Stainless steel biomed tanks can be used to sterilize instruments for reuse or disposal.
Stainless steel is a strong and durable type of metal that is resistant to corrosion, can withstand high temperatures, is easy to clean, and is impact resistant. As a result, it is a popular material for biomedical tanks that must be hygienic, strong, and durable against time and extreme conditions. Stainless steel biomedical tanks can be used for a variety of hospital and medical applications---and they are completely recyclable. Additionally, because of their versatility and longevity, biomed tanks can be repurposed for use outside of the medical industry.
Steam sterilization of biomedical tools
Many hospitals and health care providers use steam sterilization systems to clean their instruments and linens. Steam sterilization units are often built with stainless steel tanks that are connected to waste collectors and power sources, such as natural gas. By placing medical tools or linens into a steam sterilization cleaner for the required amount of time, based on the heat selected, items can be adequately sterilized for reuse. Additionally, many local governments require that biomedical waste be sterilized before it is disposed of in a waste treatment facility. For example, King County, Washington has a requirement that solid waste facilities only accept biomedical waste after that waste as been treated suitably. Suitable treatment, according to the Seattle and King County Public Health requirements, means that waste should generally either be sterilized by steam or incinerated.
Steam sterilization tanks come in a variety of models to suit different needs. For example, some stainless steel biomedical steam sterilization tanks are designed to treat soil stains, in which case, the unit could heat the soil to 220 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of one hour.
Research and water storage
Stainless steel tanks can be used in biomedical research in a number of different ways, including as water-storage vessels for testing communities.
An example of this type of tank use in biomedical research occurred when a group of researchers used tanks to store water during a testing project in Colombia. (In this case, the group used plastic tanks, yet the role of the tank is the same regardless of tank material, in this type of research use.) The group was studying the quality of water in post earthquake camps where children were frequently infected with giardiasis parasites. Researchers compared the water quality and related health conditions of children who drank municipal water and children who drank water that was stored in tanks. Water that was stored in tanks was treated with 1,217 kg of sodium isocianyde dichloride. Researchers found that the presence of the Giardia parasites was higher when individuals consumed water from municipal water sources, as compared to individuals that consumed water from water tanks.
Rain barrel
Not all stainless steel biomed tanks need to be used in a medical setting or for medical purposes. In fact, they can often be repurposed or recycled for use elsewhere, including as a rain barrel. Rain barrels are popular solutions that enable homeowners to capture water from rainfall that they can store and reuse to water their gardens. By storing water in rain barrels, homeowners can not only reduce their utility expenses as they reduce the amount of water they use from their public utility company, but they can also decrease their environmental footprint by collecting and using a natural resource. To convert a stainless steel biomed tank into a rain barrel, a homeowner may need to work with a contractor that has the right tools and experience required to fit a stainless steel tank with a faucet and collection system. In most rain barrel setups, the rain barrel will sit on a level surface near the home. The tank will need to be connected to the gutter so that when rain falls and is collected in the gutter, it is transferred to the tank, where it is held until use. Depending on where a homeowner stores the tank, the tank may also need to be outfitted with a water pump, so that the homeowner can transport water from the tank uphill.
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