Why is Power Quality crucial for laboratory diagnostics?
In clinical analysis laboratories, continuity of power supply and electrical Power Quality are key factors in ensuring the reliability of equipment and the accuracy of diagnostic results. Biochemical and genetic analysers, together with highly sensitive electronic instruments, require a stable power supply free from disturbances and immune to anomalies in the electrical network.
Voltage fluctuations, electrical noise, harmonics and micro-interruptions can compromise the correct operation of instruments, alter analytical data by generating false positive or false negative results and, in the most critical cases, cause the deterioration of unique or irreplaceable biological samples.
Which architecture ensures maximum electrical resilience?
For such sensitive applications, adopting a highly resilient power supply architecture represents the most effective solution. The IREM USF-I system combines an Online Double Conversion UPS with an Isolation Transformer featuring high attenuation of common-mode and differential-mode disturbances, creating a system designed to ensure electrical immunity, operational continuity and safety.
The VFI topology UPS guarantees absolute continuity of power supply thanks to a transfer time of 0 ms, eliminating the effects of micro-blackouts that could otherwise cause microprocessor resets or interrupt analytical processes. In addition, the double conversion technology regenerates a pure sine wave independent of fluctuations in the mains supply, while the high power factor (PF ≥ 0.99) and THDi lower than 3% help reduce harmonic pollution within the laboratory.
How does the Isolation Transformer improve safety and reliability?
The integration of the galvanic Isolation Transformer provides an additional level of protection. Reducing earth leakage currents to microampere levels contributes to the safety of both operators and patients, in compliance with the requirements of CEI EN 60601-1.
The electrostatic screen attenuates high-frequency disturbances, achieving attenuation greater than 80 dB in common mode and more than 40 dB in differential mode. Furthermore, the system can be configured as an IT-M network with insulation monitoring, allowing the analyser to continue operating even in the event of a first earth fault.
What measurable benefits can be achieved in laboratory applications?
The integration of the electrical, thermal and magnetic characteristics of the IREM USF-I architecture results in directly measurable operational benefits.
The elimination of electrical noise preserves signal integrity and improves the accuracy of analytical data by preventing calibration drift and false results in optical, thermal and electrochemical sensors.
Protection against transients, voltage spikes and impulse overvoltages reduces electrical stress on filter capacitors and on the semiconductors of the instruments’ internal switching power supplies, helping to increase their long-term reliability.
Absolute continuity of power supply also prevents interruptions to thermal amplification cycles and analytical centrifugation processes, preserving reagents and biological samples while ensuring the completion of clinical protocols without process interruptions.
How is operational continuity ensured throughout the laboratory?
The architecture also includes an electrical distribution system designed to improve the reliability of the entire installation.
Each outlet is protected by its own dedicated circuit breaker, ensuring fault selectivity: a short circuit affecting a single piece of equipment does not compromise the operation of the entire laboratory. Medical-grade sockets also provide high mechanical retention force, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection.
Which IREM solutions are available for analysis laboratories?
IREM Power Quality solutions dedicated to medical applications are designed to supply diagnostic and clinical analysis equipment requiring high power stability, operational continuity and protection against electrical network disturbances.
The entire single-phase Minipower USF – UPX range covers power ratings from 1 to 10 kVA, meeting application requirements ranging from a single compact analyser to complete diagnostic lines. Design and manufacturing are carried out in IREM’s Italian Power Quality production facilities, allowing a high level of both electrical and mechanical customisation according to the specific requirements of each installation.
