THREE RIVERS, Mich., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent outbreaks of hospital-associated Legionnaires' disease have prompted the State of New York Department of Health (NYDOH) to update its 1999 guidelines for prevention and control of the disease. Armstrong International, Inc., a world leader in intelligent system solutions for steam, air and hot water utility applications, offers the only totally integrated system that meets these new guidelines.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050914/DEW012 )
"Armstrong products place Legionella risk reduction and enhanced user safety at the forefront of hot water system design and maintenance," said Paul Knight, director of sales and marketing for the Armstrong Hot Water Group.
Issued July 14, 2005, the updated guidelines specify that to routinely disinfect a hot water distribution system, each outlet should be flushed with water at 160 to 170 degrees F for longer than five minutes. Hot water should be stored above 140 degrees F and circulated with a minimum return temperature of 124 degrees F. Mixing and/or anti-scald valves are necessary to reduce the final water temperature to no more than 110 degrees F to prevent scalding.
Armstrong's "Brain(TM)" is an electronic mixing center that meets these new guidelines by taking charge of the central re-circulating hot water loop in the mechanical room of a health-care facility. The Brain can be integrated with the resident building automation system (BAS) on location for total proactive hot water system control. The Brain can be either pre-programmed or BAS-instructed to deliver a high-temperature system "pasteurization" that targets potential Legionella colonization points throughout a hospital's water system as part of a routine system management protocol.
"Dead legs" and other areas of a water piping system where stagnant water resides are ideal amplification pockets for Legionella growth and may not be reachable with pasteurization or any other system treatment program. "The key to any Legionella risk-reduction protocol is to deliver the selected treatment up to and then right through each point of use," Knight said.
Armstrong's "BrainWave(TM)" is a hands-free electronic mixing valve that offers both flow and temperature selection while combining Legionella risk reduction and point-of-use protection from accidental scalding of hospital patients and workers. The BrainWave provides a programmable "service flush" to evacuate water from infrequently used fixtures and the pipe work upstream, with the added feature of a secured-access capability to individually flush each fixture with high-temperature water during system pasteurization. The unique hands-free design of the BrainWave also supports a health-care facility's infection-control program by reducing the spread of bacteria, especially in sensitive areas such as intensive care units and operating rooms.
About Armstrong International
Armstrong International, Inc. (AII), founded in 1900, is a privately held, U.S. multinational manufacturer of intelligent system solutions for steam, air and hot water utility applications. Headquartered in Stuart, Fla., it operates sales, manufacturing and seminar facilities around the world. More information, including an interactive demonstration of the BrainWave, can be found at http://www.armstrong-intl.com/brainwave .
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050914/DEW012AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.orgAP PhotoExpress Network: PRN3PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comArmstrong International, Inc.CONTACT: Tom Henry of Armstrong International, +1-269-279-3383, or E-mail:tomh@armstrong-intl.com
Web site: http://www.armstrong-intl.com/brainwave/
