Holy Cross fixes backup generator
Holy Cross Medical Center has fixed its backup generator after sending out a notice last week that the diesel generator wasn’t functioning properly.
The backup generator is used to provide power to run critical health care equipment during an unexpected power outage. Maintenance workers on Friday (Sept. 10) discovered a diesel fuel contamination problem that affected the generator’s functionality. The problem was identified by taking the fuel out and running it through a series of filters.
“The diesel fuel looked like dark coffee that you couldn’t really see through,” said Bill Patten, CEO of Holy Cross.
After three hours of filtering the diesel, Patten said its color had greatly improved and was almost back to normal. After filtering the diesel, technicians ran the generator for a couple of hours and replaced the filters. The last step the hospital will take is hiring a company to remove all the remaining diesel.
“So the tank is half full right now [at] 2,000 to 2,500 gallons. We’re going to pull all of that out so we can make sure any remaining contamination will be gone,” said Patten.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires that hospital backup generators generally have a four-day supply. Patten said the backup generator has that amount of diesel. The hospital said in a written statement that any long-term power outage is unlikely.
Patten said they are evaluating options for what to do with the contaminated diesel. The first option they are considering, he said, is to sell it off to a company able to reprocess contaminated diesel.
“Some companies will buy it off you for half the price,” said Patten. “Either they sell the contaminated diesel at a discounted price or they will have to pay another company a disposable fee.”
The cause of the contaminated diesel, however, remains unknown. Patten said they might learn more when the fuel is cleared. He also said the technicians that worked on the generator do not think the generator’s tank has any problems.