MIL-HDBK-1165
5.5
Medical Facilities. Other than the common water
demands for restrooms, laundries, and cooling & heating, medical
facilities have some unique water demands based on their use of
specialized equipment. Water conservation options are presented
below for this equipment.
5.5.1
X-ray Equipment. After x-rays are taken, special
automated processing equipment is used to develop the film.
Water is used during the process to rinse the film of its
developing chemicals and the silver compounds used to create x-
ray images. There are several operational or equipment
modifications which can reduce the equipment's water use.
5.5.1.1
Operation and Maintenance Procedures. The following
low cost maintenance procedures can help reduce the amount of
water used in x-ray machines:
a)
Locate and repair leaks.
b) Adjust flow rates to the minimum rates recommended
by the manufacturer.
c) Maintain the solenoid control valves in good
working order.
5.5.1.2
Retrofits. The following retrofit options can be used
to reduce water consumption:
a) Install flow meters to allow equipment users to
control the amount of rinse water used by the processor. A flow
rate of 2 gpm is normally sufficient.
b) Add solenoid valves to shut off rinse and cooling
flows when processor is idle.
c) Install regulators to automatically limit the flow
rate of the rinse water.
5.5.1.3
Water Recycling, Reclamation, and Reuse. Reuse the
rinse bath effluent for make-up water in the developer solution.
Implement a silver recovery unit to collect the valuable metal
for reuse in another application.
5.5.2
Sterilizers and Autoclaves. Sterilizers and autoclaves
can consume significant amounts of water depending on their age
(older units have little or no flow control) and rate of use.
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