In the high-stakes environment of a hospital, reliable water pressure is not just a convenience - it’s essential for patient safety and a necessity in providing effective care. A drop or fluctuation in pressure can disrupt essential services, like sterilisation, dialysis, and fire safety equipment.
A drop or fluctuation in pressure can disrupt essential services, like sterilisation, dialysis, and fire safety equipment
While water pressure problems can sometimes be caused externally, like in the case of Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital which experienced low pressure due to a water outage, they can occur due to internal issues too.
This is a major concern for healthcare facility managers, who need to ensure health and safety standards, alongside compliance and regulation, are adhered to.
The pressure is on
In a hospital environment, low water pressure can be the difference between sterile and unhygienic medical equipment. A strong, stable water pressure provides the right conditions for hand washing, bathing, and cleaning.
Fire safety systems are another area where water pressure plays a critical role
Additionally, many specialised medical devices - sterilisation units, dialysis machines, and cooling systems for MRIs and CT scanners are but a few examples - rely on carefully controlled water pressure to work effectively and safely.
Fire safety systems are another area where water pressure plays a critical role. In emergencies, sprinkler and fire suppression systems require adequate pressure to function properly.
Understanding the pressure problem
One of the main reasons for fluctuating pressures is high occupancy and peak timings.
High occupation is common in hospitals, with the NHS England data revealing ‘dangerously’ high levels, with a rate of 94.5 percent, earlier this year. As we approach winter, the strain on pump systems will inevitably increase as admissions increase.
One of the main reasons for fluctuating pressures is high occupancy and peak timings
Outdated and inefficient water systems can affect not only pressure and function but also increase energy consumption. When traditional pump systems are forced to work hard to meet increased demand, energy usage - and costs - can skyrocket. For hospitals operating on a tight budget, increased maintenance expenses can place an extra burden on resources.
The critical role of a pump booster
One key component that can maintain a steady water supply is a pump booster.
Traditional pumps operate at a fixed, constant rate, regardless of the actual demand. This approach leads to significant inefficiencies and results in higher operating costs.
As the pump is constantly running to full capacity, wear and tear on components is accelerated. This not only shortens the pump’s lifespan but also leads to frequent maintenance requirements, fluctuations in performance, and a higher likelihood of unexpected outages.
The healthcare sector is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and treatments placing additional demands on hospital infrastructure
Pump boosters, particularly those equipped with Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), offer an effective solution for stabilising fluctuating water pressures. They adjust the pump's speed according to the real-time water demand. When demand rises, the pump instantly adjusts to increase pressure as needed, and when demand falls, it conserves energy by lowering its output.
Advanced pump booster technology is now available, offering the ability to monitor performance and pump health remotely through a stable internet connection. Instant pressure increases and decreases are already game changers for hospitals where demand is rarely static, but the advanced monitoring capabilities help to address any potential issues before they turn into major faults.
Learning from real-life
At Dura Pump, we worked with a large hospital in London, which had an old booster set that had reached the end of its life. It still worked and supplied water to a tank on top of the hospital roof but the failure of this booster set would stop the tank filling and the hospital would run out of water within a few hours.
Pump boosters, particularly those equipped with Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), offer an effective solution for stabilising fluctuating water pressures
Our team implemented a high-efficiency, advanced, booster set upgrade, which could be installed with minimal downtime, ensuring the hospital's water pressure was uninterrupted. The upgraded system came with a control panel, which allowed the health of pumps to be monitored for potential faults before they occurred.
This solution now provides steady pressure, energy savings and reduced maintenance costs, effectively supporting the hospital’s operations and patient care.
Future-proofing facilities
The healthcare sector is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and treatments placing additional demands on hospital infrastructure. Investing in a water pressure management system can help prepare hospitals for future demands.
Outdated and inefficient water systems can affect not only pressure and function but also increase energy consumption
A pump booster with monitoring capabilities helps to resolve not just issues around pressure, but energy consumption as well. Implementing this technology shows a commitment to sustainability and operational resilience - values that are increasingly important in today's healthcare environment.
Ultimately, this technology is not just about managing water pressure, it’s about ensuring that every system can function as it should, without compromise. For hospitals, this means saving time, money, and most importantly, lives.