1 Clean Steam – The Basics Presenters: -Marie LaFrance, -George Godfrey,

2 Clean Steam – The Basics Objectives: What is Currently Driving Clean Steam Initiatives in Healthcare How Water Quality Effects the Steam Generation Process Define the Different Types of Generated Steam Available Describe the advantages and disadvantages of Clean Steam

3 Whats In it for Me? Provides you the basic Knowledge related to the clean steam story Prepares you for additional training at the upcoming Sales Meeting in Tampa, Fl.

4 Healthcare and the Need for Clean Steam Traditionally used in Life Science and Pharmaceutical application Newer Technology to Healthcare, but not for Life Sciences Europe has adopted standards specific to clean steam –EN 285 –HTM 2031 International Standards –ISO Competitors has been an advocate for Clean Steam in Healthcare sterilizers

5 Establishing Water Quality Waters basic structure is H 2 0 – But additional elements may exist –Metals (K, Al, Cu, Na, Fe, Zn) –pH Factors (Carbonate, Hydroxide, Bicarbonate) –Hardness (Calcium and Magnesium) If not monitored or treated properly can have a direct impact on the steam process

6 Establishing Water Quality Potable water quality is highly variable across the country, even in locations that are in close proximity STERIS TSSR water analysis program can assist in determining Customers water quality issues As it relates to the water used in generating steam, the Customer has options. Those options are directly aligned with the type of steam the hospital chooses to produce

7 Water Quality - Steam Generation Water used in steam production is known as Feed Water The type and quality of the feed water used is determine by the type of steam the Customer requires. Water Softener System

8 Softened Water Controls water hardness with earth alkaline metals Ca, Mg, content in the feed water Hardness in a water supply can result in scale formation, which is a deposit of minerals left after evaporation The softener contains the treated ion exchange resin - small beads of polystyrene –Exchange removes Ca and Mg from water

9 DI and RO – Purified Water Deionized (DI) Water -Physical process using ion exchange resin -Traps specifically charged ions such as: -Na, Ca, Fe, Cu, Cl, Chloride and Bromide Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water -Liquid Filtrations method -Water forced through membrane at high pressure -Pore size of membrane limits specific elements from passing DI System with Water Softener

10 Application to Healthcare Steam Sterilization Types Softened water can be used in both plant steam and clean steam applications RO or DI water can be used in clean steam applications, but piping and components must be stainless steel due to the corrosive nature of the treatment Lets take a look at each of the steam methods offered in greater detail

11 So what is steam?

12 Steam is just steam…right??

13 Types of Steam Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Life Sciences, Hospitals, Food and Beverage Hospitals / Food and Beverage Hospitals, Laundries, Food and Beverage, Pulp and Paper Petrochemicals

14 Most common grade of steam used in U.S. healthcare Sometimes referred to as House steam Can be used for multiple applications including sterilization, laundry and heating. Can use softened feed water to decrease water hardness Boiler water is chemically treated to control pH levels Plant Steam

15 What does the Plant Steam System Look Like?

16 Boiler Water Treatment System Sterilizer trap Pressure Regulator Tee fitting Incoming City Water Typical Plant Steam System Chemical Boiler Treatment

17 Must be clean dry and free of boiler carryover Dirty or wet steam may effect plant steam performance and increase maintenance costs What are the effects of dirty steam? Plant Steam

18 Steam Quality Effects of Generating Poor quality steam includes: Scale Rust Spotting/Staining

19 Poor Steam Quality - Scale Scale in Chamber Poor quality steam Boiler water carryover Inadequate boiler treatment If steam is from a steam generator then the proper water quality is not being used

20 Poor Steam Quality - Scale Scale in Boilers Insufficient boiler treatment –Scale buildup

21 Poor Steam Quality - Scale Deposits/Corrosion in Autoclave

22 Poor Steam Quality – Rust Boiler Lines Carryover from steam Insufficient boiler treatment Poor quality steam –Insufficient use of neutralizing amines

23 Wrapped Goods – Spotting/Staining Laundry residues Boiler carryover

24 Why bother with steam issues? Spotting, staining and corrosion can interfere with sterilizer operation Competitors are pushing the use of clean steam

25 What Other Types of Steam are Available?

26 Clean Steam Can be generated from potable, softened, RO or DI water Free of boiler additives Most cases use a small steam generator dedicated to boiler All pipes and process components are copper/brass? If RO/DI feed water used plumbing must be stainless due to corrosive properties of treatment

27 Clean Steam Advantages/Disadvantages Advantages: Preservation of instruments, less staining and pitting Leaves fewer deposits on sterilizer walls Disadvantages High cost to produce Corrosive – requires stainless piping for sterilizer

28 Summary/Conclusion

29 FAQs