quality standards at Waterford Regional Hospital
Waterford Regional Hospital in the Republic of Ireland is using clean steam generators from Spirax Sarco to meet strict steam quality standards in its central sterilization department.
The central decontamination department treats surgical instruments and other equipment for use throughout the 500+ bed hospital. The hospital previously relied on raw plant steam for sterilisation, but that could not meet the latest national and European standards. Spirax Sarco clean steam generators instead use raw steam indirectly to generate secondary steam from treated water. The quality of this secondary steam meets all the latest requirements, including EN285 and healthcare-specific standards HTM 2010 and HTM 2031.
“Of paramount importance to the central decontamination department and technical services is the delivery of dry, stable, high-quality steam, free of any contaminants,” says Ken Power, Buildings and Maintenance Manager at Waterford Regional Hospital. “The Spirax Sarco units certainly have met with this fundamental requirement to date.”
The hospital has three clean steam generator systems in all. A new model PLC controlled CSM-C600 unit is normally on duty, while two previous generation compact CSG400 provide back-up and standby.
The entire clean steam range is microprocessor-controlled, with full 316L stainless steel construction on the secondary steam side. The Spirax Sarco high-throughput type CSM-K unit has a capacity of up to 3800kg/h, while the compact, CSM-C systems offer up to 600kg/h at 3 bar.
The clean steam generators provide medical facilities, pharmaceutical and food & beverage companies and other clean steam users with packaged solutions to meet their clean steam requirements. Spirax Sarco provides support and advice during pre-engineering, installation, start-up and commissioning of the generators, while a turnkey solution is also offered. Mr Power says, “The service provided by Spirax Sarco has been very proactive with a professional approach. I’d give them top marks in that regard.”