Articles
Stay informed with our curated collection of useful articles covering industry insights, tips and company announcements.
This article clarifies some common misconceptions surrounding hospitals reverse osmosis (RO) system design and implementation, including operating temperatures, ringmain length and piping materials selection.
This white paper aims to delineate the pivotal process parameters essential for controlling Legionella in building water systems. These control measures are ideally initiated during the design and commissioning phases and should be consistently applied as preventive measures.
This white paper examines the importance of final rinse cycles in washer-disinfectors (WDs) for reprocessing medical devices, emphasising the need to remove residual chemicals and contaminants to ensure safe device reuse.
Date:Â 28/02/2024 Read Time:Â 3 minutes Author: Dr Surani McCaw, B.E. (Chemical), Ph. D. Article Key Points: Comprehensive Approach: Consider design, operation, and maintenance as interconnected elements in water system management. Long Term Vision: Look beyond immediate needs and focus on long-term viability and compliance of water systems to ensure sustained effectiveness. Supplier Selection: Choose RO [...]
[21/02/2024]Â Southland Filtration, a leading water treatment solution provider, is pleased to announce the launch of the upgraded DEFENDER Filtration + Disinfection product range. The DEFENDER range now boasts a more compact design, strategically fitted to a backboard, minimising its footprint and streamlining space utilisation. The introduction of a pre-packaged design ensures a quick and seamless [...]
In honour of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024, we sat down with Dr Surani McCaw, a chemical engineer and Technical Director at Southland Filtration. With a stellar career in her field, she graciously shared insights into her journey, accomplishments, and the unique role of women in shaping the future of water filtration technologies.
Date: 31/10/2023 Read Time: 11 min Author: Andrew Cox Introduction Water filtration and purification play a critical role in industrial water use for businesses. Unlike domestic use, industries often require vast quantities of water for various processes, such as manufacturing, cooling, and cleaning. Water sources can contain various contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and [...]
Date: 11/08/2023 Read Time: 11 minutes Author: Dr Surani McCaw, B.E. (Chemical), Ph. D. Key Points: Emphasizes crucial modifications to the standard, including defining chemical purity limits, transitioning to dedicated steam generators, and adjusting routine monitoring frequencies for water quality and endotoxin levels. Introduction Recently, the Australian government sought public input on the newly proposed [...]
[31/07/2023] — Southland Filtration, a leading purified water plant supplier, is pleased to announce its participation in the FSRACA (Federation of Sterilizing Research Advisory Councils of Australia) National Conference. The highly anticipated event will take place from Wednesday, 9th August to Friday, 11th August 2023, at Centrepiece, located at Melbourne Park. The FSRACA National Conference [...]
[18/10/2022] Southland Filtration and D2K Information today released a white paper for facility and hospital managers titled ‘Sterilisation, Disinfection, Inactivation Not Knowing the Difference Could Cost you a Life’. The paper describes the differences between the three,  and provides solutions to help improve microbial sanitation and hygiene risk management. The paper is co-authored by Dr Surani [...]
Date: 17/10/2023 Read Time: 11 minutes Author: Dr Surani McCaw, B.E. (Chemical), Ph. D.& Dr Annette Davison, Higher National Diploma, BSc(Hons), MEnvLGovLaw, PhD, GAICD, PMAWA) Key Points: Maintaining the microbial health of water is paramount for the fit for purpose supply of all sorts of products and services including cooling tower management, sterile products and [...]
Customers can now level up their risk management as water filtration specialist joins forces with water quality management experts. [17/8/2023] Southland Filtration, a leading specialist in engineering water filtration systems for the healthcare, construction, manufacturing and food and beverage industries, today announced its partnership with D2K Information. Through the strategic partnership, Southland Filtration will utilise [...]
Date: 21/03/2022 Read Time: 2 min Author: Andrew Cox Key Points: Sediment in municipal water systems leads to aesthetic and maintenance issues, causing up to 25% water wastage due to leakage, highlighting the need for effective filtration solutions. Southland Filtration offers automatic backwashing systems from JUDO and AUTOFINE, reducing sediment-related maintenance costs and providing significant [...]
Date: 16/02/2021 Read Time: 12 minutes Author: Dr Surani McCaw, B.E. (Chemical), Ph. D. Key Points: In choosing a purification method to comply with AS/NZS 5369:2023 (previously AS/NZS4187:2014 Amendment 2), it's crucial to prioritize scientific facts and evidence-based practices. The utmost priority is ensuring that the chosen processes don't compromise the primary objective: controlling bacterial [...]
Date:Â 15/10/2019 Updated: 07/05/2024 Read Time: 14 min Author: Matthew Cox Key Points: A risk-based Quality Management System (QMS) is crucial for ensuring the quality of water used in reprocessing Reusable Medical Devices (RMDs), as water contaminants can facilitate bacterial growth and damage equipment. Benefits of a risk-based QMS include increased efficiency, improved RMD reprocessing procedures, [...]
Date: 29/07/2015 Read Time: 1min 20 sec Author: Matthew Cox Key Points: AS/NZS 4187:2014 compliance involves more than just installing a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system; it requires a comprehensive purified water solution to meet physical, chemical, and microbial standards, crucial for infection control and asset protection. To ensure a successful funding application, follow two [...]
Date: 01/06/2018 Read Time: 1 min 30 sec Author: Andrew Cox Key Points: Consider whether above or below ground storage is suitable and if there's enough space on-site. Footprint requirements vary from 3m² for small volumes up to 5000L to 12m² for medium-sized storages up to 20,000L. Assess how rainwater is collected and potential contaminants [...]
Date: 01/06/2018 Read Time: 1 min 20 sec Author: Andrew Cox Key Points: Project budgets often override sensible water filtration solutions in commercial rainwater harvesting systems, potentially compromising water quality. Neglecting proper filtration can lead to health hazards due to contamination by disease-causing microorganisms from animals and pollutants leaching from roof materials. Increased awareness necessitates [...]
Date: 01/06/2018 Read Time: 3min 45sec Author: James Cox Key Points: Rainwater can accumulate chemical and biological contaminants during collection and storage, requiring treatment aligned with its intended use. Addressing factors like sediment particles, bacteria, odors, pH levels, turbidity, tannins, conductivity, hardness, suspended solids, and dissolved solids is crucial for rainwater harvesting safety and efficiency. [...]
Date: 31/05/2018 Read Time: 2min 50sec Author: James Cox Key Points: Rainwater must undergo treatment and sterilization to comply with regulations and ensure safety for business use, as it can harbor pathogens harmful upon contact or ingestion. The process involves two main steps: filtration to remove sediment particles, followed by disinfection using either UV light [...]
Date: 16/04/2018 Updated: 30/01/2024 Read Time: 3 minutes Author: Dr Surani McCaw, B.E. (Chemical), Ph. D. Key Points: The two critical elements to achieve AS5369:2023 compliance is the point of sampling and the test methodology Samples should be taken where the water leaves the RO plant to feed the ringmain, and returns to the [...]
Date: 16/03/2018 Read Time: 1min 20sec Author: Dr Surani McCaw, B.E. (Chemical), Ph. D. Key Points: Despite RMDs being terminally sterilized, controlling biofilm is crucial as it harbors pathogenic bacteria, leading to endotoxin generation. Endotoxins, released by Gram-negative bacteria, can cause adverse effects and tissue injury when introduced into the human body, remaining resistant to [...]
Date: 15/03/2018 Read Time: 1min 15sec Author: Matthew Cox Key Points: Reverse Osmosis (RO) water ensures reliable disinfection and sterilization by providing clean water, free from particles, bacteria, and dissolved contaminants With the recent Amendment 2 AS4187:2014 enforcing stringent water requirements, it's crucial for RO systems to comply, as many existing systems may not meet [...]
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Southland Filtration is a leading Australian provider of commercial water filtration solutions. We’ve been helping businesses since 1995 with a focus on quality, custom solutions, and reliable service. We work with businesses and organisations in Australia and New Zealand to address their unique water challenges and maintain the highest standards.