Are you shopping around for a steam iron but aren't quite sure where to get started and how to pick the right iron for your ironing needs?
gtboiler Product Page
We give you the lowdown here to help you decide if a steam iron suits your needs and things you should consider before purchasing one.
Steam irons are known to be efficient and effective in clearing piles of ironing and producing professional results with little effort.
Investing in a reliable steam iron makes an indispensable household helper with its numerous benefits:
- As urban dwellers, we are often time-strapped with little spare time for ironing chores. This is where having an iron with a strong steam output can help to straighten out the creases in every piece of clothing in the shortest time.
- Looking sharp doesn't get any easier than with a steam iron that can give your clothes an instant professionally pressed look. This could very well make or break an important occasion or meeting since first impressions always count.
- From linen to cotton and polyester, different fabrics require different levels of care, especially so when it comes to ironing. Steam irons do come with different levels of fabric settings so you get the optimal temperature when ironing different types of fabrics. This ensures well pressed results without damaging the material.
- The steam iron has become a popular appliance in every household, mainly because of its easy maintenance and time efficiency. With proper care, it can make a worthwhile investment that lasts a long time.
For an average small to medium sized household, investing in a good steam iron will give you enough mileage to get your ironing chores done in the quickest time possible.
This can really help save you time and effort to clear the laundry pile so you can focus on other important things.
How do you then select the right steam iron that best fits your needs and gives you maximum bang for your buck?
We explain the key features and functions that you should consider when shopping for a steam iron so that by the end of the article, you can confidently choose the right steam iron for your ironing needs.
Steam rate and distribution
Variable settings for fabric-care
Water tank capacity
Wattage
Weight and ergonomics
Sole plate material
Cord length
The magic that helps you press clothes professionally without the hard work. The higher the consistency of the steam output level, the faster and easier it is to remove the creases.
The TexStyle 7 Pro Steam Iron boosts 60% more steam and intense power into tough ironing jobs. The adjustable steam power provides exactly the right amount of steam to permeate the fabric faster and easier.
For thicker fabrics like curtains, the TexStyle 3 Steam Iron can deliver steam shot of up to 160g, even vertically. This makes eliminating creases so much easier and cuts down ironing time so you can focus on other important tasks.
A good steam iron would have the right temperature and steam setting to treat different fabric types with care while being able to remove resistant creases.
One tip to help you optimise your iron temperature is to sort your laundry according to fabric type prior to ironing. Ideally, start from the most delicate fabrics that use the coolest setting, right up to the hottest setting for heavier materials.
Using advanced steam technology, TexStyle 7 provides the flexibility of Turbo steam shots with a simple push of a button, to help you work through the toughest wrinkles on heavier materials.
A large tank capacity means less time spent refilling the tank and fewer interruptions, so you clear that pile of laundry quicker. Ideal if you have a ton of ironing to do.
The TexStyle 7 has a 300ml tank that is easy to refill with longer mileage. Get through more laundry in one go and free up precious time to spend with your loved ones.
The wattage of a steam iron determines how quickly the iron heats up to your desired setting to get a strong steam output for fast de-wrinkling.
Both the TexStyle 7 and TexStyle 3 have excellent wattage power - W and W respectively, to support the irons' efficiency and functions.
The rapid heat-up time makes it speedy to refresh your clothing so you look sharp for that important meeting.
Be sure to test the iron in your hand like you are ironing to get a good feel of the weight and grip. An iron that is comfortable to handle will make ironing more pleasant and effortless.
The TexStyle 7 steam iron is powered by the world's first FreeGlide 3D technology, which enables you to glide easily over buttons, pockets and zippers. Since there is no need to constantly adjust the fabric to avoid new wrinkles, time and effort are saved.
Sole plate material determines how smooth ironing will be, as certain materials tend to stick to the fabric and pull while ironing. Choose non-stick materials like stainless steel and ceramic sole plates that help the iron glide on fabric without pulling for a faster and smoother ironing experience. The more scratch-resistant the material is, the longer the iron can perform at its optimum even as it ages.
The TexStyle 7 features Braun's best gliding soleplate. The unique coating EloxalPlus provides extraordinary glideability to accelerate the ironing process. By effectively smoothing your garments, you finish ironing quicker than ever before. Discover more here.
If you plan to iron hanging curtains or other upholstery, a longer cord will make it convenient for you to reach every area and iron vertically.
With TexStyle 7 that comes with a power cord of 2.5m, this makes ironing curtains a breeze.
What's more, it comes with an anti-drip function so there won't be water leakage while you iron, which makes ironing vertically more pleasant and safer too.
With smart features driven by innovative technology, the steam iron is built to get through your laundry pile fast and effortlessly. The large water tank gives you uninterrupted ironing sessions without the need to refill water and lightens the iron so you glide over instead of pressing garments and linen. The strong steam output permeates layers and removes creases easily including smoothing hard-to-reach corners and thick materials.
Discover the innovative features and have peace of mind that your favourite designer garments and linen are safe with our smart textile protection modes. Ironing has never been faster, effortless, and more intuitive with Braun's range of steam irons.
Are you shopping around for a steam iron but aren't quite sure where to get started and how to pick the right iron for your ironing needs?
We give you the lowdown here to help you decide if a steam iron suits your needs and things you should consider before purchasing one.
Steam irons are known to be efficient and effective in clearing piles of ironing and producing professional results with little effort.
Investing in a reliable steam iron makes an indispensable household helper with its numerous benefits:
- As urban dwellers, we are often time-strapped with little spare time for ironing chores. This is where having an iron with a strong steam output can help to straighten out the creases in every piece of clothing in the shortest time.
- Looking sharp doesn't get any easier than with a steam iron that can give your clothes an instant professionally pressed look. This could very well make or break an important occasion or meeting since first impressions always count.
- From linen to cotton and polyester, different fabrics require different levels of care, especially so when it comes to ironing. Steam irons do come with different levels of fabric settings so you get the optimal temperature when ironing different types of fabrics. This ensures well pressed results without damaging the material.
- The steam iron has become a popular appliance in every household, mainly because of its easy maintenance and time efficiency. With proper care, it can make a worthwhile investment that lasts a long time.
For an average small to medium sized household, investing in a good steam iron will give you enough mileage to get your ironing chores done in the quickest time possible.
This can really help save you time and effort to clear the laundry pile so you can focus on other important things.
How do you then select the right steam iron that best fits your needs and gives you maximum bang for your buck?
We explain the key features and functions that you should consider when shopping for a steam iron so that by the end of the article, you can confidently choose the right steam iron for your ironing needs.
Steam rate and distribution
Variable settings for fabric-care
Water tank capacity
Wattage
Weight and ergonomics
Sole plate material
Cord length
The magic that helps you press clothes professionally without the hard work. The higher the consistency of the steam output level, the faster and easier it is to remove the creases.
The TexStyle 7 Pro Steam Iron boosts 60% more steam and intense power into tough ironing jobs. The adjustable steam power provides exactly the right amount of steam to permeate the fabric faster and easier.
For thicker fabrics like curtains, the TexStyle 3 Steam Iron can deliver steam shot of up to 160g, even vertically. This makes eliminating creases so much easier and cuts down ironing time so you can focus on other important tasks.
A good steam iron would have the right temperature and steam setting to treat different fabric types with care while being able to remove resistant creases.
One tip to help you optimise your iron temperature is to sort your laundry according to fabric type prior to ironing. Ideally, start from the most delicate fabrics that use the coolest setting, right up to the hottest setting for heavier materials.
Using advanced steam technology, TexStyle 7 provides the flexibility of Turbo steam shots with a simple push of a button, to help you work through the toughest wrinkles on heavier materials.
A large tank capacity means less time spent refilling the tank and fewer interruptions, so you clear that pile of laundry quicker. Ideal if you have a ton of ironing to do.
The TexStyle 7 has a 300ml tank that is easy to refill with longer mileage. Get through more laundry in one go and free up precious time to spend with your loved ones.
The wattage of a steam iron determines how quickly the iron heats up to your desired setting to get a strong steam output for fast de-wrinkling.
Both the TexStyle 7 and TexStyle 3 have excellent wattage power - W and W respectively, to support the irons' efficiency and functions.
The rapid heat-up time makes it speedy to refresh your clothing so you look sharp for that important meeting.
Be sure to test the iron in your hand like you are ironing to get a good feel of the weight and grip. An iron that is comfortable to handle will make ironing more pleasant and effortless.
The TexStyle 7 steam iron is powered by the world's first FreeGlide 3D technology, which enables you to glide easily over buttons, pockets and zippers. Since there is no need to constantly adjust the fabric to avoid new wrinkles, time and effort are saved.
Sole plate material determines how smooth ironing will be, as certain materials tend to stick to the fabric and pull while ironing. Choose non-stick materials like stainless steel and ceramic sole plates that help the iron glide on fabric without pulling for a faster and smoother ironing experience. The more scratch-resistant the material is, the longer the iron can perform at its optimum even as it ages.
The TexStyle 7 features Braun's best gliding soleplate. The unique coating EloxalPlus provides extraordinary glideability to accelerate the ironing process. By effectively smoothing your garments, you finish ironing quicker than ever before. Discover more here.
If you plan to iron hanging curtains or other upholstery, a longer cord will make it convenient for you to reach every area and iron vertically.
With TexStyle 7 that comes with a power cord of 2.5m, this makes ironing curtains a breeze.
What's more, it comes with an anti-drip function so there won't be water leakage while you iron, which makes ironing vertically more pleasant and safer too.
With smart features driven by innovative technology, the steam iron is built to get through your laundry pile fast and effortlessly. The large water tank gives you uninterrupted ironing sessions without the need to refill water and lightens the iron so you glide over instead of pressing garments and linen. The strong steam output permeates layers and removes creases easily including smoothing hard-to-reach corners and thick materials.
Discover the innovative features and have peace of mind that your favourite designer garments and linen are safe with our smart textile protection modes. Ironing has never been faster, effortless, and more intuitive with Braun's range of steam irons.
Don't iron too frequently or have a small household? Our TexStyle 3 Steam Iron is the ideal choice for you. If you iron a lot or are looking for a higher-performance iron that can handle any fabric and workload, the TexStyle 7 Pro Steam Iron will save you time and deliver professional results.
All types of steam can provide effective sterilization, but healthcare facilities have choices and should understand the different types of steam generation available. Everyone wants to minimize wet packs, instrument staining, and chamber scale/rouge, but all of these are dependent upon your steam quality and purity. While steam sterilization is a critical process for most healthcare facilities, the importance of the incoming water quality for steam sterilizers is often overlooked or misunderstood.
Water, composed of hydrogen and oxygen, is known as 'the universal solvent' because more substances dissolve in water than any other chemical. Therefore, tap water, otherwise known as potable water, may naturally contain minerals and other contaminants such as metals, salts, and organic molecules derived from the environment or the water delivery system. The following table identifies the potential effects of these factors on instruments being sterilized and suggested water treatment options:
ELEMENTS THAT CAN AFFECT POTABLE WATER POTENTIAL IMPACT ON INSTRUMENTATION WATER TREATMENT OPTIONS Presence of metals (aluminum, copper, iron, potassium, etc.) Instrument staining, chamber discoloration Addition of inline filters and/or de-ionized (DI) or reverse osmosis (RO) treatment system Hardness (presence of calcium and magnesium) Scale formation from mineral deposits Addition of softeners in feed water pH Factors (presence of carbonate, hydroxide, and bicarbonate) Instrument pitting, staining, and corrosion Addition of neutralizing amines in feed waterIf not monitored or treated properly, the above conditions may negatively impact the quality of steam production. Instrument decontamination methods used before sterilization should also be investigated to ensure they do not contribute to such issues. Developing a routine water quality testing and analysis program can help minimize such issues.
When deciding which water treatment option may be best for your facility, there are four primary levels of water to consider. The characteristics of each type are shown in the water hierarchy below.
Steam quality can be categorized by the level of purity required by its end-use application.
While all types of steam can provide effective sterilization, all steam is not the same. This guide focuses on steam produced with potable or RO/DI water since pure steam produced with WFI water is not typically used in healthcare facilities.
Plant steam is the most common type of steam used in U.S. healthcare and is sometimes referred to as house steam. Plant or house steam comes from a large, centrally located boiler and can be used for multiple applications, including sterilization, laundry, food service, and heating. The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) typically consumes 3-5% of total steam production for the average facility. It is important to know that steam quality may vary seasonally due to the need for heat during winter months or even at different times of each day during peak demand for kitchen, laundry, showers, etc.
Plant steam is the most economical to produce. The boiler water can be heated with electricity or use natural gas as the most cost-effective method for heating. Softened feed water may be used to decrease water hardness and reduce mineral deposits in the generator vessel.
Typical Plant Steam System within a Healthcare Facility
Incoming municipal water is treated with the use of a water softener. Chemical additives are also added to the boiler to aid in controlling foaming, hardness, and the pH level of the softened water. The steam leaving the boiler travels through a pressure regulator and plumbing lines that typically consist of black iron piping. If needed, inline filters can be added close to the sterilizer to control any particulates that may be transferred in the steam.
Boiler water is chemically treated to control pH levels, deposits, and foaming. It is important to prevent excessive amounts of boiler additives from being transported with the steam to the sterilizer, as this may result in undesirable deposits on the chamber and instruments.
'Wet' steam (less than 97% vapor) can result in poor heat transfer and potential process control issues such as wet packs. Over a prolonged period, this may affect plant performance and increase maintenance and operational costs. Boiler operating pressure, water treatment management, and efficient distribution can influence the quality of steam within the process.
A well-designed and maintained steam system minimizes or prevents boiler carryover and is properly trapped to prevent excessive steam condensate or water droplets from reaching the sterilizer load.
Some locations do not have a large central boiler system available to generate steam from potable water. In this case, steam can be generated within an SPD using an integrated or standalone electric steam generator. Electric steam generators contain heating elements that heat the water in a pressure vessel like an electric home water heater. With this option, the electric heating elements come into direct contact with the feed water to heat it and produce steam. Since they are dedicated to a particular sterilizer or washer, if properly sized for the equipment, a well-maintained steam generator can help eliminate the fluctuation in steam quality that may occur with the use of plant steam.
Integrated and Standalone Steam GeneratorSteam Generators
An integrated electric steam generator supplies a single sterilizer with steam. It is housed within the sterilizer framework and therefore works well in facilities where space is limited.
A standalone electric steam generator can be used to supply one or more sterilizers. Because it is independent of the sterilizer, it requires more floor space to install and more power (higher Kilowatt) if supplying multiple sterilizers.
Integrated and standalone generators can be constructed with carbon or stainless steel. Carbon steel construction is less costly than stainless and is suitable for use with sterilizers having copper/brass or stainless-steel piping. Both generator types require water quality that meets sterilizer manufacturer specifications. Hard feed water may need to be appropriately treated to avoid problems such as generator carryover, electric heating element burnout, and sludge build-up within the generator vessel.
Using clean steam for sterilization offers the advantage of fewer deposits on instruments and sterilizer chamber surfaces. Due to generally poor water quality and different regulatory standards, clean steam is used almost exclusively in Europe. To generate clean steam, a stainless-steel generator vessel is required, and per the National Boiler Code, it must be supplied with RO and/or DI water which contains no dissolved minerals. The resistivity of the water must measure >1 MΩ'cm. This is to avoid contamination and malfunctioning of the generator's mechanical float switches.
It is important to know that due to the aggressive nature of the RO/DI water used in clean steam applications, the generator and sterilizer piping and components must be stainless steel. Stainless steel is a relatively hard, inactive metal that resists corrosion. In contrast, copper and brass are softer, more active metals. Since few ions are present in RO/DI water, ions from copper and brass sterilizer piping tend to leach into the water and eventually cause corrosion of the piping.
Electric heating elements can power clean steam generators, or they can use house steam to heat RO/DI water in a heat exchanger indirectly. This type of generator is also known as a steam-to-steam generator.
Electric clean steam generators can be integrated within the sterilizer framework to minimize footprint requirements or be standalone generators. Figure 2 shows a typical clean steam setup with a standalone or integrated steam generator.
Figure 2: Clean steam setup (electric)
Steam-to-steam or indirect clean steam generators use house (plant) steam to heat RO/DI water within a system of heat exchangers, with the house steam never coming into direct contact with the generator feed water. While this option is the most economical to operate, it is less efficient than an electric steam generator and has a much higher acquisition cost. With indirect steam generators, it is sometimes necessary to install a steam reservoir, also known as a 'header', to collect and store steam for processing and to increase the generator's efficiency. This type of steam generator usually also requires higher house steam pressure to perform properly. Figure 3 shows a clean steam system with a steam-to-steam generator. This type of generator is located near the sterilizer and usually requires additional floor space in the sterile processing area.
Figure 3: Clean steam layout within a hospital steam-to-steam (indirect)
While it is more costly to use treated water due to the acquisition and maintenance costs associated with a treatment system, there are also significant benefits. Stainless steel steam generators using treated water to create steam will last longer if properly maintained since hardness and other minerals are reduced to very low levels. Using treated water will also greatly diminish staining on the chamber walls and instruments.
While many healthcare facilities use steam generated by a central boiler system, clean steam may reduce chamber cleaning efforts and can reduce the cost of maintaining and replacing instruments.
In addition to routine water quality monitoring and maintenance of water treatment equipment, proper cleaning, and maintenance of the sterilizer and generator are critical to ensure successful sterilization. Electric stainless steel generators should be flushed at least once a week to prevent scale and sludge build-up.
In the US, ANSI/AAMI ST79 provides guidance on steam quality for healthcare applications. According to the standard, 'there are two common sources for steam used for sterile processing: hospital steam boiler systems and self-contained, electric boilers. In both cases, a treated water supply is necessary to remove total dissolved solids (TDS). Each system should be designed, monitored, and maintained to ensure that the quality, purity, and quantity of the steam provided are appropriate for effective sterile processing.' Therefore, steam quality depends heavily on the water quality used for steam production. AAMI has made recommendations with respect to the water quality for the reprocessing of medical devices in its Technical Information Report (TIR) 34. It is expected that AAMI will eventually migrate this document to a standard, in which case it will be very important to understand the water quality used to generate steam. It is recommended that steam condensate be tested to determine the level of minerals or other contaminants in the steam.
In summary, using plant steam from a central facility source or steam generated in the SPD with an electric or steam to steam generator are all viable options for sterilizing surgical instruments. Choosing whether or not to implement clean steam depends on overall SPD objectives, including available space, budget and maintenance considerations, and the desire to prepare for future changes in AAMI standards.
If replacing older sterilizers, it may be worthwhile to consider steam sterilizers with stainless piping. This configuration is the most versatile as it is 'clean steam ready'. This means that it can be supplied with house steam today and can be equipped with a stainless-steel generator for clean steam tomorrow, offering the flexibility to conform to anticipated changes in the standards.
(Yes or No)
Potable Tap or Softened Potable Tap Water RO/DI Copper/Brass Central plant steam carbon steel No Integrated carbon steel No Standalone carbon steel No Stainless-Steel Central plant steam carbon steel No Integrated carbon steal No Standalone carbon steel No Integrated stainless steel Yes Standalone stainless steel Yes Stand-alone stainless steel steam-to-steam YesProper steam system design and maintenance is required to achieve consistent and successful steam sterilization outcomes while minimizing wet packs, instrument staining, chamber scale, and rouge. The following checklist can be a useful tool for SPD Managers who wish to take a proactive approach to steam generation in their facilities.
Solvent ' liquid in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution.
Potable water ' Drinking water or potable water is water that is safe enough to be consumed by humans or used with a low risk of immediate or long-term harm.
Carryover ' solids in the form of metals or residues which are transferred from plumbing lines to the steam sterilizer chamber and/or surgical instruments.
Scale formation ' a deposit of minerals left after the evaporation of water.
Neutralizing amines ' used to neutralize the acid generated by the dissolution of carbon dioxide in the boiler water.
Water softener ' a device or substance that softens hard water by removing certain minerals.
De-ionized (DI) Water System ' utilizes a chemical process whereby an ion exchange resin is used to trap specifically charged ions such as Sodium, Calcium, Iron, Copper, Chloride, and Bromide.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water System ' a liquid filtration method whereby water is forced through a membrane at high pressure. Small pores in the membrane permit the passage of water molecules but prevent the larger ions mentioned previously from passing through, resulting in water that is free of most dissolved minerals.
Expert Advice
A highly qualified, industry-recognized team of chemists, engineers, and service professionals is available to offer product and process consultation for your steam generation requirements. Only STERIS can provide solutions designed to work in concert to help you get the results you need, time and time again. Contact your STERIS Rep today for more information on steam generation.
Don't iron too frequently or have a small household? Our TexStyle 3 Steam Iron is the ideal choice for you. If you iron a lot or are looking for a higher-performance iron that can handle any fabric and workload, the TexStyle 7 Pro Steam Iron will save you time and deliver professional results.
All types of steam can provide effective sterilization, but healthcare facilities have choices and should understand the different types of steam generation available. Everyone wants to minimize wet packs, instrument staining, and chamber scale/rouge, but all of these are dependent upon your steam quality and purity. While steam sterilization is a critical process for most healthcare facilities, the importance of the incoming water quality for steam sterilizers is often overlooked or misunderstood.
Water, composed of hydrogen and oxygen, is known as 'the universal solvent' because more substances dissolve in water than any other chemical. Therefore, tap water, otherwise known as potable water, may naturally contain minerals and other contaminants such as metals, salts, and organic molecules derived from the environment or the water delivery system. The following table identifies the potential effects of these factors on instruments being sterilized and suggested water treatment options:
ELEMENTS THAT CAN AFFECT POTABLE WATER POTENTIAL IMPACT ON INSTRUMENTATION WATER TREATMENT OPTIONS Presence of metals (aluminum, copper, iron, potassium, etc.) Instrument staining, chamber discoloration Addition of inline filters and/or de-ionized (DI) or reverse osmosis (RO) treatment system Hardness (presence of calcium and magnesium) Scale formation from mineral deposits Addition of softeners in feed water pH Factors (presence of carbonate, hydroxide, and bicarbonate) Instrument pitting, staining, and corrosion Addition of neutralizing amines in feed waterIf not monitored or treated properly, the above conditions may negatively impact the quality of steam production. Instrument decontamination methods used before sterilization should also be investigated to ensure they do not contribute to such issues. Developing a routine water quality testing and analysis program can help minimize such issues.
When deciding which water treatment option may be best for your facility, there are four primary levels of water to consider. The characteristics of each type are shown in the water hierarchy below.
Steam quality can be categorized by the level of purity required by its end-use application.
While all types of steam can provide effective sterilization, all steam is not the same. This guide focuses on steam produced with potable or RO/DI water since pure steam produced with WFI water is not typically used in healthcare facilities.
Plant steam is the most common type of steam used in U.S. healthcare and is sometimes referred to as house steam. Plant or house steam comes from a large, centrally located boiler and can be used for multiple applications, including sterilization, laundry, food service, and heating. The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) typically consumes 3-5% of total steam production for the average facility. It is important to know that steam quality may vary seasonally due to the need for heat during winter months or even at different times of each day during peak demand for kitchen, laundry, showers, etc.
Plant steam is the most economical to produce. The boiler water can be heated with electricity or use natural gas as the most cost-effective method for heating. Softened feed water may be used to decrease water hardness and reduce mineral deposits in the generator vessel.
Typical Plant Steam System within a Healthcare Facility
Incoming municipal water is treated with the use of a water softener. Chemical additives are also added to the boiler to aid in controlling foaming, hardness, and the pH level of the softened water. The steam leaving the boiler travels through a pressure regulator and plumbing lines that typically consist of black iron piping. If needed, inline filters can be added close to the sterilizer to control any particulates that may be transferred in the steam.
Boiler water is chemically treated to control pH levels, deposits, and foaming. It is important to prevent excessive amounts of boiler additives from being transported with the steam to the sterilizer, as this may result in undesirable deposits on the chamber and instruments.
'Wet' steam (less than 97% vapor) can result in poor heat transfer and potential process control issues such as wet packs. Over a prolonged period, this may affect plant performance and increase maintenance and operational costs. Boiler operating pressure, water treatment management, and efficient distribution can influence the quality of steam within the process.
A well-designed and maintained steam system minimizes or prevents boiler carryover and is properly trapped to prevent excessive steam condensate or water droplets from reaching the sterilizer load.
Some locations do not have a large central boiler system available to generate steam from potable water. In this case, steam can be generated within an SPD using an integrated or standalone electric steam generator. Electric steam generators contain heating elements that heat the water in a pressure vessel like an electric home water heater. With this option, the electric heating elements come into direct contact with the feed water to heat it and produce steam. Since they are dedicated to a particular sterilizer or washer, if properly sized for the equipment, a well-maintained steam generator can help eliminate the fluctuation in steam quality that may occur with the use of plant steam.
Integrated and Standalone Steam Generators
An integrated electric steam generator supplies a single sterilizer with steam. It is housed within the sterilizer framework and therefore works well in facilities where space is limited.
A standalone electric steam generator can be used to supply one or more sterilizers. Because it is independent of the sterilizer, it requires more floor space to install and more power (higher Kilowatt) if supplying multiple sterilizers.
Integrated and standalone generators can be constructed with carbon or stainless steel. Carbon steel construction is less costly than stainless and is suitable for use with sterilizers having copper/brass or stainless-steel piping. Both generator types require water quality that meets sterilizer manufacturer specifications. Hard feed water may need to be appropriately treated to avoid problems such as generator carryover, electric heating element burnout, and sludge build-up within the generator vessel.
Using clean steam for sterilization offers the advantage of fewer deposits on instruments and sterilizer chamber surfaces. Due to generally poor water quality and different regulatory standards, clean steam is used almost exclusively in Europe. To generate clean steam, a stainless-steel generator vessel is required, and per the National Boiler Code, it must be supplied with RO and/or DI water which contains no dissolved minerals. The resistivity of the water must measure >1 MΩ'cm. This is to avoid contamination and malfunctioning of the generator's mechanical float switches.
It is important to know that due to the aggressive nature of the RO/DI water used in clean steam applications, the generator and sterilizer piping and components must be stainless steel. Stainless steel is a relatively hard, inactive metal that resists corrosion. In contrast, copper and brass are softer, more active metals. Since few ions are present in RO/DI water, ions from copper and brass sterilizer piping tend to leach into the water and eventually cause corrosion of the piping.
Electric heating elements can power clean steam generators, or they can use house steam to heat RO/DI water in a heat exchanger indirectly. This type of generator is also known as a steam-to-steam generator.
Electric clean steam generators can be integrated within the sterilizer framework to minimize footprint requirements or be standalone generators. Figure 2 shows a typical clean steam setup with a standalone or integrated steam generator.
Figure 2: Clean steam setup (electric)
Steam-to-steam or indirect clean steam generators use house (plant) steam to heat RO/DI water within a system of heat exchangers, with the house steam never coming into direct contact with the generator feed water. While this option is the most economical to operate, it is less efficient than an electric steam generator and has a much higher acquisition cost. With indirect steam generators, it is sometimes necessary to install a steam reservoir, also known as a 'header', to collect and store steam for processing and to increase the generator's efficiency. This type of steam generator usually also requires higher house steam pressure to perform properly. Figure 3 shows a clean steam system with a steam-to-steam generator. This type of generator is located near the sterilizer and usually requires additional floor space in the sterile processing area.
Figure 3: Clean steam layout within a hospital steam-to-steam (indirect)
While it is more costly to use treated water due to the acquisition and maintenance costs associated with a treatment system, there are also significant benefits. Stainless steel steam generators using treated water to create steam will last longer if properly maintained since hardness and other minerals are reduced to very low levels. Using treated water will also greatly diminish staining on the chamber walls and instruments.
While many healthcare facilities use steam generated by a central boiler system, clean steam may reduce chamber cleaning efforts and can reduce the cost of maintaining and replacing instruments.
In addition to routine water quality monitoring and maintenance of water treatment equipment, proper cleaning, and maintenance of the sterilizer and generator are critical to ensure successful sterilization. Electric stainless steel generators should be flushed at least once a week to prevent scale and sludge build-up.
In the US, ANSI/AAMI ST79 provides guidance on steam quality for healthcare applications. According to the standard, 'there are two common sources for steam used for sterile processing: hospital steam boiler systems and self-contained, electric boilers. In both cases, a treated water supply is necessary to remove total dissolved solids (TDS). Each system should be designed, monitored, and maintained to ensure that the quality, purity, and quantity of the steam provided are appropriate for effective sterile processing.' Therefore, steam quality depends heavily on the water quality used for steam production. AAMI has made recommendations with respect to the water quality for the reprocessing of medical devices in its Technical Information Report (TIR) 34. It is expected that AAMI will eventually migrate this document to a standard, in which case it will be very important to understand the water quality used to generate steam. It is recommended that steam condensate be tested to determine the level of minerals or other contaminants in the steam.
In summary, using plant steam from a central facility source or steam generated in the SPD with an electric or steam to steam generator are all viable options for sterilizing surgical instruments. Choosing whether or not to implement clean steam depends on overall SPD objectives, including available space, budget and maintenance considerations, and the desire to prepare for future changes in AAMI standards.
If replacing older sterilizers, it may be worthwhile to consider steam sterilizers with stainless piping. This configuration is the most versatile as it is 'clean steam ready'. This means that it can be supplied with house steam today and can be equipped with a stainless-steel generator for clean steam tomorrow, offering the flexibility to conform to anticipated changes in the standards.
(Yes or No)
Potable Tap or Softened Potable Tap Water RO/DI Copper/Brass Central plant steam carbon steel No Integrated carbon steel No Standalone carbon steel No Stainless-Steel Central plant steam carbon steel No Integrated carbon steal No Standalone carbon steel No Integrated stainless steel Yes Standalone stainless steel Yes Stand-alone stainless steel steam-to-steam YesProper steam system design and maintenance is required to achieve consistent and successful steam sterilization outcomes while minimizing wet packs, instrument staining, chamber scale, and rouge. The following checklist can be a useful tool for SPD Managers who wish to take a proactive approach to steam generation in their facilities.
Solvent ' liquid in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution.
Potable water ' Drinking water or potable water is water that is safe enough to be consumed by humans or used with a low risk of immediate or long-term harm.
Carryover ' solids in the form of metals or residues which are transferred from plumbing lines to the steam sterilizer chamber and/or surgical instruments.
Scale formation ' a deposit of minerals left after the evaporation of water.
Neutralizing amines ' used to neutralize the acid generated by the dissolution of carbon dioxide in the boiler water.
Water softener ' a device or substance that softens hard water by removing certain minerals.
De-ionized (DI) Water System ' utilizes a chemical process whereby an ion exchange resin is used to trap specifically charged ions such as Sodium, Calcium, Iron, Copper, Chloride, and Bromide.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water System ' a liquid filtration method whereby water is forced through a membrane at high pressure. Small pores in the membrane permit the passage of water molecules but prevent the larger ions mentioned previously from passing through, resulting in water that is free of most dissolved minerals.
Expert Advice
A highly qualified, industry-recognized team of chemists, engineers, and service professionals is available to offer product and process consultation for your steam generation requirements. Only STERIS can provide solutions designed to work in concert to help you get the results you need, time and time again. Contact your STERIS Rep today for more information on steam generation.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Electric Steam Boiler.