Page 29 - CIJ April 2025- Digital Edition

COVER STORY

Modern duct cleaning systems now
incorporate robotic equipment capable
of cleaning both horizontal and vertical
ducts. These robots are fitted with cameras

and sensors to assess the internal condition
of ducts, detect grease accumulation and
measure airflow restrictions.”

Abhay Shukla

This improvement resulted
Addressing Pain in better thermal control,
Points: A Case from a improved surgeon comfort, and a
Hospital OT noticeable reduction in airborne
One of the key challenges contaminants. The video recording
of the duct condition before
in industrial and healthcare cleaning was shared with hospital
environments is the tendency to authorities to demonstrate the
evaluate duct cleaning purely value of the service. (View the
in terms of cost. However, the video: https://www.youtube.com/
hidden impact on health, safety, in a pharmaceutical plant, which
and equipment performance is watch?v=vZMlOxAE_kM)
often much greater than initially Making the were unsuitable for robotic access.
understood. A tailored solution combining
manual and robotic methods was
In a hospital in India, a modular Right Choice suggested, which saved costs
operation theatre was experiencing When selecting a robotic duct while achieving full coverage.
difficulty in achieving the cleaning service, it is important to:
required room temperature during 1. Ask technical questions and Duct cleaning is not a one-
surgeries. Doctors reported seek detailed explanations of size-fits-all service. It must be
discomfort, and there were cases the methodology. customised based on system
of infections acquired during design, operational risks and
treatment—commonly attributed 2. Understand the specific hygiene requirements. Clients
to poor air quality. requirements of the site and are advised to consult qualified
system—some areas may not
The HVAC design of the OT require robotic intervention, professionals to determine the best
included four return ducts and one while others may depend on it approach for their facility.
HEPA-filtered supply. Airflow for effective cleaning. Investing in proper duct
readings before cleaning were as cleaning is an investment in
low as 180 CFM, 0 CFM, 70 CFM, 3. Assess the capabilities of the
and 80 CFM across the four returns. service provider, including the operational reliability, indoor air
Following a combined robotic and type of equipment used, the quality and sustainability. With
manual duct cleaning process, the reporting process and safety the right tools and guidance, even
return airflow improved significantly protocols followed. the most challenging cleaning
to 800 CFM, 700 CFM, 800 CFM In one case, a client insisted on requirements can now be met
and 600 CFM respectively. robotic cleaning for narrow ducts effectively.

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