Hardening Emergency Systems: Preferred’s Submersible “Waterproof” Pumpset Performs when it Matters Most
When Hurricane Beryl swept through Texas, it highlighted the vulnerability of mission critical and healthcare facilities to extreme weather events. Power outages caused by the storm left over 2 million without electricity, posing severe challenges for 17 hospitals and additional healthcare centers due to flooding and then heat. Emergency evacuations, temporary medical setups, and the strain on healthcare resources emphasize the need for resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding such crises.
Jason Ryan, executive vice president of CenterPoint Energy, said this week that the company’s infrastructure is “a little ways away” from being able to withstand storms like Beryl. [source AP NEWS]
Mission Critical applications, such as healthcare facilities, must be able to count on their emergency systems to remain operational even in extreme flooding. Preferred’s Submersible Pumpset plays a pivotal role in this regard, hardening emergency systems and providing a reliable solution to prevent power outages and support emergency generators.
Impact of Hurricane Beryl on Texas Healthcare Facilities
Hurricane Beryl had a profound impact on healthcare facilities in Texas:
- Power Outages: Widespread power outages left healthcare facilities scrambling to maintain essential services. Hospitals had to deal with an influx of patients needing urgent care due to storm-related injuries and health issues.
- Evacuations: Several hospitals and healthcare centers were forced to evacuate patients to safer locations. The NRG Arena in Houston, for instance, was converted into a temporary medical facility to accommodate the evacuated patients.
- Operational Challenges: The lack of electricity hampered the ability to run medical equipment, creating critical situations for patients reliant on electrically powered devices such as oxygen machines.
Preferred’s Submersible Pumpset: A Solution for Resilient Healthcare
Preferred’s Submersible Pumpset is designed to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply to emergency generators, even during extreme flooding. Here’s how it works:
- Flood-Proof Design: These pumps are designed to be installed below grade level, making them ideal for locations where pumps cannot be placed above normal flood levels due to code or suction lift constraints.
- Durability: Capable of withstanding complete submersion in up to 75 feet of water, these pumps continue to operate uninterrupted during floods. This durability ensures that emergency generators can function without interruption.
- Leak Detection: The pumps come equipped with discriminating type leak sensors installed inside their enclosures, enhancing safety and reliability.
- Pressure Testing: Each pump and motor assembly is installed within a submersible enclosure and pressure tested to a minimum of 40 psi for 15 minutes, ensuring robust performance.
- Proven Reliability: With many years of experience producing waterproof designs, Preferred’s submersible pumps are tested for heat buildup and can run unsubmerged continuously for 45 minutes, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance.
Enhancing Mission Critical Resilience
By supporting emergency generator systems, Preferred’s Submersible Pumpset supports healthcare and mission critical facilities to remain operational during extreme weather events.
As we face instances of unpreparedness for extreme weather events, the need for resilient infrastructure in healthcare and other mission critical applications becomes ever more obvious. Preferred’s Submersible Pumpset represents a significant advancement in ensuring that healthcare facilities can continue to provide essential services, even in the face of natural disasters, especially in areas where there is increased risk of flooding or flood causing events.
For more information about Preferred’s Submersible Pumpset and how it can enhance the resilience of your healthcare facility, visit our website or CONTACT US for more information.