Water treatment system as an under-counter system for outpatient clinics, incl. UV system and pyrogen filter

Product information under-sink system

Note: The system shown is the basic version of a water treatment system for the production of pyrogen-free, fully demineralized water for the treatment of sterile goods in outpatient practices and medical centers with demineralized water requirements of up to 50 l/h. The system is already configured at the factory so that a buffer tank with recirculation and pressure boosting can be integrated as an option.

The HeylNeomeris under-counter system was specially developed for outpatient doctors who also perform occasional surgical procedures in addition to diagnostics and treatment. The system is designed for use with a wide range of drinking water qualities. The optional integration of a tank system enables the supply of various types of under-counter devices (e.g. washer-disinfectors and sterilizers).

Principle:

Due to its compact design, the water treatment system can be used in various outpatient applications in human and veterinary medicine. Optimum treatment of the drinking water is an essential prerequisite for reliable availability of the instruments used and their protection against any damage due to surface changes. Pre-filtration (sediment filter & separate activated carbon filter), a membrane process with downstream ion exchange process including permanent monitoring of the silicate content and conductivity are used to treat the drinking water. The integrated UV system and the downstream pyrogen filter provide final safety with regard to bacterial and microbial contamination in the treated water. By integrating the optional tank system, continuous recirculation from the tank via the blending bed, the UV system and the pyrogen filter is achieved at the same time.

Key components of the system in detail

Pre-filtration stage of the drinking water used

To protect the downstream treatment stages against particles and impurities from the pipe network, the system has an inlet-side fine filter. Dissolved substances such as chlorides and organic impurities are effectively removed by the downstream activated carbon element.

Reverse osmosis membrane

By using this membrane-based process, 95 - 98& of the dissolved substances are removed from the water. The resulting product is the permeate, which is used for further treatment steps. Concentrate is also produced as a wastewater volume flow.

Mixing bed

The two-stage (series-connected) mixed bed is a so-called polisher. Due to the special composition of the resin contained in the cartridges, all dissolved substances remaining in the water are reliably removed. The resin used is highly effective against silicates, which have a particularly negative impact on the reprocessing of medical products. The mixing bed is also the first stage of the recirculation process when using the optionally available buffer tank system.

UV disinfection Mini

The UV disinfection process is used in water treatment systems to inactivate any microorganisms contained in the water, such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa. UV stands for ultraviolet radiation, which is generated by special UV lamps. The principle of UV disinfection is based on the inactivation of the microorganisms' DNA or RNA, which prevents them from multiplying and causing disease.

In contrast to other disinfection methods such as chlorination or ozonization, UV disinfection does not require the addition of chemicals to the water. It does not produce any unwanted by-products and does not change the taste or smell of the water. UV disinfection is a reliable method of killing microorganisms. As long as the UV lamp is properly maintained, the effectiveness of disinfection remains constant. As no chemicals are used in UV disinfection, there are no harmful residues in the water or the environment.

The UV system is integrated into the system concept behind the blending bed as standard.

Pyrogen filter

A pyrogen filter is a special type of filter used in water treatment to remove pyrogens from the water. Pyrogens are substances that can cause an immunological reaction in the body, in particular an increase in body temperature. These are usually endotoxins that are released by bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E.coli).

The pyrogen filter consists of a filter element with a very fine pore size (0.1 to 0.2 micrometers).

The pyrogen filter is located directly behind the UV system and is therefore also integrated into the system's continuously operating optional tank system with recirculation.

Integrated measuring technology to ensure maximum media purity

Testomat 808 SiO2 silicate measuring device

Testomat 808 SiO2 is used to determine the silicate content in water. The measuring principle of the silicate measuring device is based on the so-called molybdenum blue method. The silicate in the water reacts with a reagent solution containing molybdenum. The chemical reaction of the water sample with the reagent produces a blue coloration of the water sample, the intensity of which is proportional to the silicate content. The color intensity is evaluated using an optical method.

The use of Testomat 808 SiO2 ensures reliable compliance with the limit value for SiO2 of 0.4 mg/l recommended by the DGSV (German Society for Sterile Processing) and the AKI (Instrument Reprocessing Working Group).

An integrated limit value relay can be used to directly trigger an optical or acoustic warning element if the limit value is exceeded.

Measurement results, error and status messages can be transmitted continuously via a 4-20mA signal (fixed value protocol) to a higher-level process control system such as the NeoTecMaster. Continuous monitoring of the silicate content is necessary in order to effectively prevent any deposits and subsequent damage to equipment and instruments.

Conductivity measurement - N-LF 5R

Pure water is basically non-conductive and therefore does not conduct electricity. Electrical conductivity is a sum parameter that provides information about the level or concentration of substances dissolved in the water. The more particles dissolved in the water, the higher the conductivity of the water. The usual units for electrical conductivity are µS/cm and S/cm. Alternatively, the measured electrical resistance is also given in ohms. The lower the measured resistance, the higher the conductivity. To determine the conductance, a conductance meter continuously measures the electrical resistance of the water. The measured value is then converted into the conductance in microsiemens per cm. For the reprocessing of medical devices, a conductivity of <1 µS/cm is recommended for the water used in the cleaning & disinfection and sterilization process. The conductivity measurement used continuously monitors whether the conductivity falls below this value.

Optional components:

Tank system with integrated recirculation and pressure boosting (optional)

The optionally available tank system with pressure boosting and fill level monitoring enables optimum supply results, even with short-term increases in demand. The tank system ensures that a defined quantity of demineralized water is available, thus enabling the uninterrupted treatment of several batches without long waiting times. The tank system is equipped with a recirculation bypass, which ensures the high purity of the water produced, even during periods when there is no production.

NeoTecMaster 5 inch with housing (optional)

Data acquisition, visualization and processing are just some of the relevant topics in the field of modern water treatment. The networking of different measuring systems and their integration into process automation is an elementary component here. The NeoTecMaster was specially developed for this task and is a manufacturer-independent multi-parameter system.

Data recording and visualization of the NeoTecMaster

The visualization of the multicontroller takes place via trend graphs. All configured parameters can be selected and deselected. All recorded data is saved on a USB stick and can also be accessed online within the company network. You can monitor and visualize up to 8 parameters using the toggle button.

The NeoTecMaster is available with a 5-inch screen and an additional IP 66 housing.

The NeoTecMaster multicontroller concept is a basic module for every water treatment system, including demineralized water systems in outpatient clinics.