The VCR centre for spinal injuries in Viborg, Denmark has a central vacuum supply powered by dry-running Mink claw vacuum pumps.
This supply comprises a rack of three Mink MV 0040 B claw vacuum pumps, an upstream 500 litre vacuum reservoir, bacteria filters and a controller. The system supplies vacuum to 40 connections in patient rooms, treatment areas and operating theatres throughout the hospital. Busch offered VCR Viborg a vacuum system equipped with three of the smallest Mink claw vacuum pumps, each with a pumping speed of 40 m³/h.
Two of the three Mink MV vacuum pumps maintain a vacuum level of about 250 mbar in the vacuum reservoir. If devices requiring vacuum are connected anywhere in the hospital network, air flows into the vacuum reservoir. The subsequent rise in pressure causes one of the two vacuum pumps to start automatically, returning the vacuum level to the desired value.
Vaccum pumps with integrated frequency converter
All three Mink MV vacuum pumps have an integrated frequency converter, and are controlled to deliver the minimum output required to maintain 250 mbar in the reservoir. This means the vacuum pumps operate extremely efficiently.
The second vacuum pump is activated only when the output of the first is insufficient. The controller starts the vacuum pumps alternately, so the number of operating hours for each unit is approximately equal.
The third Mink MV 0040 B serves as a standby and reserve unit, and is controlled redundantly by a pressure sensor in the reservoir. If this sensor detects a sudden rise in reservoir pressure – only possible if the system has a leak, or the other vacuum pumps have stopped – the standby unit is activated. The hospital vacuum supply is thus guaranteed, even if two vacuum pumps fail. The standby unit can also be used when maintenance work is carried out on the other two vacuum pumps. In this way the system is designed in accordance with the European standard EN ISO 7396-1 ‘Medical gas pipeline systems – Part 1: Pipeline systems for compressed medical gases and vacuum’.
- For more information, visit: www.buschvacuum.com
- Phone: (+971) 6 5529174
