Euss Ltd
uses the following kit and regulation to perform steam quality test. We are mainly specialized to perform the test on Stilmas units with (standard sanitary connection) and also to Fedegari autoclaves with non standard connections.The SQ1 Test Kit is designed specifically for the testing of non-condensable gases, dryness value and superheat. While the condenser supplied with the test kit is capable of collecting condensate samples, the design is not intended to be hygienic and the cooling coil is made from copper for good heat exchange. While no problems are likely to be experienced, we provide no guarantees for this application.
Regulatory Approval
As far as we understand, our equipment has not been the subject of European regulatory scrutiny, though the results generated by it has, without comment on the equipment or indeed methodology. The approach of the regulators would seem to be:
- Are the consequences of poor steam quality understood?
- Have tests been conducted, and what are the results?
- If out of specification, what action is being taken.
Accuracy - Dryness Value & Superheat
The equipment supplied complies exactly with EN 285. These tests are approximations and inferential respectively. The tests are conducted in accordance with EN 285 or HTM 2010 and the results used accordingly. It is therefore not possible to benchmark these tests with any standard.
Accuracy- Non condensable gas test
For non-condensable gas testing we state that our equipment complies with EN 285 as this standard specifically allows the use of alternative methods provided they have been shown to give comparable results. This comparison work has been undertaken and the results showed that the difference between the EN 285 method and our system for non-condensable gas tests was 0.03% over five tests with values between 0.4 and 1.6%. While the results provide some value, you should remember in the case of the non-condensable gas test that we have a system capable of producing consistent results which we have to compare with a subjective test method ! The test objective is very simple, steam must be condensed and any gases resulting collected. Our system performs this function consistently and repeatable from test to test, irrespective of the skills of the person carrying out the test.
General
The SQ1 Steam Quality Test Kit has been designed to comply with EN 285 with a single improvement to the methodology. It should be noted at the outset that EN 285 specifically allows alternative procedures, provided that they have been calibrated against the standard methods. Instead of the non-condensable gas test being as described in the standard, we provide a condenser system which we have found to be safer, more robust, easier to use (less subjective), and more repeatable. The objective is to separate non-condensable gases from steam and the disadvantage of the standard method is the subjective adjustment of steam flow to prevent localised boiling and therefore the collection of non-condensable gases from the water being used to condense the steam. By using a condenser, the steam does not come into contact with the water and eliminates this subjective and variable aspect. Condensers tend to be the preferred method for test professionals, though the disadvantage is usually the need to modify pipe-work in the plant room to have access to a cold water supply. With our system we provide a small submersible water pump, which can simply be dropped into the sterilizer header tank or a bucket of cold water. The test kit was designed by field engineers, primarily for their own use and has been comprehensively field-tested. A detailed manual is provided, giving details of the test points required, test procedures and an Excel calculation for establishing dryness values etc. It should be noted that the dryness value measurement is not restricted to a minimum value as will be found with some test kits.
For Sanitary Applications, we offer the SQ1-T Sanitary Version. All pitot tubes are Tri-Clover types, and the kit comes with Tri-Clover adapters for use with the NCG (Non-condensable gases) test and temperature sample points. We also now offer Steam Quality Test Elbows (Tri-Clover) for your convenience! Available in 1" to 4" dia, the Test Elbows provide a fast and easy way to perform all the steam quality tests. Please contact us for pricing.
