Water quality is affected by microorganism presence and leaching from materials in contact with the water, and water stagnation increases the contamination risk, allowing bacteria to adhere to surfaces.
Water velocity and some turbulence help limit biofilm proliferation. To maintain a suitable velocity, pipework should be correctly sized. In oversized pipes, water velocity and turbulence are reduced, allowing biofilm to develop. Delabie recommends sizing pipework to ensure a velocity of 1.5-2 m /second. Moreover, specifying taps with lower consumption levels, i.e. low flow rates and timed shut-off, allows use of smaller diameter supply pipes.
The company said: “DH guidelines recommend flushing outlets at least twice weekly, and daily, for one minute, in augmented care units. Manual flushing is time-consuming, but concerns have been raised about taps that flush automatically. Most electronic taps incorporate a solenoid valve with a rubber membrane, behind which water can stagnate. However, we have developed a patented, piston-operated solenoid valve where water is completely drained and renewed with every use and which, if unused, flushes automatically for 60 seconds every 24 hours – incorporated into our fully WRAS-approved Tempomatic 4.” Activated by presence detection, there is no manual contact, while a 3 litre/min flow rate and automatic shut-off reduce water consumption and help maintain pipework velocity.
