Bürkert maintains alliances

Bürkert Fluid Control Systems has been selected by Labcaire Systems – a specialist in the design and supply of endoscope washer disinfectors – to ensure the safe and thorough cleaning of invasive medical equipment, and by MMM Medical Equipment to provide engineering consultancy on the fluid and pneumatic control systems of its new machine designed to test the integrity of medical ampoules.

Labcaire, based in North Somerset, is currently producing units that offer facilities for cleaning either two or four endoscopes at a time using cold chemical disinfectants rather than the traditional method of steam, due to the heat sensitivity of endoscopes. The washer disinfectors provided by Bürkert protect the operator of the unit from inevitable fumes that emanate from the chemical. Additionally, new regulations imposed upon hospitals that demand strict reporting procedures on endoscope reprocessing, have prompted Labcaire to incorporate a data logging system into its machines to record all variable parameters or the reprocessing cycle. Working with MMM, Bürkert's experience in customised fluid control systems helped in the areas of level, flow and pressure control, and its extensive product range eased the integration of sensors, valves and process actuation products into the new machine. Andy Beesting, Bürkert area sales manager, said: "Helping to control and monitor the critical test procedures required a wide range of fluid control products, including at the heart of the system a 10-station Bürkert AirLINE process controller." Other key components included an ultrasonic level transmitter to monitor the water level in the chamber; a level switch for the door interlock and a pressure switch for vacuum control.