Mediclinic bolsters gas leak detection with Fluke acoustic imager
August 2022Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
A pioneering application of the Fluke ii900 industrial acoustic imager has enabled a world leader in patient care to improve safety levels across multiple hospital sites while also being able to meet its own demanding sustainability targets.
The Mediclinic Group, an international hospital group with operations in South Africa, Namibia, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, is focused on continually improving patient outcomes. It is also committed to maximising safety levels in all its hospitals while improving sustainability to ensure a positive impact on the environment.
When a specialist thermography consultancy, KN Thermography, was called in to inspect the thermal efficiency of a South African Mediclinic hospital, it was using the Fluke ii900 industrial acoustic imager. Discussions between the thermography company and Mediclinic Southern Africa’s sustainability manager, Petrus Swanepoel, quickly identified the possibility of using the equipment to detect leaks of medical gases within the hospital.
Reducing waste
Mediclinic was aware that by fixing leaks in the distribution of oxygen and nitrous oxide across all its hospitals, it could not only make significant improvements to patient safety but could also substantially reduce its carbon footprint and boost its sustainability levels by reducing the use of natural resources.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) and medical oxygen (O2) are used extensively in hospitals. High levels of energy are used to separate air and produce medical gasses. Preventing leaks in hospitals has positive implications for the environment, but a significant leak of either gas in a hospital can represent a serious health hazard.
The ii900 has been used to carry out rapid visual inspections on all pipes that send nitrous oxide from hospital basements to operating theatres, and that deliver oxygen to patient beds. This has enabled all leaks to be dealt with, reducing wastage percentages and boosting Mediclinic hospitals’ levels of patient safety.
Improving sustainable operations
Committed to the efficient use of natural resources to improve patient care within Mediclinic, Petrus Swanepoel said: “There is a pressing need for companies around the world to act more sustainably, and the Fluke ii900 industrial acoustic imager enabled us to do this by minimising the leakage of any medical gases; and our increased use of oxygen during the pandemic, with its associated costs, focused our attention on the benefits of identifying leaks. We are delighted that the equipment has been able to make such a big difference to patient safety and to minimising wastage.”
Francesco Pagin of Fluke added: “The ii900 industrial acoustic imager has become highly popular as a tool for detecting leaks in compressed air systems, so this innovative application at the Mediclinic hospitals for identifying medical gas leakage is a really interesting new area of use. It opens up opportunities for maintenance and sustainability teams across a range of other sectors to boost efficiencies and sustainability levels by incorporating this powerful, yet easy-to-use tool into their inspection and testing regimes.”
With its 7-inch LCD touchscreen and battery life of at least six hours, the Fluke ii900 is designed for use in a range of challenging environments where testing can be carried out from a safe distance. Using a SoundMap on a visual image for rapid identification of discharge or leaks between frequencies of 2 and 100 kHz, the ii900 makes video recordings of up to five minutes.
Prioritising arc flash safety Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.
Read more...Analysers for use in high ambient temperature environments
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The 993X series of analysers from Ametek Process Industries are now IECEx Zone 2 certified for use in locations with up to 60°C ambient temperature. Built with IP66-rated enclosures and using an integrated cooling system, they can be installed outdoors or in minimally temperature-controlled enclosures, reducing complexity while lowering capital and operating costs.
Read more...The art of precision measurement
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To achieve precise, reliable measurement results when scanning component parts, use is frequently made of reference points. In optical measuring processes, these permit the referencing of three-dimensional objects during the digitisation.
Read more...No more shocking, inaccurate insulation testing Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Fluke has introduced the Fluke 1535 and 1537 2500 V insulation resistance testers, engineered to simplify frontline troubleshooting, whether on the factory floor or working in the field at a solar installation.
Read more...Three ways to conduct thermal inspections Comtest
Temperature Measurement
There’s no universal solution for all infrared inspections with a Fluke thermal camera, also known as a thermal imager. You need to match your method to the type of equipment you’re inspecting and the level of detail you require.
Read more...How to test for continuity with a multimeter Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Understanding the role of a continuity tester in electrical diagnostics is crucial for professionals and enthusiasts alike. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to using a digital multimeter as a continuity tester, ensuring precise and safe measurements.
Read more...Vibration test system supports international space industry TANDM Technologies
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Dragonfly Aerospace has launched EOS SAT-1, one of seven satellites in the world’s first agricultural-focused constellation. With optimisation of resources being a key component for Dragonfly, it called on TANDM to assist in creating and heavily expanding its environmental testing capabilities by providing a vibration test system that allowed it to perform in-house vibration and shock testing.
Read more...Sensor technology for brewing Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Brewing is a delicate balance, blending tradition with innovation. Now, modern sensor technology is stepping in to perfect the art of fermentation.
Read more...Loesche gets dirty Loesche South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The world’s attention is on environmental sustainability, and the pressure on countries and companies to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the environment and preventing climate change is at an all-time high. As we confront a multitude of environmental and social challenges, managing waste and maximising landfill diversion can play a key role.
Read more...Enhanced distribution transformer monitor Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest announced that the INCON Distribution Transformer Monitor (DTM) from Franklin Electric Grid Solutions has been updated to include new transformer life prediction functionality, enabling service and maintenance forecasting. This leverages predictive algorithms to estimate the remaining lifespan of transformers, streamlining operations.
printer friendly version