How the Hycleen Automation System from GF at Uppsala University Hospital digitalizes water hygiene and minimizes risks
Scandinavia, especially Sweden, is recognized within the medical community as a pioneer in hygiene and environmental standards. Hospitals invest heavily to meet these requirements and continuously improve. Uppsala University Hospital is a prime example: With its 300-year history, approximately 8,500 employees, and around 800,000 patient contacts annually, it ranks among the largest and most renowned clinics in Northern Europe. The patient population is demanding – many require intensive care or belong to high-risk groups with compromised immune systems. Here, uncompromising water hygiene is mandatory.
Uppsala University Hospital is one of the largest and most renowned hospitals in Northern Europe. Source: GF
Automated system
To meet these high standards, Uppsala University Hospital has relied on the Hycleen Automation System from GF since 2022. The system automatically monitors and controls the potable water distribution throughout the facility: It continuously measures temperatures, digitally records all values, and performs temperature-controlled flushing as needed. This minimizes the risk of Legionella and other pathogens and ensures seamless compliance with hygiene regulations. In addition to the flushing valves used in Uppsala, the GF Hycleen Automation System also offers a comprehensive circulation application. This ensures that hot water remains in motion and that required temperatures are maintained throughout the piping network, further reducing the risk of stagnation and the proliferation of Legionella.
Many patients require intensive care or belong to high-risk groups with compromised immune systems – making infection prevention through minimizing pathogens in the potable water supply all the more important. Source: GF
Prevention is a team effort
Uppsala University Hospital has a dedicated committee focused exclusively on water hygiene and Legionella prevention. Microbiologists and physicians represent the medical perspective, while engineers and technicians like Jim Larsson and Jens Hillbom contribute technical expertise. Twice a year, approximately 140 water samples are collected, results are discussed within the committee, and actions are determined. Real-time data from the Hycleen Automation System now help to minimize the risk of legionella.
Engineer Jim Larsson (center) and Technician Jens Hillbom (left) were immediately convinced by the Hycleen Automation System. Tomas Behlander, Sales Specialist at GF in Sweden (right), supported them in implementing the system at the hospital. Source: GF
Why Hycleen Automation?
The connection to GF was established through an external consultant. Jim Larsson, Building Services Engineer at the university hospital, immediately recognized the potential of the GF Hycleen Automation System: “We wanted full control over the cold potable water—through flushing and temperature management. The system is robust and can be integrated into our building management system. These were the most important criteria for us.” Internal persuasion was not easy, as advanced planning for other solutions was already underway. However, Larsson was able to convince projects and decision makers to take higher costs in the project with these arguments.
The master unit of the GF Hycleen Automation System is connected to the central building management system. One master can control up to 50 valves – it automatically detects all components during installation. Source: GF
Wired, secure, retrofit-friendly
A unique feature of the GF Hycleen Automation System: It can be operated fully wired if desired. For sensitive infrastructures such as hospitals or military facilities, this is a decisive advantage. Integration into the building management system via Modbus was technically and organizationally demanding but was successfully accomplished. The retrofit went smoothly. “Thomas Behlander, Sales Specialist at GF in Sweden, supported us throughout the entire process – before, during and after the project,” emphasizes Larsson.
Alarm in case of deviations
Since commissioning, operators have benefited from a new level of monitoring and prevention. The GF Hycleen Automation System consists of sensors, digital circulation and flushing valves, and a central control unit. The sensors continuously measure temperature and flow in both hot and cold water lines. All data is transmitted to the central master unit, which analyses and compares it to preset thresholds. If necessary, the master automatically activates the circulation and flushing valves to circulate hot water or flush cold water lines as needed. If the required temperature cannot be reached due to other faulty components, such as a circulation pump or boiler, the GF Hycleen Automation System triggers an alarm. “I no longer have to check temperatures daily; I am alerted if something is wrong. No news is good news,” reports technician Jens Hillbom. Thus, the system ensures consistently hygienic water with minimal effort and helps minimize the risk of contamination throughout the hospital.
High-quality, electrically actuated valves are responsible for targeted flushing of pipes with fresh water. They open automatically when sensors in the system indicate that water has to high temperature. Source: GF
Uppsala as a role model
The example of Uppsala demonstrates how modern automation systems can elevate hygiene and operational safety in sensitive facilities to a new level. The GF Hycleen Automation System impresses with its robust, wired technology, easy integration into building management systems, and practical support from GF. For Uppsala University Hospital, it is now a central component for consistently meeting the highest hygiene standard—and a model for other institutions with similar requirements.
Integrating planning and operation
In general, the GF Hycleen Automation System has established itself as a viable alternative to other, much more labor-intense measures – especially because it can be easily retrofitted in existing buildings. “While some hospitals, apartment buildings, or hotels resort to expensive filtration solutions or unpleasant chemicals when Legionella is detected, Hycleen acts preventively and also enables seamless documentation. The data is always accessible and simplifies proof and troubleshooting in case of emergency,” says Florian Beutter, Head of Valves & Digital Applications at GF. The automated, digitally controlled hydraulic balancing also ensures that temperature losses are minimized and systems operate efficiently and conserve resources. Beutter generally observes that planning, construction, and operation of building technology are becoming more integrated for many customers. Increasingly, technology is selected during the planning phase that will later be most effective in operation. “In the long run, this is also the most economical and sustainable solution,” he explains.
The GF Hycleen Automation System continuously manages and maintains the process of Hydraulic Balancing in a highly effective and efficient way. This end-to-end solution combines sensors and digitized valves connected to a central master unit. The control device automatically controls and optimizes the hydraulic balancing on a daily basis. Source: GF
Corporate Profile
With a rich history in industrial innovation since 1802, GF is actively reshaping itself to become the global leader in Flow Solutions for Buildings, Industry and Infrastructure. GF delivers Excellence in Flow through essential products and solutions that enable the safe and sustainable transport of fluids worldwide. As part of its strategic transformation, GF divested GF Machining Solutions on 30 June 2025 and has signed an agreement to divest its GF Casting Solutions division. Headquartered in Switzerland, GF employs about 15’700 professionals and is present in 46 countries. GF generated sales of CHF 4’776 million in 2024. GF is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. #ExcellenceInFlow
Further information about Hycleen Automation: Hycleen automation system | Uponor
