years
Customer Profile
Instituto do Coração (INCOR)
- Instituto do Coração (INCOR), part of the Clinical Hospital of the Sao Paulo Medical School
- One of the three largest cardiology centres in the world, based on volume of attendance and number of specialities of cardiology gathered
- Largest cardiology centre in Latin America
Situation
Filtration Solution for Hospital
The Biomaterials Laboratory is located underground, below INCOR, creating some unique challenges. Based on the characteristics and location of the laboratory, the installation of the air handling system demanded a solution tailored specifically to the space limitations. Along with the limited space available for the power supply (about 5.30 metres square), the handling and installation of the equipment and components were only a few of the challenges faced for this project. The design and installation of custom HEPA filters in the cleanroom also posed some unique challenges. The space was condensed, so there was a need for filters with lower pressure drop to allow the use of fewer filters. It was necessary to design a set of special terminal boxes, able to meet the required flow rates, using filters with reduced thickness and low pressure loss.
Challenges 1 – Unique design for terminal boxes and HEPA filters
Challenges 2 – Installation space limitation
Challenges 3 – Pressure drop limitation
The Biomaterials Laboratory, part of INCOR’s Division of Bioengineering, underwent extensive renovations in 2012 to meet the requirements of the Brazilian Cleanroom Standard (ABNT NBR ISO 14644). The laboratory houses the production of artificial ventricles, Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), used in patients with severe heart problems awaiting heart transplants. The result of the remodeling was a cleanroom area comprising 45 square meters with ISO 7 classification.
The manufacturing of a VAD requires critical and exact processes, which are now conducted in a controlled environment in the Biomaterials Laboratory. The finished devices come into direct contact with a patient’s blood and could pose a risk of contamination. Mitigating the risk of infection during the VAD’s manufacturing process is essential.
In the machine room, AAF International recommended the VariCel® VXL filter, a 12-inch deep filter constructed of ultra-fine, dual density microfibre glass media. The VariCel VXL filter delivers the desired air quality when used in systems with difficult operating conditions or high velocity systems, and is designed for easy installation, along with high performance.
Since the air handling units (AHUs) were reduced in size to accommodate the space available, AAF International recommended the MEGAcel® II HEPA filter in combination with the VariCel VXL filter. Traditional HEPA filters provide a much higher airflow resistance. MEGAcel II filters incorporate AAF International’s unique ePTFE Filtration Technology media, combining ultra-high efficiency with extremely low pressure drop.
Recommended Product & Solution
TCO Diagnostic®
The purpose of TCO Diagnostic is to assist you in selecting the best filters for your air handling systems and to understand their sensitivity to your operating conditions, in order to operate your system in the most optimal and effective manner.
Healthcare
Clean air is vital in hospital and healthcare facility operations to protect patients, staff and visitors from airborne diseases and infections, as well as to provide a comfortable, healthy and odour-free environment.