Healthy savings

The Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan, better known as Wigan Infirmary, anticipates it will avoid spending £48,847 per annum in fuel and maintenance costs following the installation of 157 Thermal Energy International's GEM venturi orifice steam traps. Payback is expected in just under two years on steam savings, increased efficiency, failed traps, maintenance and Carbon Offset Value costs.

Instead of using a valve mechanism to close off steam for energy and water conservation, GEM steam traps use the venturi orifice design to effectively drain condensate from the steam system. The steam traps have no moving parts to wedge open or fail. They provide a high degree of reliability and need minimal maintenance.

First quarter calculations are said to show a 16% decrease in fuel costs following the conversion to GEM.