FMH recently completed renovation of its operating suites. Based on experience in controlling temperature and humidity, not only for comfort requirements but for proper operating room sterility, FMH wanted the latest in HVAC technology. Don Garrison, chief of facility management, said, "We always had problems being able to satisfy the surgeons, who wanted the temperature at 62-65 degrees, while the anesthesiologists and other staff wanted higher temperatures. It’s hard to satisfy everyone with air that has a lot of moisture in it.” Excessive humidity can require resterilizing surgical kits, adding thousands of dollars of expense. Switchover to the new HVAC system was needed in just one weekend to avoid disrupting surgery schedules.

FMH worked with Trane and Harriman Associates consulting engineers of Auburn, ME, to design and build a new packaged HVAC system using Trane components and completely assembled in Trane’s Ft. Smith, Arkansas, factory. The system combines an IntelliPak™ air-cooled chiller with a Custom Climate Changer™ air handler and a CDQ™ (Cool, Dry, Quiet) desiccant wheel to provide superior temperature and humidity control. The factory-packaged system includes water pumps, piping, Tracer Summit™ automation system and controls.

Since the entire HVAC system was built in Trane’s factory, changeover to the new system was completed in a weekend. The Trane packaged system delivers 50 degree (F) air at 35-40 F dew point, and keeps operating rooms at 62-65 F and 35 to 50 percent relative humidity. It delivers ideal temperature and humidity much more efficiently than alternative systems. Garrison says, “It’s refreshing and rewarding to get the testimonials from the doctors. I’ve talked to perhaps 10 of the O-R doctors who have stopped me in the halls to say they love the new system because it keeps them so comfortable.”

Another example of how Trane’s world-renowned expertise met a difficult challenge with the right solution.

FMH is a progressive, friendly, nonprofit community general hospital whose mission is to provide high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered health care to west central Maine. The 70-bed hospital is fully qualified and accredited to handle a broad range of medical, surgical, pediatric, obstetric, and gynecological procedures and has specialized strengths in cardiology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology, rheumatology, internal medicine, urology, emergency care, and occupational health.

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Trane, a business of Ingersoll Rand - the world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and energy efficient environments - improves the performance of homes and buildings around the world. Trane solutions optimize indoor environments with a broad portfolio of energy efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, building and contracting services, parts support and advanced controls for homes and commercial buildings.

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