Revitalizing Ben Taub Hospital's HVAC: A Spotlight on Smart Infrastructure Solutions

Ben Taub Hospital, a major Level I trauma center in Houston, Texas, operates 24/7, serving over 80,000 emergency patients a year. For a facility of this size, the HVAC system isn't just about comfort; it's a critical component of life safety. When the hospital's 40-year-old air handling units (AHUs) began showing their age, they faced a daunting challenge.

The Problem: A Costly Conundrum for Ben Taub 

The hospital's AHUs, some as large as 200,000 CFM, were operating at nearly half their original airflow capacity. This wasn't just due to their age; extensive dirt, dust, and biofilm fouling had significantly choked them. Initially, a complete replacement was considered. However, the AHUs' basement location and the surrounding infrastructure made this option prohibitively expensive and disruptive, involving massive downtime that a trauma center simply can't afford. The solution had to be smarter and more cost-effective.

The Solution: Strategic Refurbishment with CoilSafe Plus 

Instead of a complete replacement, Ben Taub Hospital chose a strategic refurbishment. The project involved a comprehensive approach:

• Mechanical Upgrades: Old fan motors were replaced with more efficient models and equipped with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for precise speed control.

• Structural Repair: Corroded metal panels and drain pans were replaced to restore the units' integrity.

• Coil Protection: To address the root causes of inefficiency—fouling and microbial growth—our team at EPS was brought in. We applied CoilSafe Plus, an antimicrobial siloxane coating, to the chilled water, hot water, and steam coils.

Unlike traditional coatings, CoilSafe Plus can be applied on-site, drastically reducing downtime. Its unique formulation provides a durable, long-term barrier against corrosion and microbial growth, which is critical for a hospital environment.

The Payoff: More Than Just Efficiency 

This strategic refurbishment yielded significant benefits, demonstrating that sometimes, the best solution isn't a new one, but a smarter one.

• Restored Airflow: The project restored the airflow capacity of the AHUs, eliminating the nearly 50% loss caused by fouling.

• Improved Energy Efficiency: Cleaner coils and new VFDs reduced fan horsepower requirements and energy consumption, leading to substantial cost savings.

• Corrosion and Microbial Control: CoilSafe Plus acts as a protective shield, preventing future corrosion and providing continuous antimicrobial defense, which contributes to a healthier indoor environment.

• Avoided Costs: By opting for refurbishment, the hospital avoided the immense costs and logistical nightmares of a complete AHU replacement.

  
  

While we're still gathering precise quantitative data on energy savings, airflow improvements, and microbial reduction, the initial results are clear: the project was a resounding success. It proves that with the right approach, like applying CoilSafe Plus, critical infrastructure can be revitalized to perform like new, ensuring reliability and cost-effectiveness for years to come.