Amico NFPA Triplex RVL Modular Stack Mount User Manual
Page 4
Amico Source Equipment
7.3 Steps to Implementing the Medical Vacuum (Suction) System
7.3.1 Discovery
1.
Should existing equipment be incorporated along with the Medical Vacuum Systems, determine the
dimensions, type, capacity and current loading of the existing equipment. Ensure the existing equipment is
compatible with the current standard.
2.
Determine the number type and inlet count of all occupancies in the facility which will
receive medical vacuum inlets.
3.
Determine if there are unusual circumstances which may increase vacuum use. One classic example is
within the long term care facility in which wheelchairs bound ventilator patients are taught to suction
their own airway. Suction demand is enormous as they leave the suction lines open constantly. A system
sized using traditional criteria would burn itself out in a matter of months under such a load.
4.
Examine the location intended for the exhaust. NFPA mandates the exhaust of the vacuum pump be
located outdoor to avoid possible contamination of the intake system (e.g., the medical air intake system).
The exhaust shall be located a minimum of 10 ft (3m) from any other door or openings; 50 ft (15 m) from
any mechanical air intake, and a minimum of 10 ft (3 m) above grade. The end of the exhaust shall be
turned downward and screened. The exhaust piping for a medical vacuum system shall be connected only
to the medical vacuum system and not used for any other purpose.
Note: Consideration should be given to the effects of prevailing winds or accumulated
snow on the exhaust(s).
5. Determine a routing for the exhaust piping and note it on the building drawings. Piping for
medical vacuum systems shall be routed in such a way that it is not subjected to
temperature lower than 40
o
F (4
o
C). The exhaust shall be free of loops and dips in order to eliminate the
potential of trapping condensate or oil.
6.
Ensure the intended location for the vacuum plant is adequately ventilated or is at minimum
air conditioned. The plant will emancipate considerable amount of heat into the surrounding.
Hence, it must be factored in when selecting a vacuum pump site; determining the adequacy of
ventilation; or BTU requirements for air conditioning. (BTU data is furnished in the equipment
data sheet).
7.
Determine the availability of electrical service.
8.
If the vacuum system is not already piped to the intended location, determine the routing for
the piping and note it on the building drawings.
7.3.2 Design
1.
Follow directions for laying out piped medical gases. This will provide the count of inlets and occupancies
which are necessary for the next steps.
7.3.3 Plant Sizing
There are several methods available for sizing medical vacuum. For the purpose of this design guide, only
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 99) Method will be discussed.
1.
Review NFPA 99 Standard before sizing a medical vacuum system.
2.
Medical-surgical vacuum sources shall consist of two or more vacuum pumps sufficient to serve the peak
calculated demand with the largest single vacuum pump out of service.
3.
Using the information in Figure 1 (NFPA Method of Plant Sizing), follow these steps to
determine the PCL requirements for the medical facility.
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