This medical facility had two 20 HP rotary screw medical vacuum pumps. The units were approximately 15 years old. When they began to have problems, they decided to replace the pumps.
Even though the hospital had relatively trouble-free vacuum with these pumps, there were major downsides. One huge factor was the noise the pumps generated. They were so loud that hearing protection was necessary in the room. A conversation could not be carried on anywhere close to the equipment. The pumps also required large amounts of lubricant to keep them running smoothly.
Although the pumps were alternating as they should be, one pump was running continuously, at all times, to meet the hospital vacuum demand. The energy consumption was enormous, not to mention the wear and tear on the pumps.
We did the research to replace the pumps. We found that this pump model was discontinued a couple years back. More research provided an excellent alternative to their situation. We met with the Director of Facilities and recommended a quadplex 10 HP rotary claw package with individual VFD’s and BacNet Facilities Monitoring. We explained all the advantages and the hospital decided to proceed.
Once the equipment was installed and running, it was obvious how much energy had been consumed over the years. One of the new claw pumps maintained the hospital with vacuum at all times. The VFD controllers allowed the pump motors to ramp down so the pumps ran at approximately half the speed of the old pumps. The load never demanded that two pumps run at the same time. When alternating, all four pumps shared the hours used, keeping individual pump usage low.
Rotary claws need much less maintenance than any other type of medical vacuum pump. The hospital was already seeing a huge savings in energy consumption and costs. Now they could add reduced maintenance costs to their bottom line.
But the advantage they appreciated the most was the noise reduction. With the old pumps clanking away, no one wanted to be in the room. It was dirty and unkept. Now, they don’t mind cleaning and keeping it tidy. And they can carry on a clear conversation in the room whenever necessary.
This was a big win, win replacement for the client.
