Boiler smoke problem studied

Press, 19 July 1983, Page 9

Boiler smoke problem studied

The type of filters used in American. powerhouses seem the best solution to the smoke problem from the Christchurch Hospital boilerhouse.

Consultant engineers are doing a feasibility study on ways of reducing the volume of coal smoke. The Minister of Health, Mr Malcolm, has approved the study, which the North Canterbury Hospital Board expects to be finished by the end of next month. The final solution is expected to cost $1.3 million. The board’s chief engineer, Mr J. D. Jones, said stricter clean air legislation had spurred investigations. The filters used in some American powerhouses were an expensive but very efficient method of filtering matter, including smoke.

The boilerhouse burns low-sulphur coal to provide heat, hot water, and steam for the hospital. The board is also looking at less expensive methods used by other New Zealand hospitals to dispose of refuse and infectious wastes, as alternatives to the present method of incineration.