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The quality and hygiene of potable water distributed in hospitals are of primary importance for both the good of the patients and to not compromise the operation of the facility. AISI 316L stainless steel and the pressfitting system are a perfect combination to ensure the healthiness of the water. They are well aware of that in Poland, where Europress pressfittings were used in the new South Warsaw Hospital.

Ensuring the highest level of hygiene inside hospitals is of vital importance. Potable water must be as free as possible from potential biological risks from viruses and bacteria. AISI 316L stainless steel is one of the materials with the most exceptional antibacterial characteristics, and it can also be easily and effectively sanitised using relatively simple processes that are not overly damaging to the environment.

The technical characteristics of pressfittings combined with the impeccable hygiene of 316L stainless steel make this system one of the most used for creating potable and sanitary water systems inside hospitals. Even contractors and plumbers approve of the use of pressfittings. They choose them for their reliability and their quick installation. Thanks to these factors, they can deliver complete and operational systems within a short period of time and by their due date.

The new South Warsaw HospitalThe Ursynów district is found in southern Warsaw and in 2016, construction began there on a new hospital: 43,000 square metres of surface area, four floors above the ground and one below ground,

Case Study

South Warsaw HospitalLocation: Warsaw, PolandProduct Used: Europress Stainless Steel Press Fit Pipe SystemApplication: Potable Water Systems

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Case Study Cont.

with a total of 7 departments and over 300 beds. There is a heliport on the roof, and almost the entire ground floor of the new complex will be dedicated to the accident and emergency unit, one of the most modern in Poland.

The overall cost of the hospital, including the construction work and complete internal equipment, is estimated at 90 million euros. It is expected to open in 2021.

AISI 316L stainless steel pressfittings: a system that is widely used in potable water systems for hospitals.

AISI 316L stainless steel has always been considered one of the best materials for the distribution of potable water. Its physical characteristics make life difficult for bacteria and viruses. In fact, the inner walls of pipes made of this material effectively prevent the formation of biofilm, which is the organic material that creates the ideal habitat for the proliferation and nourishment of bacteria. Plus, AISI 316L stainless steel does not release any substances in the water that are potentially damaging to human beings.

Hospitals and their potable water systems must be subject to continuous sanitising cycles. The possibility of bacteria and viruses circulating inside the pipes must be drastically reduced. The most effective compounds for sanitising the system are most often chlorine-based. Over time, however, these substances may seriously damage the pipes, especially if they are made of plastic materials or with not very resistant steel.

AISI 316L stainless steel is one type of material that offers the most significant resistance to chlorine-based compounds, provided that the exact doses reported in the system operating manuals are followed.

Up to this point, we have looked at the technical benefits of pressfittings regarding the quality of the material and its hygiene performance. This system has a third strength though, related to its installation in hospitals, and that is its installation simplicity and speed.

To install a system made with pressfittings, all you need is a convenient electro-hydraulic pressing tool and the related jaw clamps or chains. With just a few quick steps, we can create metres upon metres of system precisely and safely thanks also to the “coloured sleeve and trickle o-ring” double safety system. In fact, using this method patented by Europress, we can quickly see if any fittings were not pressed, even from far away.

In hospitals, potable water systems are often under development, with new rooms and wings being added. The possibility of changes in the intended use of the departments must be maintained – including for needs due to health crises – so, there is a continuous need to add new lines to the system.

In this sense, the pressfitting is very versatile; thanks to the various shapes in the catalogue and the presence of threaded elements, new lines can be set up easily.