The document provides a comprehensive overview of suction machines used in medical settings, detailing their introduction, uses, components, and maintenance. It explains the working principle and various parts of the machine, including the vacuum pump, collection reservoir, and bacterial filter. Additionally, it covers planned preventive maintenance and troubleshooting tips for common issues encountered with the suction pump.

1. Basic
Intensive
Care Unit
Equipment
(MT 6204)
TUTOR: ERICK KANYIKI (BMET)
MUST_2024

2. SUCTION
MACHINE

3. CONTENTS
▪ Introduction
▪ Uses of suction machine
▪ Parts of suction machine
▪ Working principle of suction machine
▪ Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM)
▪ Troubleshooting and repair of suction machine

5. INTRODUCTION

6. ▪ SUCTION
Is the production of partial vacuum by the removal of air so that the fluid
can flow into the region of partial vacuum (low pressure).
Examples of suction:
Sucking on a straw; we create a lower pressure inside our mouth, so the
water is pushed in from outside.
Vacuum cleaning; we create a lower pressure inside the vacuum cleaner,
so the air from outside rushes in to the region of lower pressure. Dust
being sucked into a vacuum cleaner is actually being pushed in by the
higher pressure air on the outside of the cleaner

7. NB: The higher pressure of the surrounding fluid can push matter into a
vacuum but a vacuum cannot attract matter.
▪ SUCTIONING
In medicine is a procedure that removes excess secretions from the
mouth and throat (oropharynx), from the nose and throat (nasopharnyx),
and from the windpipe (trachea) using a mechanical aspiration device
(Suction machine).
▪ SUCTION MACHINE
Is an device used to remove substances such as blood, saliva, mucus, and
vomit from a person's airway.

8. USES

9. ▪ To prevent pulmonary aspiration (A condition in which foods, stomach
contents, or fluids are breathed into the lungs through the wind pipe)
▪ To assist patients with internal bleeding
▪ To remove excess fluid during dentistry
▪ To remove excess fluid during surgery

11. PARTS

15. ▪ BACTERIAL FILTER
Found between a collecting reservoir and the machine. It stops any bacteria or
pathogens from the suction fluids from penetrating into the pump and
eventually into the environment. Bacterial filters have a direction, which is
usually indicated on the filter. Always make sure it is fitted in the correct
orientation and location for effective filtration.
Some suction pumps have a secondary bacterial filter fitted internally in the
machine.
▪ COLLECTION RESERVOIR
Collects suctioned fluids. Its lid must be well sealed to the collection reservoir
to ensure the system retains vacuum and have an overflow float valve installed
to monitor fluid level.

16. ▪ FLOAT VALVE
It is fitted in the collection reservoir to protect the machine and pump. Its function is to stop
suctioning when the collection reservoir is filled with fluids.
As the fluids are filling, it pushes the floater up until it closes the suction inlet port thereby
blocking vacuum at the catheter end.
▪ VACUUM PUMP
Generates vacuum in the system. They are typically diaphragm and piston or vane pumps.
Diaphragm and piston vacuum pumps draw air through valves as the volume of the cylinder
changes continuously, creating a partial vacuum. The diaphragm or piston is driven by a
motor.
Vane vacuum pumps consist of a rotor mounted eccentrically and vanes that move radially
outwards under spring force as they rotate inside circular housing. Continuous vane rotation
creates the vacuum.

17. ▪ VACUUM GAUGE/ PRESSURE GAUGE
Indicates the magnitude (strength) of suction set by the user using the
adjustment knob.
 VACUUM ADJUSTMENT KNOB
Regulates the amount of vacuum in the system.
NB: For neonates, the vacuum range is usually set between -60 to -100
mmHg.
▪ MUFFLER
Fitted at the exhaust side of the pump to reduce noise as the pump expels air
into the atmosphere.

18. ▪ MOTOR
Drives the vacuum pump to generate suction. Electric motors may be
powered via AC or DC power.
DC motors are used in battery powered or rechargeable suction
machines. DC motors may pose a challenge to maintain because brushes
or commutators can wear out and they additionally require adaptors for
charging (AC mains power to DC).
AC motors are inductive and do not require brushes or a commutator.
They require a starting capacitor.

19. WORKING PRINCIPLE

20. • Suction pumps use an internal pump driven by an electric motor or manually
by a foot operated pedal to create vacuum in a collection reservoir.
• Vacuum creates negative pressure inside the collection reservoir and draws
fluid from the patient via device tubing and suction catheter and into the
collection reservoir. The collection reservoir sits between the suction pump and
suction catheter.
• Inside the collection reservoir is an overflow float valve to prevent suction
fluids from entering the machine. An antibacterial filter is placed between the
collection reservoir and machine to prevent bacteria from entering into the
suction pump.
• When there is a leakage in the system, the atmospheric pressure will find a
shorter route to balance the pressure, preventing the device from suctioning
appropriately. Suction pumps can either be

21. PPM

22. ▪ Turn off, unplug, empty the jar and disinfect the suction pump pressure
gauge controls and suction pump housing using gauze and 70% alcohol
after each use
▪ Check the bacterial filter for discoloration or other damage, test the
operation of the float valve. Turn on the suction pump and allow the
pump to run for 15 minutes every week.
▪ Use the suction regulator to test vacuum, observe pump’s functionality
every month
▪ Clean motor and motor brushes quarterly
▪ Confirm supply of spare bacterial filters, pump assemblies, vacuum
gauges, collection reservoirs and lids yearly.

23. TROUBLESHOOTING

24. The suction pump is not turning on.
Possible Cause:
• Faulty power supply
Components to Check:
• Power cable continuity
• Power switch physical integrity & continuity
• Power entry module fuse physical integrity & continuity
• Power supply unit continuity & voltage

25. The suction pump motor runs but the pump is not sucking
Possible Cause:
• Activated float valve or damaged collection reservoir
Components to Check:
• Float valve activation
• Suction regulator knob, collection reservoir and lid
• External and internal tubing physical integrity

26. The suction pump motor runs but the pump is not suctioning well.
Possible Cause:
• Damaged internal pump assembly or collection reservoir
Components to Check:
• Pump assembly and collection reservoir physical integrity
• External and internal tubing physical integrity

27. The suction pump makes noise outside of normal operational sound.
Probable Cause:
• Damaged internal pump assembly
Components to Check:
• Pump assembly and motor bearing physical integrity
• Muffler and cover/screws physical integrity

28. THE END
YOURS TRULLY