Instrument Air
A BeaconMedæs Continuing Education Publication
®
A company within the Atlas Copco Group
Notes
Notes on Using this Pamphlet:
This pamphlet is presented to assist an engineer or medical facility contemplating the installation of an Instrument Air
system as countenanced under the NFPA 99 Healthcare Facilities standard, 2005 version.
Users are cautioned that this pamphlet is intended to be used in conjuction with the standard, which should be
obtained from:
National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269-9101
Phone 1-800-344-3555
Internet www.NFPA.org
Users are cautioned to read the pamphlet and the standard carefully, and are encouraged to use the information
herein as suited to the conditions of their project, where such modification does not conflict with applicable local
standards.
This pamphlet only encompasses the requirements of the NFPA 99 through the 2005 version. Please contact
BeaconMedaes to ensure you are using the most recent version of this pamphlet.
Any opinions expressed and/or interpretations given or implied are the sole responsibility of BeaconMedaes, and
should not be relied upon without reference to the NFPA 99 standard and Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
This edition August 2006
No Previous Editions
Comments on this booklet or on any aspect of medical gases are welcome and encouraged. Please send to mallen@
beaconmedaes.com
This Pamphlet in both print and electronic versions is Copyright 2006 BeaconMedæs. All Rights are Reserved, and
no reproduction may be made of the whole or any part without permission in writing. Distribution of the Electronic
version is permitted only where the whole is transmitted without alteration, including this notice.
Instrument Air
Page Table of Contents
Pneumatic power and medicine ………………….… 2
The purpose and the history of Medical Support gases.
Why Change ……………………………………….… 3
Why consider instrument air in lieu of Nitrogen?
Dollars and Cents …………………………….…… 4
How to estimate the economics of an instrument air
system.
NFPA Rules for Instrument Air …………………….… 4
What is an instrument air system and what are the
requirements as found in the standard.
Design and installation …………………………….… 8
Design issues with instrument air pipelines.
Change of Use …………………………………….… 11
Converting nitrogen pipelines to run instrument air.
Abstract
The paper reviews the background of the most recent
addition to NFPA’s piped gas systems and discusses
when the use of Instrument Air might be appropriate.
Also reviewed are the rules for the application. Design
guidance is provided to allow a system to be sized and
implemented.
Pneumatic power and Medicine
Medical facilities are very familiar with compressed air. A
typical facility uses any number of individual air systems
for power and control. These are as diverse as the laundry
compressor for running the washers and dryers, a sterilizer
compressor for the autoclaves and decontamination systems
in central sterile supply and the HVAC compressor for the
pneumatic controls in the air conditioning system.
Given how familiar hospitals are with compressed air, it
seems odd that most North American hospitals of any size
supply nitrogen into the operating rooms to run surgical
tools - a task easily within the capabilities of an appropriate
compressed air system.
Compressed air systems require only occasional
maintenance, the air is of course free, and there is no
management required. By comparison, the nitrogen
system is an unending hassle. The nitrogen is in cylinders
or containers which must be purchased, inventoried, and
changed. Since hustling the cylinders or containers is labor
intensive, there is always an overhead in costs and labor
associated with its use.
Although the nitrogen system could be used for many
purposes per the NFPA standard, the nitrogen gas is
relatively expensive so it is not wise to use it for all the
applications for which it might otherwise be appropriate.
This leaves a quandary when the facility wants pneumatic
power in places like the morgue or central sterile supply.
Often the unsatisfactory solution is to install separate local
systems, which is expensive and increases the maintenance
burden.
Compressed air was in fact the original choice when gas
- powered tools first came into the operating room, and
only in North America was compressed air supplanted by
Nitrogen. The reason for this decision is obscured by time,
but most likely derives from difficulties with the quality of
the air available at the time. Piped air was typically wet,
often oily and sometimes dirty, none of which is good
for high speed turbine tools. Nitrogen was the driest,
cleanest gas they could easily substitute, so it became
the gas of choice. Over time, primarily through received
knowledge, it acquired the patina of a de facto standard.
In fact, Nitrogen for tools has never been required by any
Page Instrument Air
published standard. Nevertheless, Engineers continue even
today to design, and facilities continue to install, nitrogen
systems for the driving of surgical tools.
In most of the world, compressed air never left the O.R. In
the United Kingdom for instance, it is common to install
a “7 bar” or “13 bar” surgical air system specifically for
driving tools alongside the “4 bar” medical air for treating
patients.
There is a vestigial holdover from the use of compressed
air for surgical tools in use in North America even today.
Surgical tool hoses are still often fitted with a quick
connect fitting on the end called a “Schræder” connector
- originally manufactured by the Schræder Automotive
Division, and used in garages to run their air-powered
tools (the historic origin of our elegant surgical tools is not
medical, but industrial).
Oddly, although the pipelines changed from air to nitrogen,
Schraeder never did make the change. Even today the
version of that connector in most common use is stamped
“Air” - Schræder itself never made a nitrogen-specific
connector, and only very recently have their successor
companies created one.
Although Nitrogen systems have become the general
standard, there have always been a small number of North
American facilities willing to question this. These facilities
have installed air systems to drive tools, following their own
instincts in light of an absence of guidance in the NFPA
or CSA standards. The trend has accelerated somewhat
in the last decade, and in the 2002 edition NFPA for the
first time included guidance on these systems. Although
that might make it seem to be something new, in truth it is
actually a return to something very old.
When the Instrument Air system first appeared in the 2002
NFPA 99, there was no Instrument Air terminal unit, and
thus no outlets, controls or hoses were available. This
was a problem which prevented many facilities from
seriously looking at the Instrument Air option. In 2005,
the Compressed Gas Association resolved this with the
assignment of the CGA 2080 connection to Instrument Air.
The only remaining hurdle therefore is the lack of design
guidance, which this publication should help address.
Why Change?
There are two reasons to consider an Instrument Air system,
and it is important to note that neither is specifically
medical. In fact, from the medical standpoint, there is very
little to choose between Instrument Air and nitrogen. Both
will drive the tools, both (as contemplated by NFPA 99)
have similar dryness, cleanliness, and operating pressures.
Except for the costs involved, there is no reason a facility
could not simply continue to use nitrogen.
Instrument Air
So the most compelling reason to consider an Instrument
Air system over a Nitrogen system is dollars and cents.
The cost of operating a nitrogen system can be surprisingly
high, depending on the amount of nitrogen used. Nitrogen
sources imply three particular costs:
1.The cost of the gas itself.
2. The cost of the demurrage (rental of the cylinders).
3. The management cost, including the labor involved in
hustling the cylinders from the dock to the manifold,
attaching and detaching them, and moving the
empties back to the dock, plus the management
involved in keeping track of cylinder inventories and
reordering).
While it is possible to reduce these costs in many cases by
using cryogenic liquid in place of gas cylinders, the costs
are never completely eliminated, and the installation of
a large cryogenic source system may be problematic in
other ways.
Generally speaking, an Instrument Air system is going to
be more expensive to purchase than a similar capacity
manifold or bulk liquid system. However, the Instrument
Air itself is less costly on a volume to volume basis, so
the Instrument Air system will pay for itself over time.
Exactly when the crossover will occur will vary. In some
cases, the crossover may be so far out that an Instrument
Air system would be a questionable investment. In other
cases the payback is so quick that Instrument Air would be
worth retrofitting even where a nitrogen system is already
in place. In the next chapter entitled “Dollars and Cents”,
we give some guidance on how to calculate the crossover
point for your facility.
The other reason for considering Instrument Air is the
variety of applications for which it can be used. NFPA has
continuously sought to keep medical gas systems separate
from all other systems and to ensure that the medical gases
are not compromised by use for other purposes. NFPA 99
2005 5.1.3.4.2 states “Central supply systems for oxygen,
medical air, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide and all other
patient medical gases shall not be piped to, or used
for, any purpose except patient care application”. The
practical effect of this prohibition is found in the Annex
A.5.1.3.4.2 “Prohibited uses of medical gases include
fueling torches, blowing down or drying any equipment
such as lab equipment endoscopy or scopes, or any other
purposes. Also prohibited is using the oxygen or medical
air to raise, lower or otherwise operate booms or other
devices…”.
Certain of these prohibitions are controversial, but
the difficulty they cause can be illustrated. Consider
endosurgical areas or central sterile supply. Here, a gas
source is desirable to blow out or dry instruments during
Page cleaning and sterilization. Medical Air cannot be used
for this purpose, so the only acceptable alternative has
been to install nitrogen. Aside from the cost of nitrogen,
this use implies releasing quantities of Nitrogen into the
room. Although Nitrogen is itself non-toxic, the release
of too much nitrogen will dilute or displace the oxygen in
the air and can cause asphyxiation. Nitrogen is therefore
not ideal for use in workspace applications such as this,
whereas Instrument Air is very suitable.
Applications for Instrument Air are discussed in NFPA
99 5.1.3.8.2.1: “Instrument Air shall be permitted to be
used for any medical support purpose (e.g. to operate
tools, air driven booms, pendants or similar applications)
and (if appropriate to the procedures) to be used in
laboratories.”
Whereas Medical Air is and Nitrogen may be prohibited
from or undesirable in certain applications, Instrument Air
may be used for any of them.
The simple conclusion is that Instrument Air offers a very
worthwhile design option. It is not for every facility,
because in some it will not offer benefits sufficient to justify
the additional up-front costs. But in our studies to date, we
are surprised how often and at how low a nitrogen usage we
can justify these systems purely on the money saved. Our
experience suggests it is an option every facility (including
facilities already using nitrogen) should at least examine.
Dollars and Cents
A decision to use an Instrument Air system will hinge on
the payback for most facilities. This can be calculated with
reasonable accuracy if a few questions can be answered.
Clearly, a facility which has some history with an existing
nitrogen system will be at an advantage when collecting
many of these answers, but even while a project is only in
planning one can make a satisfactory estimate. Detail 4
is a listing of the data required. Once you have obtained
this data, your BeaconMedaes Sales Consultant has a pre
configured spreadsheet which they can use to help you
calculate the relative costs and system payback.
NFPA Rules for Instrument Air
The requirements for Instrument Air sources are found in
the NFPA 99 under 5.1.3.8, and a few other requirements
are found throughout the document.
Instrument Air and nitrogen under the standard are meant
to be opposite sides of the same coin. Indeed, a simple
guiding principle for working with these systems is that if
in doubt, do what you would have done for Nitrogen, and
you will probably have done the right thing.
The one place where an Instrument Air system is unique
is in the design of the source. Instrument Air source
equipment is unique in it’s form, permitted options and
operating requirements. An overall view of the components
of an Instrument Air source under NFPA 99 are shown in
Detail 5 & 6.
Detail 4
Calculating Comparitive Costs for Nitrogen vs. Instrument Air
Page A
Number of cylinders or containers used per Month
(if you are evaluating a facility which is not yet in operation, see Detail 12)
#
B
Cost of each cylinder
$
C
Cost of each Container (if used)
$
D
Cost of cylinder rental (demurrage) per month
$
E
Cost of container rental (demurrage) per month
$
F
Labor rate / Hour for the person changing the cylinders or containers
(include benefits and overhead costs if appropriate)
$
G
Estimated time required to complete a standard cylinder or container
change to ONE side of the manifold, including time to travel to and from the
manifold location. (If your estimate is in minutes, ÷60 for hours)
Hours
H
Labor cost per change
$
I
Number of cylinders or containers on ONE side of the manifold.
(if you are evaluating a facility which is not yet in operation, see Detail X)
#
J
Other known costs (delivery charges, supplier labor charges, manifold
maintenance or repair, etc.) Ensure these charges are per month.
(if you only know overall charges per year, ÷12 for monthly average)
$
K
Cost of Power per kWh
¢
L
Years for amortization of capital
yrs.
Instrument Air
Primary Supply
Cylinder
Header
(manifold)
Secondary Supply
Quality Control
Monitoring
Cylinder
Header
• Medical Air in Cylinders,
purchased per USP.
• Medical Air in Cylinders,
purchased per USP.
• Reserve Supply in Use
• Reserve Low
• Pressure Low
• Pressure High
• Oil indicators on Filter.
• Dew point Monitoring,
alarm at -30°C (-22°F)
200 psi+
Compressor(s)
200 psi+
Compressor(s)
• Oil Separation
• Dryer for -40°
• Filtration to 0.01µ
• Charcoal Odor/Taste Removal
• Lag Alarm
Detail 5 : Instrument Air Source System configurations (Per NFPA 99 )
The particular aspects unique to Instrument Air can be
summarized:
1. Compressor Type: A compressor used for Instrument Air
may be of any type which can produce a pressure greater
than 200 psig. Instrument Air compressors do not have
to be oilless or oilfree (unlike compressors for Medical
Air) but may include lubricated types. This is because
the high pressure required makes lubrication inescapable,
and since Instrument Air is not breathed by the patient or
mixed with oxygen, any oil (should it enter the system) is
less hazardous.
The extraordinary pressure requirement comes from the
need to ensure that the system can emulate the traditional
nitrogen system, which may operate as high as 185 psig.
185 psig is the pressure at which the Instrument Air pipeline
system is designed to operate. Clearly, a compressor with
a top pressure of 175 psig will not be able to achieve this
requirement.
transition to nitrogen was wet air. In applications like
tool drive, the dryness of the air is particularly significant,
as the rapid expansion of air in the tools can produce
adiabatic cooling which can condense moisture where it
would otherwise never appear. Therefore, unlike medical
air, Instrument Air must be dried to a nominal -40° dew
point. This will necessitate desiccant dryers in virtually
all cases.
This combination of filters and dryers is intended to produce
air which will comply with or exceed the specifications
of the Instrument Society of America standard S-7.0.01
Quality Standard for Instrument Air.
4. A secondary or backup system. Unlike other medical gas
systems, failure of an Instrument Air system is unlikely to be
fatal. Nevertheless, the system is critical to any number of
procedures, and if the procedure was suddenly terminated
the patient(s) could be at risk. Thus a backup, just like any
other medical gas system, is required.
2. Specific Filtration and Purification: Although a
lubricated compressor is permitted, oil is not permitted in
the system. Instrument Air sources must have coalescing
filters to remove liquid oil and activated carbon absorbers
to eliminate vapor and gaseous oil. A particulate filter is
also required with a nominal pore size of 0.01µ.
Unlike other systems however, the requirement for that
backup is much less stringent. Uniquely, an Instrument Air
compressor may include a redundant compressor(s) (similar
to that required for Medical air) or it may be seconded by
a bank of cylinders sufficient for one hour’s operation (a
hybrid configuration).
3. Dry to -40°: Recall that a major reason for the historic
The allowance for a cylinder secondary offers a much less
Instrument Air
Page Inlet
Isolation
means
(valve shown)
Reserve
Source
Air
Treatment
& Control
Cylinder Reserve
Header
5.1.3.4.8
Aftercooler/
air dryer
Inlet
Isolation
Valve(s)
Dryer(s)
Outlet
Isolation
Valve(s)
Receiver
Compressor(s)
Intake(s)
Automatic
Drain
Pressure
Relief Valve
ASME
Guage
Sight
Glass
Manual
Drain
Isolation
Valve
Outlet
Isolation
Valve(s)
Aftercoolers
Relief
Valve
Check
Valve
Compressor
Inlet
Isolation
Valve(s)
Automatic
Trap & Drain
Monitoring
D.P.
Source
Valve
Dew Point
Monitor
Elements of an Instrument Air Source
After NFPA 99 2002 Figure A-5.1.3.8
Detail 6 : Instrument Air Source Systems (Per NFPA 99 A.5.1.3.8 )
Charcoal
Adsorbers
Inlet
Isolation
Valves
Demand
Check
Regulator
Change
Indicators
Filter
Pressure
Relief
Valve
Automatic
Trap & Drain
System
Pressure
Switch/Sensor
Demand
Check
Legend
Pressure
Indicator
Outlet
Isolation
Valve or Check
Relief
Valve
Source
Valve
Ball Valve
Check Valve
Pressure
Indicator
Demand Check
Pressure Regulator
Filter with Change Indicator
Instrument Air
Page Instrument Air
Detail 7.2 : Instrument Air Source Alarms
Note (2) Recommended when appropriate for the compressor or pump.
Note (1) Recommended when the compressor is water cooled or a water cooled aftercooler is used.
Source Type
Note (3) Single signal alternate to having each signal on the master. Must activate when any signal within the double lines in that row activates.
Note (3)
Note (1)
Note (2)
Instrument Air, duplex/multiplex compressor
Note (1)
Note (1)
Note (1)
Lag in
Use
Dew
point
High
Low
Press or
Vac
High
Press or
Vac
Cylinder x Cylinder manifold
Detail 7.1 : A pipeline label for Instrument Air
Source
These requirements taken together mean that the ideal
Instrument Air outlet is the CGA DISS outlet, and this is
the outlet BeaconMedæs recommends for all Instrument
Air terminals, hoses and accessories.
Note (2)
Reserve
Low
Reserve
in Use
c. That when an outlet is operated at pressures greater
than 80 psig, that the outlet be of the DISS (threaded)
type, or include a pressure interlock to prevent the
hose from flying out of the outlet when disengaged.
Cylinder x Cylinder x Cylinder Manifold
b. That when a single gas is operated at multiple pressures,
the outlet for each pressure be non interchangeable
with the outlet for another pressure.
2ndry
ChangeHeader
over
Low
a. Each outlet for a specific gas must be provided with an
outlet not interchangeable with any outlet for another
gas.
Low
Press
6. Outlets for Instrument Air must be non interchangeable
with other medical gases. It is not appropriate to use
medical air outlets or nitrogen outlets in an Instrument
Air system, even if they are relabelled. NFPA has three
requirements for any outlet:
High
Press
5. The distribution system for Instrument Air will typically
be similar to that for Nitrogen, but given it’s many potential
uses, it may also be significantly more complex. The actual
design will of course depend on the facility’s convenience
and preferences. Some options are illustrated in Details
8-10.
Thermal
High
ShutWater in
down Separator
Although Instrument Air systems are clearly intended to be
compressor driven (otherwise the operating economies will
be lost) it is possible to use a standard medical gas style
manifold to source an Instrument Air system as well.
Instrument Air, Hybrid
High
Water in
Receiver
2ndry
Header
In Use
2ndry
Header
Low
Where this cylinder secondary is applied, there is a
special allowance in the standard for placing the cylinder
header with the Instrument Air compressor itself. This
is an exception to the general rule that cylinders are not
permitted to be in the same room with compressors or
pumps. It applies only to the active header used to back
up an Instrument Air compressor. There is no exception for
loose cylinders, even if those are intended for the Instrument
Air system, so these must be stored in an appropriate room
just like all other medical gas cylinders.
Note (3)
System
Fault
expensive option for installing smaller systems, and yet
does not greatly reduce the operational safety of the system
overall if properly alarmed.
Page 7. Instrument Air has it’s own color coding and labelling
(see Detail 7.1). The color for Instrument Air is a red ground
with white lettering, and the abbreviation is “Instrument
Air”. Standard pressure is 160-185 psig through the
pipeline, and the nonstandard pressure rules will apply for
Instrument Air systems operated at different pressures (see
NFPA 99 5.1.5.15, 5.1.11.1, 5.1.11.2.2, 5.1.11.3.2).
some specific alarm signals (see Detail 7.2).
Design and Installation
Instrument Air systems are designed in the same manner as
any medical gas system (please refer to the BeaconMedæs
Medical Gas Design Guide, Chapter 9 for Medical Support
Gases for detailed instructions).
8. Alarm requirements for Instrument Air are similar in
most respects to those for any medical gas system (local,
master and area alarms are all required). However, the
unique configurations permitted for the source do imply
The design of an Instrument Air system and the selection
of the source requires knowing all the many applications
which it is intended to serve. The first step in the design
Line Pressure
Indicator
Dew Point
Monitor
Source Valve
°C
D.C.
D.C.
To High
Pressure
Terminals
D.C.
Isolating Valve
Pressure
Indicator
Line Pressure
Regulators
Instrument Air
Source
Line Pressure
Alarm Switch/Sensor
Pressure
Relief
Valves,
Isolation Valve
High Pressure
Line Pressure
Indicator
Dew Point
Monitor
Source Valve
°C
D.C.
D.C.
To Low
Pressure
Terminals
D.C.
Isolating Valve
Pressure
Indicator
Line Pressure
Regulators
Line Pressure
Alarm Switch/Sensor
Pressure
Relief
Valves,
Isolation Valve
Low Pressure
Detail 8
A Dual Pressure Arrangement per NFPA 99 5.1.3.4.6
Page Instrument Air
Area Alarm
Switch/Sensor
Future Valve
Service Valve
D.C.
D.C.
Remote,
pressure controlled
Outlet(s)
Zone Valve
IAir Control Panel
Pressure controlled
outlet on the
Control Panel
Line Pressure
Indicator
Dew Point
Monitor
Source Valve
°C
D.C.
D.C.
D.C.
Isolating Valve
Line Pressure
Alarm Switch/Sensor
Pressure
Indicator
Pressure
Relief
Valves,
Line Pressure
Regulators
Instrument
Air
Source
Isolation Valve
High Pressure
Detail 9
Local Pressure Control
must be to determine what all the applications demand in
terms of pressure and flow, and then to determine the size
of compressor required.
An Instrument Air system will fall into either (and in some
cases both) of two types. Systems for use at high pressures
(e.g. to substitute for Nitrogen) will be designed as would
Nitrogen systems. Systems for exclusively lower pressure
applications (e.g. for labs, central sterile supply, etc.) can
be laid out like any other pressure gas system.
If it is the desire of the facility to supply both high and
Instrument Air
low pressure applications from the same source of supply,
there are some considerations which will affect the design.
NFPA 99 5.1.3.4.6 discourages the construction of what is
termed a distributed pressure system in favor of two distinct
pipeline systems divided at the source and separately
provided with all the necessary controls (see Detail 8).
Nevertheless, the language is sufficiently open, and the
application sufficiently unique that some degree of local
pressure control may be permissible.
If local pressure control is desired, the design of the
system would roughly follow the current practice in the
Page Area Alarm
Switch/Sensor
Future Valve
Service Valve
D.C.
D.C.
Secondary Regulator
(Provide one for
each device)
Device Regulator
(Fixed or
adjustable output)
Uncontrolled
Outlet(s)
Zone Valve
Adapter
fitting
Outlet
To Device(s)
Line Pressure
Indicator
Dew Point
Monitor
Source Valve
°C
D.C.
D.C.
D.C.
Isolating Valve
Line Pressure
Alarm Switch/Sensor
Pressure
Indicator
Pressure
Relief
Valves,
Line Pressure
Regulators
Instrument
Air
Source
Isolation Valve
High Pressure
Detail 10
Secondary Pressure Control
O.R. There, the pipeline delivers the maximum pressure
to ensure the best possible flow rate, and Instrument Air
control panels are placed where necessary for control of
the pressure to the tools. Similar local pressure control can
be provided for other devices (see Detail 9).
A third option does exist but is rarely the preferred
implementation. This is illustrated in Detail 10, and simply
involves the piping of the Instrument Air to uniform outlets
operated at the standard 185 psig, and then regulating each
device with it’s own portable regulator fitted to the device
or the permanent outlet.
Page 10
It is also possible to blend the elements of the systems
shown in these three figures to create a hybrid system
appropriate to the facility’s needs.
If a multiple pressure system is contemplated, be sure
to size each of the branches at the appropriate pressure.
Only for the purpose of sizing the source should they be
considered as one system.
In the layout process, outlets are placed first. In O.R.
settings where tool drive is required, a pressure control
box is placed on a convenient wall, and includes one
outlet. A second and occasionally a third outlet are placed
in the closest possible proximity to the O.R. table. These
Instrument Air
are often found on the ceiling columns or booms. These
outlets may be “slaved” from the wall mounted control or
they may employ a scaled down version of the control itself
in the ceiling column or boom. Mounting the controller
on the column or boom is generally superior when flow is
considered, but less desirable from the viewpoint of staff
access and ease of use.
After outlets are placed, the actual piping can be run and
pipe sizing determined. This aspect of design is covered
in detail in Chapter 9 of the BeaconMedæs Design Guide
for Medical Gases.
Change of Use
The economic benefits of Instrument Air can be surprising,
and of course it is the facility which is already struggling
with the costs of a nitrogen system who is likely to see
them most clearly. NFPA does provide for a system to be
converted from one gas to another in a process termed
“Change of Use”.
Change of Use requires that a system originally intended for
one gas and therefore made non-interchangeable for that
gas be converted so that it is equally non-interchangeable
for the new gas. This means changing the source, changing
the outlets, changing the demand checks on alarm
components, relabelling and retesting as if the system
was new. A conversion from nitrogen to Instrument Air
is very feasible under these rules. Since the pipeline itself
need not be disturbed, the cost of such a conversion is
not excessive.
Sizing and Selecting an Instrument Air Source
Any Instrument Air source will consist of a primary source
(usually a compressor) and a reserve source (a second
compressor or a manifold header). Each element is sized
separately and by it’s own rules.
To size the primary compressor, there are two considerations:
first, the compressor must be large enough to drive all the
tools, and second we don’t want to make the compressor
any larger than is absolutely necessary. This is particularly
true since there is a very large diversity in Instrument Air
usage and in fact the average Instrument Air compressor
will not run very much. To express this another way, when
the Instrument Air is needed, there must be enough of it,
but it is only typically needed in short bursts, so the system
may sit idle for long periods.
The picture can be further complicated if the Instrument Air
is being used for purposes in addition to driving surgical
tools. Naturally, some of the other applications may
place more steady demand on the system and change the
diversity required.
The first consideration in sizing is to ensure that the tools
which are likely to be in simultaneous use are covered.
These tools can be very demanding, with typical usages
ranging from 225-425 lpm (8-15 scfm). At least this
quantity of air must be available, so this is the minimum
size for a system.
More than one location will involve some degree of
simultaneous use, and the calculation we recommend is
that used by the HTM 2022 standard from the U.K., which
allows for one tool at 100% and all remaining tools at 25%.
The formula used is :
350 + ((n-1) x 87.5)
Where n is the number of locations using the system.
Where 350 lpm is taken as the base load for a tool, and
“n” is the number of locations piped with Instrument Air
or the number of tools.
If other applications are intended to use Instrument
Air, they must be added to the tool demand based on a
knowledge of the actual demand from that application.
Some examples might include: operating pneumatic brakes
for booms, which use negligible amounts of air and can
be ignored as a capacity requirement; operating tools in
the morgue, which might be treated like another tool-using
location; operating a pneumatic O.R. table, which would
have to be assessed based on a knowledge of the table
itself; general lab uses, which might easily be greater than
the use of air for tools when totalled.
The sizing of the reserve is identical if a duplex compressor
is used as the source configuration. If the source
configuration is a compressor with a cylinder header as
reserve (a hybrid configuration), then the secondary must
contain one hour’s supply. This is most easily assessed
by taking the total demand calculated for the primary
source and multiplying it by 60 (minutes to hours), then
dividing by 6,200 l (220 scfm) to determine the number of
cylinders required in the secondary (Detail 12 allows you
to determine this with minimal calculations).
In the rare event that a manifold source will be used, this
will be sized using a simple calculation of one cylinder
for each ordinary O.R., and two for each O.R. intended
for orthopedic or neurological surgery. Both sides of the
manifold will be identically sized. If other applications
are also going to be served form the manifold, they must
be assessed individually.
The selection of the Instrument Air source may be made
from Detail 13, which also will link you to the necessary
information for system dimensions.
Conclusions and Cautions
We believe that ultimately Instrument Air, especially when
Instrument Air
Page 11
Source Ranges Instrument Air
(Locations scale reflects Tool use only, HTM 2022 Sizing Method)
(3) 7.5 Hp.
(3) 10 Hp.
Quadruplex
Note: Larger I. Air
systems are possible.
Please contact
BeaconMedæs for
information.
Triplex
Duplex
(2) 10 Hp.*
10 Hp.
7.5 Hp. (2) 7.5 Hp.*
5 7
Compressor(s)
16 Secondary Cylinder
Counts
11
7-14
14x14
6-13
13x13
6-12
12x12
5-11
11x11
5-10
10x10
4-9
9x9
Cylinder
4-8
8x8
Manifolds
3-7
7x7
6x6
3-6
5x5
2-5
4x4 2-4
3x3 1-3
2x2 1-2
1
10
}
Hybrid Systems
Source Type Legend
20
Number of Locations piped with Instrument Air
Notes: The ranges given for manifolds reflect a low (dark blue) and a high (white)
estimate. The low estimate applies only if all locations are of the general O.R. type,
the high estimate applies if all are of the specialty O.R. type. Factor your selection
based on the proportion of each in the project.
* Hybrid configurations marked with a “*” are systems with two compressors of this
size as the primary source. They are not duplex systems in the usual meaning of one
compressor in service, one on standby, but have two compressors available in the
primary role with cylinders as the secondary.
Detail 12 : Instrument Air Source Selector
compared to Nitrogen, is a superior choice for any facility
which needs high pressure gas for any reason. In the long
run, the benefits are so compelling that we can anticipate
nitrogen systems disappearing from the scene, entirely
replaced by Instrument Air.
However, that is some time in the future, and any facility
built since at least the 1970’s probably has a nitrogen
system already in place. Although the economics of
Instrument Air are compelling, they are far more complex
when a legacy system must also be considered.
Instrument Air systems are more costly initially, but the
gas is far less expensive per liter. This means that there
is a payback for virtually any Instrument Air installation,
whether new or a change of use. The question is the time
Page 12
frame for that payback. Naturally, the general rule will be
the more gas used, the faster the payback. Small facilities
using very little gas may find the payback too far in the
future to justify the initial outlay, large facilities with heavy
usage may find the savings grand enough to justify even
a complicated change of use program. The only way to
know is to do the math.
We highly recommend that every medical gas design
engineer add Instrument Air to their repertoire, and in
future evaluate every facility as a potential candidate. They
will find in most cases Instrument Air is a money saver for
their client.
Facilities who have to work to keep their nitrogen
Instrument Air
systems from going empty should also look closely at the
possibilities of performing a change of use conversion.
They are likely to find the economics more favorable than
they expected.
well enough alone in the interim.
There are other possibilities for reducing the cost and labor
involved with nitrogen which may be a half-way solution
for such facilities. These involve conversion from cylinder
(gaseous) sources to container (liquid) sources. While
nitrogen will always be more expensive than compressed
air, the reduction in cost can be significant, and the
reduction in labor can be greater yet. More details on these
systems can be obtained in the BeaconMedaes Applications
Guide to Cryogenic Liquid Manifolds available through
your BeaconMedaes representative.
That middle range of facilities whose nitrogen usage is
a nuisance but not high enough to justify the costs of
conversion will be the ones who will have to refuse change
of use. Should they ever be fortunate enough to renovate
their O.R. or build new, they will certainly find Instrument
Air very attractive, but they may be best advised to leave
Detail 13
System Selection Table, Instrument Air Compressors
Capacity
@ 200 psig
NFPA Complete System
Envelope Dimensions (inches)
SCFM
LPM
Format
HP
Cyl.
Count
Width
Height
Depth
Information
Sheet
Page
16.5
467
Duplex1
7.5
NA
103.5
84.5
67
SSB-120-10
15
679
Duplex1
10
NA
103.5
84.5
67
SSB-120-10
15
33
934
Triplex1
7.5
NA
138
84.5
67
SSB-120-11
17
48
1,359
Triplex1
10
NA
138
84.5
67
SSB-120-11
17
49.5
1,401
Quadruplex1
7.5
NA
172.5
84.5
67
SSB-120-12
19
72
2,038
Quadruplex1
10
NA
172.5
84.5
67
SSB-120-12
19
467
Simplex2
7.5
5
89.5
85
67
SSB-120-10
21
679
Simplex2
10
7
89.5
85
67
SSB-120-10
21
934
Duplex2
7.5
1,359
Duplex2
10
24
Hybrid Systems
16.5
24
33
48
Call for information
Notes
1. Capacites are shown as NFPA capacities with one compressor running and one in standby. Capacity shown is net
system capacity, not simple compressor capacity (systems losses are already deducted).
2. Capacites are shown as NFPA capacities with compressor(s) running and cylinder header in standby. Capacity
shown is net system capacity, not simple compressor(s) capacity (systems losses are already deducted).
Instrument Air
Page 13
SSB-120-10
Page 1 of 2
10/01/06
Instrument Air Duplex Single Point Connection (SPC) Base Mount Systems
(7½ - 10 HP)
DUPLEX 7.5-10
BASE MOUNT
This product has been designed to meet U.S. NFPA 99, latest edition.
Modifications made to meet current CSA Standards may result in changes to
the product's weight and physical dimensions. Please contact BeaconMedæs at
(704) 588-0854 or (704) 588-4949 (fax) for further information.
SPECIFICATION
SPC (Single Point Connection) System Design
The instrument air system shall be of a single point connection
base mounted design consisting of two compressor modules
with dryers, and a single control module with control panel,
air receiver, filtration system and oil/water condensate
separator. Each module has a maximum base width of 34.50"
(88 cm), and be fully compliant with the latest edition of
NFPA 99. The modules shall be assembled as one unit with
single point connections for air discharge, electrical and
condensate drain.
Compressor/Dryer Module (Compressor, Drive, Motor,
Piping, Dryer)
The compressor shall be a high pressure "oil-lubricated"
continuous duty rated type. The design shall be two staged,
air-cooled, reciprocating type with corrosion resistant reed
type valves with stainless steel reeds. Both oil scrapper ring
and piston rings shall be made from long lasting special cast
iron and designed for continuous duty operation. The
crankshaft shall be constructed of forged steel and fully
supported on both ends by heavy duty ball bearings and seals.
The crankcase shall be constructed of gray cast iron.
Maximum heat dissipation shall be achieved through cast iron
cylinders with external cooling vanes. Cylinder sleeves are not
required. Both low and high pressure pistons are made from
cast aluminum with chrome-moly piston pins. Second stage
cylinder head shall be equipped with a wired shutdown switch
for high discharge air temperature. The connecting rod shall
be of a one-piece design. The compressor shall be v-belt
driven through a combination flywheel/sheave and steel motor
sheave with tapered bushing and protected by an OSHA
approved totally enclosed belt guard. A sliding motor
mounting base that is fully adjustable through twin adjusting
screws shall achieve belt tensioning. The motor shall be a
NEMA rated, open drip proof, 1800 RPM, with 1.15 service
factor suitable for 208 or 230/460V electrical service. Each
compressor shall have its own inlet air filter mounted on the
first stage compressor heads. Discharge air from the first
stage compressor cylinder passes through an air-cooled
intercooler prior to entering the second stage. The second
stage discharge air then passes through an air-cooled
aftercooler designed for a maximum approach temperature of
12° F complete with moisture separator and zero loss
automatic drain valve prior to entering the dryer. The
compressor discharge line shall include a flex connector,
safety relief valve, isolation valve, and check valve. The
discharge air piping shall be of ASTM B-819 copper tubing,
brass, and/or stainless steel. The discharge flex connector shall
be braided 304 stainless steel, brass, or bronze. Each
compressor has its own dedicated dryer. Each dryer is
individually sized for peak calculated demand and capable of
producing a -40° F (-40° C) pressure dew point. Dryer purge
only occurs when it’s respective compressor is running.
Upstream of the dryer will be a separator with a zero loss
drain valve followed by a 0.01 micron coalescing filter. Both
filters shall have element change indicators.
BeaconMedæs Š P. O. Box 7064
Isolation System
Each compressor and motor assembly shall be fully isolated
from the main compressor module base by means of a four
point, heavy duty, spring isolation system for a minimum of
95% isolation efficiency. Where required by local or state
regulation, optional seismically restrained isolators can be
provided at an additional cost. Each main compressor module
base frame shall not exceed 34.50" in width.
Control Module with Air Receiver/Filter/Regulator
System
The control module shall include a NEMA 12, U.L. labeled
control system, duplexed final line filters, regulators, oil
indicators, and a condensate oil/water separator and dew point
monitor. All of the above shall be factory piped and wired in
accordance with NFPA 99 and include valving to allow
complete air receiver bypass and an air sampling port. The
vertical air receiver shall be ASME Coded, National Board
Certified, galvanized, rated for a minimum 250 PSIG design
pressure and includes a liquid level gauge glass, safety relief
valve, manual drain valve, and automatic solenoid drain valve.
Control System
The control system shall have an HMI touch screen control,
automatic lead/lag sequencing with circuit breaker disconnects
for each motor with external operators, full voltage motor
starters, overload protection, 24V control circuit and hand-offauto selector switch for each compressor.
Automatic
alternation of both compressors based on first-on/first-off
principle with provisions for simultaneous operation if
required. Automatic activation of reserve unit, if required, will
activate an audible alarm as well as a visual alarm on the
HMI. The HMI displays service due, run hours for each
compressor, system status, operating pressure, dew point and
high discharge air temperature shutdown. A complete alarm
and service history is available on the HMI.
Dew Point Transmitter
The control module shall incorporate a dew point transmitter
that is mounted, pre-piped, wired to the control panel and
displayed on the HMI touch screen. The transmitter probe
shall be 316L SS with sintered stainless steel filter and thin
film polymer sensor. The system accuracy shall be ± 2° C.
Dew point alarm shall be factory set at -22° F (-30° C) per
NFPA 99 with remote alarm contacts in the control panel.
Statement of Warranty
BeaconMedæs warrants all Instrument Air Systems, to be free
of defects in material and workmanship under normal use for
a period not to exceed thirty (30) months from date of
shipment, or twenty four (24) months from date of start-up.
Charlotte, N. C. 28241 Š Phone: (704) 588-0854
Fax: (704) 588-4949
Page 15
This product has been designed to meet U.S. NFPA 99, latest edition.
Modifications made to meet current CSA Standards may result in changes to
the product's weight and physical dimensions. Please contact BeaconMedæs at
(704) 588-0854 or (704) 588-4949 (fax) for further information.
SSB-120-10
Page 2 of 2
10/01/06
Instrument Air System Specifications1
Complete
System
Model No.
HP
HPA-7D-D200
HPA-10D-D200
7½
10
Notes:
Page 16
System Capacity2
200 psig
16.5
24
System3
BTU/HR
Receiver4
(Gallons)
Noise5
Level
17,062
23,014
200*
200*
76
79
System FLA
208V
230V
460V
46
60
41
52
20
26
1 Normal operating conditions at a maximum ambient of 105° F. Consult factory for higher ambient conditions.
2 All capacities are shown as NFPA system capacities (reserve compressor on standby) and are shown in Inlet Cubic
Feet per Minute (ICFM). System losses subtracted from pump capacity.
3 All system BTU/HR is shown with reserve compressor on standby.
4 * Indicates standard receiver
5 All noise levels are shown in dB(A) and reflect one pump running.
BeaconMedæs Š P. O. Box 7064
Charlotte, N. C. 28241 Š Phone: (704) 588-0854
Fax: (704) 588-4949
SSB-120-11
Page 1 of 2
10/01/06
Instrument Air Triplex Single Point Connection (SPC) Base Mount Systems
(7½ - 10 HP)
TRIPLEX 7.5-10
BASE MOUNT
This product has been designed to meet U.S. NFPA 99, latest edition.
Modifications made to meet current CSA Standards may result in changes to
the product's weight and physical dimensions. Please contact BeaconMedæs at
(704) 588-0854 or (704) 588-4949 (fax) for further information.
SPECIFICATION
SPC (Single Point Connection) System Design
The instrument air system shall be of a single point connection
base mounted design consisting of three compressor modules
with dryers, and a single control module with control panel,
air receiver, filtration system and oil/water condensate
separator. Each module has a maximum base width of 34.50"
(88 cm), and be fully compliant with the latest edition of
NFPA 99. The modules shall be assembled as one unit with
single point connections for air discharge, electrical and
condensate drain.
Compressor/Dryer Module (Compressor, Drive, Motor,
Piping, Dryer)
The compressor shall be a high pressure "oil-lubricated"
continuous duty rated type. The design shall be two staged,
air-cooled, reciprocating type with corrosion resistant reed
type valves with stainless steel reeds. Both oil scrapper ring
and piston rings shall be made from long lasting special cast
iron and designed for continuous duty operation. The
crankshaft shall be constructed of forged steel and fully
supported on both ends by heavy duty ball bearings and seals.
The crankcase shall be constructed of gray cast iron.
Maximum heat dissipation shall be achieved through cast iron
cylinders with external cooling vanes. Cylinder sleeves are not
required. Both low and high pressure pistons are made from
cast aluminum with chrome-moly piston pins. Second stage
cylinder head shall be equipped with a wired shutdown switch
for high discharge air temperature. The connecting rod shall
be of a one-piece design. The compressor shall be v-belt
driven through a combination flywheel/sheave and steel motor
sheave with tapered bushing and protected by an OSHA
approved totally enclosed belt guard. A sliding motor
mounting base that is fully adjustable through twin adjusting
screws shall achieve belt tensioning. The motor shall be a
NEMA rated, open drip proof, 1800 RPM, with 1.15 service
factor suitable for 208 or 230/460V electrical service. Each
compressor shall have its own inlet air filter mounted on the
first stage compressor heads. Discharge air from the first
stage compressor cylinder passes through an air-cooled
intercooler prior to entering the second stage. The second
stage discharge air then passes through an air-cooled
aftercooler designed for a maximum approach temperature of
12° F complete with moisture separator and zero loss
automatic drain valve prior to entering the dryer. The
compressor discharge line shall include a flex connector,
safety relief valve, isolation valve, and check valve. The
discharge air piping shall be of ASTM B-819 copper tubing,
brass, and/or stainless steel. The discharge flex connector shall
be braided 304 stainless steel, brass, or bronze. Each
compressor has its own dedicated dryer. Each dryer is
individually sized for peak calculated demand and capable of
producing a -40° F (-40° C) pressure dew point. Dryer purge
only occurs when it’s respective compressor is running.
Upstream of the dryer will be a separator with a zero loss
drain valve followed by a 0.01 micron coalescing filter. Both
filters shall have element change indicators.
BeaconMedæs Š P. O. Box 7064
Isolation System
Each compressor and motor assembly shall be fully isolated
from the main compressor module base by means of a four
point, heavy duty, spring isolation system for a minimum of
95% isolation efficiency. Where required by local or state
regulation, optional seismically restrained isolators can be
provided at an additional cost. Each main compressor module
base frame shall not exceed 34.50" in width.
Control Module with Air Receiver/Filter/Regulator
System
The control module shall include a NEMA 12, U.L. labeled
control system, duplexed final line filters, regulators, oil
indicators, and a condensate oil/water separator and dew point
monitor. All of the above shall be factory piped and wired in
accordance with NFPA 99 and include valving to allow
complete air receiver bypass and an air sampling port. The
vertical air receiver shall be ASME Coded, National Board
Certified, galvanized, rated for a minimum 250 PSIG design
pressure and includes a liquid level gauge glass, safety relief
valve, manual drain valve, and automatic solenoid drain valve.
Control System
The control system shall have an HMI touch screen control,
automatic lead/lag sequencing with circuit breaker disconnects
for each motor with external operators, full voltage motor
starters, overload protection, 24V control circuit and hand-offauto selector switch for each compressor. Automatic
alternation of all compressors based on first-on/first-off
principle with provisions for simultaneous operation if
required. Automatic activation of reserve unit, if required, will
activate an audible alarm as well as a visual alarm on the
HMI. The HMI displays service due, run hours for each
compressor, system status, operating pressure, dew point and
high discharge air temperature shutdown. A complete alarm
and service history is available on the HMI.
Dew Point Transmitter
The control module shall incorporate a dew point transmitter
that is mounted, pre-piped, wired to the control panel and
displayed on the HMI touch screen. The transmitter probe
shall be 316L SS with sintered stainless steel filter and thin
film polymer sensor. The system accuracy shall be ± 2° C.
Dew point alarm shall be factory set at -22° F (-30° C) per
NFPA 99 with remote alarm contacts in the control panel.
Statement of Warranty
BeaconMedæs warrants all Instrument Air Systems, to be free
of defects in material and workmanship under normal use for
a period not to exceed thirty (30) months from date of
shipment, or twenty four (24) months from date of start-up.
Charlotte, N. C. 28241 Š Phone: (704) 588-0854
Fax: (704) 588-4949
Page 17
This product has been designed to meet U.S. NFPA 99, latest edition.
Modifications made to meet current CSA Standards may result in changes to
the product's weight and physical dimensions. Please contact BeaconMedæs at
(704) 588-0854 or (704) 588-4949 (fax) for further information.
SSB-120-11
Page 2 of 2
10/01/06
Instrument Air System Specifications1
Complete
System
Model No.
HP
HPA-7T-D200
HPA-10T-D200
7½
10
Notes:
Page 18
System Capacity2
200 psig
33
48
System3
BTU/HR
Receiver4
(Gallons)
Noise5
Level
34,124
46,028
200*
200*
76
79
System FLA
208V
230V
460V
69
90
60
78
30
39
1 Normal operating conditions at a maximum ambient of 105° F. Consult factory for higher ambient conditions.
2 All capacities are shown as NFPA system capacities (reserve compressor on standby) and are shown in Inlet Cubic
Feet per Minute (ICFM). System losses subtracted from pump capacity.
3 All system BTU/HR is shown with reserve compressor on standby.
4 * Indicates standard receiver
5 All noise levels are shown in dB(A) and reflect one pump running.
BeaconMedæs Š P. O. Box 7064
Charlotte, N. C. 28241 Š Phone: (704) 588-0854
Fax: (704) 588-4949
SSB-120-12
Page 1 of 2
10/01/06
Instrument Air Quadruplex Single Point Connection (SPC) Base Mount Systems
(7½ - 10 HP)
QUAD 7.5-10
BASE MOUNT
This product has been designed to meet U.S. NFPA 99, latest edition.
Modifications made to meet current CSA Standards may result in changes to
the product's weight and physical dimensions. Please contact BeaconMedæs at
(704) 588-0854 or (704) 588-4949 (fax) for further information.
SPECIFICATION
SPC (Single Point Connection) System Design
The instrument air system shall be of a single point connection
base mounted design consisting of four compressor modules
with dryers, and a single control module with control panel,
air receiver, filtration system and oil/water condensate
separator. Each module has a maximum base width of 34.50"
(88 cm), and be fully compliant with the latest edition of
NFPA 99. The modules shall be assembled as one unit with
single point connections for air discharge, electrical and
condensate drain.
Compressor/Dryer Module (Compressor, Drive, Motor,
Piping, Dryer)
The compressor shall be a high pressure "oil-lubricated"
continuous duty rated type. The design shall be two staged,
air-cooled, reciprocating type with corrosion resistant reed
type valves with stainless steel reeds. Both oil scrapper ring
and piston rings shall be made from long lasting special cast
iron and designed for continuous duty operation. The
crankshaft shall be constructed of forged steel and fully
supported on both ends by heavy duty ball bearings and seals.
The crankcase shall be constructed of gray cast iron.
Maximum heat dissipation shall be achieved through cast iron
cylinders with external cooling vanes. Cylinder sleeves are not
required. Both low and high pressure pistons are made from
cast aluminum with chrome-moly piston pins. Second stage
cylinder head shall be equipped with a wired shutdown switch
for high discharge air temperature. The connecting rod shall
be of a one-piece design. The compressor shall be v-belt
driven through a combination flywheel/sheave and steel motor
sheave with tapered bushing and protected by an OSHA
approved totally enclosed belt guard. A sliding motor
mounting base that is fully adjustable through twin adjusting
screws shall achieve belt tensioning. The motor shall be a
NEMA rated, open drip proof, 1800 RPM, with 1.15 service
factor suitable for 208 or 230/460V electrical service. Each
compressor shall have its own inlet air filter mounted on the
first stage compressor heads. Discharge air from the first
stage compressor cylinder passes through an air-cooled
intercooler prior to entering the second stage. The second
stage discharge air then passes through an air-cooled
aftercooler designed for a maximum approach temperature of
12° F complete with moisture separator and zero loss
automatic drain valve prior to entering the dryer. The
compressor discharge line shall include a flex connector,
safety relief valve, isolation valve, and check valve. The
discharge air piping shall be of ASTM B-819 copper tubing,
brass, and/or stainless steel. The discharge flex connector shall
be braided 304 stainless steel, brass, or bronze. Each
compressor has its own dedicated dryer. Each dryer is
individually sized for peak calculated demand and capable of
producing a -40° F (-40° C) pressure dew point. Dryer purge
only occurs when it’s respective compressor is running.
Upstream of the dryer will be a separator with a zero loss
drain valve followed by a 0.01 micron coalescing filter. Both
filters shall have element change indicators.
BeaconMedæs Š P. O. Box 7064
Isolation System
Each compressor and motor assembly shall be fully isolated
from the main compressor module base by means of a four
point, heavy duty, spring isolation system for a minimum of
95% isolation efficiency. Where required by local or state
regulation, optional seismically restrained isolators can be
provided at an additional cost. Each main compressor module
base frame shall not exceed 34.50" in width.
Control Module with Air Receiver/Filter/Regulator
System
The control module shall include a NEMA 12, U.L. labeled
control system, duplexed final line filters, regulators, oil
indicators, and a condensate oil/water separator and dew point
monitor. All of the above shall be factory piped and wired in
accordance with NFPA 99 and include valving to allow
complete air receiver bypass and an air sampling port. The
vertical air receiver shall be ASME Coded, National Board
Certified, galvanized, rated for a minimum 250 PSIG design
pressure and includes a liquid level gauge glass, safety relief
valve, manual drain valve, and automatic solenoid drain valve.
Control System
The control system shall have an HMI touch screen control,
automatic lead/lag sequencing with circuit breaker disconnects
for each motor with external operators, full voltage motor
starters, overload protection, 24V control circuit and hand-offauto selector switch for each compressor. Automatic
alternation of all compressors based on first-on/first-off
principle with provisions for simultaneous operation if
required. Automatic activation of reserve unit, if required, will
activate an audible alarms as well as a visual alarm on the
HMI. The HMI displays service due, run hours for each
compressor, system status, operating pressure, dew point and
high discharge air temperature shutdown. A complete alarm
and service history is available on the HMI.
Dew Point Transmitter
The control module shall incorporate a dew point transmitter
that is mounted, pre-piped, wired to the control panel and
displayed on the HMI touch screen. The transmitter probe
shall be 316L SS with sintered stainless steel filter and thin
film polymer sensor. The system accuracy shall be ± 2° C.
Dew point alarm shall be factory set at -22° F (-30° C) per
NFPA 99 with remote alarm contacts in the control panel.
Statement of Warranty
BeaconMedæs warrants all Instrument Air Systems, to be free
of defects in material and workmanship under normal use for
a period not to exceed thirty (30) months from date of
shipment, or twenty four (24) months from date of start-up.
Charlotte, N. C. 28241 Š Phone: (704) 588-0854
Fax: (704) 588-4949
Page 19
This product has been designed to meet U.S. NFPA 99, latest edition.
Modifications made to meet current CSA Standards may result in changes to
the product's weight and physical dimensions. Please contact BeaconMedæs at
(704) 588-0854 or (704) 588-4949 (fax) for further information.
SSB-120-12
Page 2 of 2
10/01/06
Instrument Air System Specifications1
Complete
System
Model No.
HP
HPA-7Q-D200
HPA-10Q-D200
7½
10
Notes:
Page 20
System Capacity2
200 psig
49.5
72
System3
BTU/HR
Receiver4
(Gallons)
Noise5
Level
51,186
69,042
200*
200*
76
79
System FLA
208V
230V
460V
92
119
80
104
40
52
1 Normal operating conditions at a maximum ambient of 105° F. Consult factory for higher ambient conditions.
2 All capacities are shown as NFPA system capacities (reserve compressor on standby) and are shown in Inlet Cubic
Feet per Minute (ICFM). System losses subtracted from pump capacity.
3 All system BTU/HR is shown with reserve compressor on standby.
4 * Indicates standard receiver
5 All noise levels are shown in dB(A) and reflect one pump running.
BeaconMedæs Š P. O. Box 7064
Charlotte, N. C. 28241 Š Phone: (704) 588-0854
Fax: (704) 588-4949
SSB-120-13
Page 1 of 2
10/01/06
Instrument Air Simplex Single Point Connection (SPC) Base Mount Systems
with Cylinder Air Back-up Header (7½ - 10 HP)
SPECIFICATION
SPC (Single Point Connection) System Design
The instrument air system shall be of a single point connection
base mounted design consisting of one compressor module
with dryer, and a single control module with control panel, air
receiver, filtration system, oil/water condensate separator and
backup cylinder header for cylinder air. Each module has a
maximum base width of 34.50" (88 cm), and be fully
compliant with the latest edition of NFPA 99. The modules
shall be assembled as one unit with single point connections
for air discharge, electrical and condensate drain.
Compressor/Dryer Module (Compressor, Drive, Motor,
Piping, Dryer)
The compressor shall be a high pressure "oil-lubricated"
continuous duty rated type. The design shall be two staged,
air-cooled, reciprocating type with corrosion resistant reed
type valves with stainless steel reeds. Both oil scraper ring and
piston rings shall be made from long lasting special cast iron
and designed for continuous duty operation. The crankshaft
shall be constructed of forged steel and fully supported on
both ends by heavy duty ball bearings and seals. The
crankcase shall be constructed of gray cast iron. Maximum
heat dissipation shall be achieved through cast iron cylinders
with external cooling vanes. Cylinder sleeves are not required.
Both low and high pressure pistons are made from cast
aluminum with chrome-moly piston pins. Second stage
cylinder head shall be equipped with a wired shutdown switch
for high discharge air temperature. The connecting rod shall
be of a one-piece design. The compressor shall be v-belt
driven through a combination flywheel/sheave and steel motor
sheave with tapered bushing and protected by an OSHA
approved totally enclosed belt guard. A sliding motor
mounting base that is fully adjustable through twin adjusting
screws shall achieve belt tensioning. The motor shall be a
NEMA rated, open drip proof, 1800 RPM, with 1.15 service
factor suitable for 208 or 230/460V electrical service. Each
compressor shall have its own inlet air filter mounted on the
first stage compressor heads. Discharge air from the first
stage compressor cylinder passes through an air-cooled
intercooler prior to entering the second stage. The second
stage discharge air then passes through an air-cooled
aftercooler designed for a maximum approach temperature of
12° F complete with moisture separator and zero loss
automatic drain valve prior to entering the dryer. The
compressor discharge line shall include a flex connector,
safety relief valve, isolation valve, and check valve. The
discharge air piping shall be of ASTM B-819 copper tubing,
brass, and/or stainless steel. The discharge flex connector shall
be braided 304 stainless steel, brass, or bronze. The dryer is
individually sized for peak calculated demand and capable of
producing a -40° F (-40° C) pressure dew point. Dryer purge
only occurs when the compressor is running. Upstream of the
dryer will be a separator with a zero loss drain valve followed
by a 0.01 micron coalescing filter. Both filters shall have
element change indicators.
Isolation System
The compressor and motor assembly shall be fully isolated
from the main compressor module base by means of a four
point, heavy duty, spring isolation system for a minimum of
95% isolation efficiency. Where required by local or state
regulation, optional seismically restrained isolators can be
provided at an additional cost.
BeaconMedæs Š P. O. Box 7064
Control Module with Air Receiver/Filter/Regulator
System
The control module shall include a NEMA 12, U.L. labeled
control system, duplexed final line filters, regulators, oil
indicators, condensate oil/water separator, dew point monitor
and an air sample port, backup cylinder header and cylinder
restraint system. All of the above shall be factory piped and
wired in accordance with NFPA 99. The vertical air receiver
shall be ASME Coded, National Board Certified, galvanized,
rated for a minimum 250 PSIG design pressure and includes a
liquid level gauge glass, safety relief valve, manual drain
valve, and automatic solenoid drain valve.
Backup Air Cylinder Header
A high-pressure header shall be provided to accommodate
multiple air cylinders with staggered cylinder connections on
5" centers. The header shall be designed for inlet pressures up
to 3000 psig and shall be provided with a flexible pigtail with
check valve for each cylinder connection. Pigtail connections
shall be CGAV-1 #346 cylinder connections. A pressure
regulator (field adjustable; 40 to 300 psig) shall be provided
on the backup header to regulate the cylinder pressure. The
regulator shall utilize high-pressure brass unions at the inlet
and outlet connections for attachment to the header assembly
and supply line. The simplex header shall be provided with a
backup low pressure switch and a low flow adapter. The
header shall be provided with a high-pressure master shut-off
valve to isolate the header from the system, during service and
repairs, without affecting the remainder of the system. The
header shall be factory piped to the inlet side of the duplexed
final line filters.
Control System
The duplex mounted and wired control system shall be NEMA
12 and U.L. labeled. The control system shall have an HMI
touch screen control, automatic lead/lag sequencing with
circuit breaker disconnects for each motor with external
operators, full voltage motor starters, overload protection, 24V
control circuit and hand-off-auto selector switch for each
compressor. Automatic alternation of both compressors based
on first-on/first-off principle with provisions for simultaneous
operation if required. Automatic activation of reserve unit, if
required, will activate an audible alarm as well as a visual
alarm on the HMI. The HMI displays service due, run hours,
system status, operating pressure, dew point and high
discharge air temperature shutdown. A complete alarm and
service history is available on the HMI.
Dew Point Transmitter
The control module shall incorporate a dew point transmitter
that is mounted, pre-piped, wired to the control panel and
displayed on the HMI touch screen. The transmitter probe
shall be 316L SS with sintered stainless steel filter and thin
film polymer sensor. The system accuracy shall be ± 2° C.
Dew point alarm shall be factory set at -22° F (-30° C) per
NFPA 99 with remote alarm contacts in the control panel.
Statement of Warranty
BeaconMedæs warrants all Instrument Air Systems, to be free
of defects in material and workmanship under normal use for
a period not to exceed thirty (30) months from date of
shipment, or twenty four (24) months from date of start-up.
Charlotte, N. C. 28241 Š Phone: (704) 588-0854
Fax: (704) 588-4949
SIMLEX 7.5-10
BASE MOUNT
This product has been designed to meet U.S. NFPA 99, latest edition.
Modifications made to meet current CSA Standards may result in changes to
the product's weight and physical dimensions. Please contact BeaconMedæs at
(704) 588-0854 or (704) 588-4949 (fax) for further information.
This product has been designed to meet U.S. NFPA 99, latest edition.
Modifications made to meet current CSA Standards may result in changes to
the product's weight and physical dimensions. Please contact BeaconMedæs at
(704) 588-0854 or (704) 588-4949 (fax) for further information.
SSB-120-13
Page 2 of 2
10/01/06
Instrument Air System Specifications1
Complete
System
Model No.
HP
200 psig
HPA-7S-D200
HPA-10S-D200
Notes:
Page 22
System
Capacity2
7½
10
16.5
24
System3
BTU/HR
Receiver4
(Gallons)
Noise
Level5
No. of
Cylinders6
17,062
23,014
200*
200*
76
79
5
7
System FLA
208V
230V
460V
23
30
20
26
10
13
1 Normal operating conditions at a maximum ambient of 105° F. Consult factory for higher ambient conditions.
2 All capacities are shown as NFPA system capacities (reserve compressor on standby) and are shown in Inlet Cubic
Feet per Minute (ICFM). System losses subtracted from pump capacity.
3 All system BTU/HR is shown with reserve compressor on standby.
4 * Indicates standard receiver
5 All noise levels are shown in dB(A) and reflect one pump running.
6 Number of air cylinders for 1-hour of backup. All cylinders are supplied by others.
BeaconMedæs Š P. O. Box 7064
Charlotte, N. C. 28241 Š Phone: (704) 588-0854
Fax: (704) 588-4949
Page 1 of 2
2/01/2006
Series B Recessed Medical Gas Wall Outlet
DISS Key Style
SPECIFICATION
DISS Medical Gas Wall Outlet
The DISS Medical Gas wall outlets shall be gas specific for
the services indicated and accept only corresponding DISS
nuts and nipples. The outlets shall be UL listed, CSA certified,
and be fully compliant with the latest edition of NFPA 99. All
outlets shall be 100% tested for flow, leaks and connector
attachment. The outlets shall be cleaned for oxygen service
prior to shipping. The outlets shall be made in the U.S.A. A
die cast, light gray, epoxy powder coated trim plate can be
provided to trim each wall outlet and to fill the space between
adjacent outlets. The trim plate shall allow latch valves to be
individually removed for servicing.
Outlet Design
A complete medical gas outlet shall consist of a gas-specific
rough-in assembly for installation before the wall is finished
and a matching gas-specific latch-valve assembly and cover
plate for installation after the wall is finished.
identification shall be affixed to the inlet tube and the face of
the mounting plate. A secondary valve shall be installed in
the outlet block of the rough-in assembly for both pressure
testing and preventing gas flow (except vacuum and WAGD)
when the latch-valve assembly is removed for service. A 3/8"
high metal flange around the outlet opening shall provide a
plaster barrier. A temporary cover shall be provided to keep
debris out of the outlet during installation. The rough-in
assembly shall contain a double seal to prevent gas leakage
between the rough-in and latch-valve assemblies after the wall
is finished. A single o-ring seal shall not be acceptable.
Latch Valve Assembly
The latch-valve assembly shall include an o-ring seal primary
valve, be gas specific for the labeled service, and accept only
corresponding hose and apparatus with DISS nut and nipple
adapters. The latch-valve assembly shall be indexed to the
corresponding rough-in assembly to avoid accidental
cross-connection and shall telescope up to 3/4" to allow for
variation in finished wall thickness from 1/2" up to 1-1/4". A
metal cover plate insert with permanent, color-coded marking
of service identification shall be included as part of the
latch-valve assembly.
Rough-in Assembly
The rough-in assembly shall be of modular design and include
a gas-specific 16-gauge steel mounting plate designed to
permit on-site ganging of multiple outlets, in any order, on 5"
centerline spacing. A machined brass outlet block shall be
permanently attached to the mounting bracket to permit the
1/2" OD (3/8" nominal),type-K copper inlet tube to swivel
360° for attachment to the piping system. Gas service
Item
Concealed Wall Outlet
Gas Service
Color Code
Complete Assembly
Rough-in Assembly
O2
White
F 6-121100-00
F 6-233110-00
Series B
DISS
N2O
Blue
F 6-121101-00
F 6-233111-00
(U.S.)
AIR
Yellow
F 6-121102-00
F 6-233112-00
VAC
White
F 6-121103-00
F 6-233113-00
N2
Black
F 6-121104-00
F 6-233114-00
Instrument Air
Red
F 6-121108-00
F 6-233118-00
WAGD
Purple
F 6-121109-00
F 6-233119-00
CO2
Gray
F 6-121110-00
F 6-233120-00
CO2-O2 (CO2 >7%) Gray/Green
F 6-121111-00
F 6-233121-00
O2 -CO2 (CO2<7%)
Green/Gray
F 6-121112-00
F 6-233122-00
He-O2 (He > 80%)
Brown/Green F 6-121113-00
F 6-233123-00
O2 -He (He < 80%)
Green/Brown
F 6-121114-00
F 6-233124-00
O2
White
F 6-121100-00
F 6-233110-00
Series B
DISS
N2O
Blue
F 6-121101-00
F 6-233111-00
(International)
AIR
Black/White
F 6-151012-00
F 6-233116-00
VAC
Yellow
F 6-151013-00
F 6-233117-00
N2
Black
F 6-121104-00
F 6-233114-00
Instrument Air
Red
F 6-121108-00
F 6-233118-00
WAGD
Purple
F 6-121109-00
F 6-233119-00
CO2
Gray
F 6-121110-00
F 6-233120-00
F 6-120978-00
Miscellaneous
Slide*
Blank, Gas
F 6-120979-00
Duplex Electrical Receptacle (Gray)
F 6-120972-00
Trim Plate (5")
F 6-325161-00
Latch-Valve Assembly
F 6-230910-00
F 6-230911-00
F 6-230912-00
F 6-230913-00
F 6-230914-00
F 6-230916-00
F 6-230919-00
F 6-230920-00
F 6-230921-00
F 6-230922-00
F 6-230923-00
F 6-230924-00
F 6-230910-00
F 6-230911-00
F 6-230917-00
F 6-230918-00
F 6-230914-00
F 6-230916-00
F 6-230919-00
F 6-230920-00
*Good design practice should include a slide for each vacuum outlet.
BeaconMedæs Š 14408 W. 105th Street
Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058
Fax: (913) 894-6088
SERIES B DISS
WALL OUTLET
SSB-840-03
SSB-840-03
Page 2 of 2
2/01/2006
Series B DISS Wall Assembly
DISS Outlet
Optional Assemblies
Page 24 BeaconMedæs Š 14408 W. 105th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058 Fax: (913) 894-6088
SERIES B DISS
CONSOLES
SSB-840-04
Page 1 of 2
2/01/06
Series B Console and Modular Headwall Medical Gas Outlet
DISS Key Style
SPECIFICATION
DISS Medical Gas Outlet
The DISS Medical Gas outlets for consoles and modular walls
shall be gas specific for the services indicated and accept only
corresponding DISS nuts and nipples. The outlets shall be UL
listed, CSA certified, and be fully compliant with the latest
edition of NFPA 99. All outlets shall be 100% tested for flow,
leaks and connector attachment. The outlets shall be cleaned
for oxygen service prior to shipping. The outlets shall be made
in the U.S.A. A die cast, light gray, epoxy powder coated or
plastic trim plate (optional) can be provided to trim each outlet
assembly.
Outlet Design
A complete medical gas outlet shall consist of a gas-specific
rough-in assembly and a matching gas-specific latch-valve
assembly.
Rough-in Assembly
The rough-in assembly shall be of modular design and include
a gas-specific 16-gauge steel mounting plate designed to
permit on-site installation. A machined brass outlet block shall
be permanently attached to the mounting bracket to permit the
1/2" OD (3/8" nominal), type-K copper inlet tube to swivel
360° for attachment to the piping system.
Item
Series B
DISS
(International)
Miscellaneous
Latch Valve Assembly
The latch-valve assembly shall include an o-ring seal primary
valve and shall be indexed to the corresponding gas service
rough-in assembly to avoid accidental cross-connection. Latch
valves shall telescope up to 3/4" to allow for variation in wall
thickness. A metal cover plate insert with permanent
color-coded gas service identification shall be included as part
of the latch valve assembly.
Standard Console
Gas Service
Series B
DISS
(U.S.)
Gas service identification shall be affixed to the inlet tube and
the face of the mounting plate. A secondary valve shall be
installed in the outlet block of the rough-in assembly for both
pressure testing and preventing gas flow (except vacuum and
WAGD) when the latch-valve assembly is removed for
service. The rough-in assembly shall contain a double seal to
prevent gas leakage between the rough-in and latch-valve
assemblies after the wall is finished. A single o-ring seal shall
not be acceptable.
Color Code
Complete Assembly*
Latch-Valve Assembly
F 6-121050-00
F
6-230910-00
N/A
F
6-230911-00
Rough-in Assembly
O2
White
N2O
Blue
AIR
Yellow
F 6-121052-00
F 6-230912-00
F
6-233012-00
VAC
White
F 6-121053-00
F 6-230913-00
F
6-233013-00
Inst Air
Red
N/A
F 6-230916-00
F
6-233018-00
WAGD
Purple
N/A
F 6-230919-00
F
6-233019-00
N2
CO2
Black
Gray
N/A
N/A
F 6-230914-00
F 6-230920-00
F
F
6-233014-00
6-233020-00
O2
White
N/A
F
AIR
Black/White
N/A
F 6-230917-00
F
6-233016-00
VAC
Yellow
N/A
F 6-230918-00
F
6-233017-00
Slide
F 6-135012-00
Blank, Gas
F 6-415169-00
F 6-233010-00
F 6-233011-00
6-230910-00
F 6-233010-00
*Complete assembly consists of a rough-in assembly and latch-valve assembly. Optional trim plate must be ordered separately.
BeaconMedæs Š 14408 W. 105th Street
Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058
Fax: (913) 894-6088
Page 25
SSB-840-04
Page 2 of 2
2/01/06
Series B DISS Console Assembly
Optional assemblies shown with optional 5” trim plate
Page 26 BeaconMedæs Š 14408 W. 105th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058 Fax: (913) 894-6088
SSB-850-01
Page 2 of 2
2/01/06
Gas Control Panels
HORIZONTAL
CONTROL
PANEL
VERTICAL
CONTROL
PANEL
BeaconMedæs Š 14408 105th Street
Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058
Fax: (913) 894-6088
Page 27
Page 28
Page 1 of 7
8/1/06
Hose Assemblies, Valves, Fittings, and Components
HOSE
ASSEMBLIES
SSB-890-01
SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING INFORMATION
Fittings and Components
All BeaconMedaes DISS valves, bodies, nuts and nipples are
manufactured to comply with the latest edition of CGA V-5,
Diameter Index Safety System (Non-interchangeable low
pressure connections for medical gas applications)
Gas Specific DISS Valve or DISS Body
DISS BODY: When the DISS nut and nipple are disconnected
gas will continue to flow.
DISS VALVE: Contains a valve mechanism and begins to flow
gas when the DISS nut and nipple are connected and stops flow
when the DISS nut and nipple are disconnected.
DISS valves and valve bodies are available with 1/4 -18 NPT
male threads, 1/8 -27 NPT male threads or barbed ends for
installation in hose assemblies
Gas Specific DISS Nipples
The gas specific DISS nipple mates with the gas specific DISS
valve or valve body. They are supplied with O-rings where
required and are available with 1/4 -18 NPT male threads,
1/8 -27 NPT male threads or barbed ends for installation in
hose assemblies
DISS Nut
The DISS nut is used to secure the DISS nipple to the valve or
valve body. Often times the DISS nut may be used on several
different gases. The valve or body and the nipple are the
components to make the system gas specific.
For assistance in determining the components you may require,
please call 1-888-4MEDGAS to speak with one of our
specialists.
HOSE ASSEMBLIES
To order hose assemblies:
1. Select the fitting for each end of the hose assembly-one from (A) and one from (C) using the matrix shown.
2. Choose the appropriate part number according to the gas service required (B).
3. Replace the XX with a two-digit number from the chart (D). This two-digit number corresponds with the length of the hose required.
Example: A hose assembly for oxygen that is five feet long and uses a Geometric valve on one end and a Diameter-Index Safety System
(DISS) nut and nipple on the other end would carry a part number of 6-139103-05
NOTE:
Maximum length is thirty feet. Unless otherwise specified, all assemblies utilize 1/4” ID hose.
BeaconMedæs Š 14408 W. 105th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058
Fax: (913) 894-6088
Page 29
Page 2 of 7
8/1/06
Hose Assemblies, Valves, Fittings, and Components
SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING INFORMATION (continued)
C
HOSE ASSEMBLIES
A
DISS nut and nipple
B
Schrader quick-connect
DISS nut and nipple
Geometric valve
Pin Index valve
Latch Key valve
DISS male valve
D
N2
6-132184-XX
O2
N2O
AIR
VAC
N2
CO2
WAGD
O2
N2O
AIR
VAC
VAC 5/16” ID
WAGD
O2
N2O
AIR
VAC
VAC 5/16” ID
WAGD
O2
N2O
AIR
VAC
VAC 5/16” ID
WAGD
O2
N2O
AIR
VAC
VAC 5/16” ID
N2
WAGD
CO2
6-132106-XX
6-132107-XX
6-132110-XX
6-132111-XX
6-132112-XX
6-132118-XX
6-132364-XX
6-139103-XX
6-139105-XX
6-139109-XX
6-139108-XX
6-139500-XX
6-139366-XX
6-139380-XX
6-139381-XX
6-139382-XX
6-139383-XX
6-139502-XX
6-139384-XX
6-139370-XX
6-139371-XX
6-139372-XX
6-139373-XX
6-139504-XX
6-139374-XX
6-139140-XX
6-139141-XX
6-139142-XX
6-139143-XX
6-139506-XX
6-139144-XX
6-139149-XX
6-139385-XX
Geometric adapter
Latch Key adapter
Pin Index adapter
6-132026-XX
6-132027-XX
6-132028-XX
6-132029-XX
6-132500-XX
6-132501-XX
6-132502-XX
6-123503-XX
6-132401-XX
6-139012-XX
6-139013-XX
6-139014-XX
6-139015-XX
6-139501-XX
6-139340-XX
6-132504-XX
6-139391-XX
6-139392-XX
6-139393-XX
6-139394-XX
6-139503-XX
6-139395-XX
6-139396-XX
6-139397-XX
6-139398-XX
6-139399-XX
6-139505-XX
6-139400-XX
6-139016-XX
6-139017-XX
6-139018-XX
6-139019-XX
6-139507-XX
6-139390-XX
Refer to the table below for overall length of hose assembly. Use the numbers in the XX column to denote hose length.
XX
HOSE LENGTH1 (ft)
XX
HOSE LENGTH1 (ft)
XX
HOSE LENGTH2 (in)
01
02
03
04
05
06
08
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
09
10
11
12
15
22
30
9
10
11
12
15
22
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
32”
38”
44”
50”
56”
68”
Page 30
1
NOTE
XX numbers 01 through 30 represent hose length
in feet.
DOES NOT INCLUDE END FITTINGS.
2
XX numbers 31 through 36 represent special
application sizes (ceiling drop hoses) in inches.
INCLUDES END FITTINGS.
BeaconMedæs Š 14408 W. 105th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058
Fax: (913) 894-6088
HOSE
ASSEMBLIES
SSB-890-01
Page 3 of 7
8/1/06
Hose Assemblies, Valves, Fittings, and Components
HOSE
ASSEMBLIES
SSB-890-01
SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING INFORMATION (continued)
VALVES
The check valves below operate smoothly and are available with U.S. or international color coding. Gas-specific components are
permanently indexed to prevent accidental incorrect assembly.
NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, hose barb check valves are for 1/4” ID hose
Geometric
Gas
Oxygen
Nitrous Oxide
Air
Vacuum
Vacuum 5/16” ID hose
Nitrogen
Instrument Air
WAGD
Carbon Dioxide
Oxygen
Air
Vacuum
Vacuum 5/16” ID hose
Pin Index
Latch Key
Pin Index
6-121202-10
6-121202-11
6-121202-12
6-121202-13
6-121202-53
Latch Key
6-121203-10
6-121203-11
6-121203-12
6-121203-13
6-121203-53
6-121202-19
6-121203-19
6-121202-15
6-121202-16
6-121202-17
6-121202-57
6-121203-15
6-121203-16
6-121203-17
6-121203-57
Pin Index
Latch Key
Pin Index
6-121212-10
6-121212-11
6-121212-12
6-121212-13
Latch Key
6-121213-10
6-121213-11
6-121213-12
6-121213-13
6-121212-19
6-121213-19
INTERNATIONAL COLOR CODING
6-121210-10
6-121211-10
6-121212-15
6-121210-16
6-121211-12
6-121212-16
6-121210-17
6-121211-13
6-121212-17
6-121213-15
6-121213-16
6-121213-17
Geometric
6-121200-10
6-121200-11
6-121200-12
6-121200-13
6-121200-53
6-121200-19
Oxygen
Nitrous Oxide
Air
Vacuum
Nitrogen
Instrument Air
WAGD
Carbon Dioxide, CO2-O2
O2-CO2
Helium, He-O2
O2-He
Oxygen
Air
Vacuum
HOSE BARB CONNECTION
DISS
6-121201-10
6-121201-11
6-121201-12
6-121201-13
6-121201-53
6-121201-14
6-121201-18
6-121201-19
6-121201-20
INTERNATIONAL COLOR CODING
6-121200-15
6-121201-15
6-121200-16
6-121201-16
6-121200-17
6-121201-17
6-121200-57
6-121201-57
Geometric
Gas
DISS Valve
Geometric
6-121210-10
6-121210-11
6-121210-12
6-121210-13
6-121210-19
DISS Valve
1/4 - 18 NPT CONNECTION
DISS
6-121211-10
6-121211-11
6-121211-12
6-121211-13
6-121211-14
6-121211-18
6-121211-19
6-121211-20
6-121211-22
6-121211-23
6-121211-24
BeaconMedæs Š 14408 W. 105th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058
Fax: (913) 894-6088
Page 31
Page 4 of 7
8/1/06
Hose Assemblies, Valves, Fittings, and Components
SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING INFORMATION (continued)
VALVES (continued)
Geometric
Gas
Oxygen
Nitrous Oxide
Air
Nitrogen
Geometric
DISS Valve
1/8 - 27 NPT CONNECTION
DISS
6-121208-10
6-121208-11
6-121208-12
6-121208-14
Pin Index
Latch Key
Pin Index
Latch Key
DISS FITTINGS
DISS NIPPLES WITH O-RINGS TO MALE PIPE THREAD
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
NUT
NIPPLE
6-825000-00
6-510016-00
Nipple, oxygen with o-ring to 1/8 -27 NPT male
6-511511-00
6-511605-00
Nipple, nitrous oxide with o-ring to 1/4 -18 NPT male
6-511511-00
6-511604-00
Nipple, air nipple with o-ring to 1/4 -18 NPT male
6-511511-00
6-512070-01
Nipple, vacuum with o-ring to 1/4 -18 NPT male
6-511511-00
6-511603-00
Nipple, nitrogen with o-ring to 1/4 -18 NPT male
6-511518-00
6-511620-00
Nipple, instrument air with o-ring to 1/4 -18 NPT male
6-511510-00
6-510079-00
Nipple, WAGD with o-ring to 1/8 -27 NPT male
6-511511-00
6-511612-00
Nipple, carbon dioxide, CO2-O2 mixture with o-ring to 1/4 -18 NPT male
6-511511-00
6-511614-00
Nipple, O2-CO2 mixture with o-ring to 1/4 -18 NPT male
6-511511-00
6-511616-00
Nipple, helium, He-O2 mixture with o-ring to 1/4 -18 NPT male
6-511511-00
6-511617-00
Nipple, O2-He with o-ring to 1/4 -18 NPT male
DISS NUT AND NIPPLE ASSEMBLIES WITH O-RINGS TO 1/8 -27 NPT MALE THREADS
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
6-121209-10
6-121209-11
6-121209-12
6-121209-13
6-121209-14
6-121209-19
6-121209-20
Assembly, oxygen nut and nipple with o-ring to 1/8 -27 NPT
Assembly, nitrous oxide nut and nipple with o-ring to 1/8 -27 NPT
Assembly, air nut and nipple with o-ring to 1/8 -27 NPT
Assembly, vacuum nut and nipple with o-ring to 1/8 -27 NPT
Assembly, nitrogen nut and nipple with o-ring to 1/8 -27 NPT
Assembly, WAGD nut and nipple with o-ring to 1/8 -27 NPT
Assembly, carbon dioxide nut and nipple with o-ring to 1/8 -27 NPT
Page 32 BeaconMedæs Š 14408 W. 105th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058 Fax: (913) 894-6088
HOSE
ASSEMBLIES
SSB-890-01
SSB-890-01
Page 5 of 7
8/1/06
Hose Assemblies, Valves, Fittings, and Components
SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING INFORMATION (continued)
QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS
GEOMETRIC QUICK-CONNECT ADAPTERS WITH PIPE THREADS
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
6-512013-00
Adapter, oxygen, 1-3/4” long, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
6-512001-00
Adapter, nitrous oxide, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
6-210636-00
Adapter, air, 1-3/4” long, non-swivel, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
6-512003-00
Adapter, vacuum, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
6-512092-00
6-512094-00
Adapter, oxygen, with 1/8 –27 NPT male thread
Adapter, vacuum, with 1/8 –27 NPT male thread
6-512542-00
6-230338-00
6-230348-00
Adapter, oxygen, 2-15/16” long, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
Adapter, air, 2-15/16” long, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
Adapter, WAGD, 2-15/16” long, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
GEOMETRIC QUICK-CONNECT ADAPTER WITH DISS THREAD
6-512019-00
Adapter, oxygen, with 9/16 –18 DISS male thread
PIN INDEX QUICK-CONNECT ADAPTERS
6-230625-00
Adapter, oxygen, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
6-230624-00
Adapter, oxygen, International, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
6-230627-00
Adapter, air, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
6-230628-00
Adapter, vacuum, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
6-231025-00
6-231027-00
6-231029-00
Adapter, oxygen, with 1/8 –27 NPT male thread
Adapter, air, with 1/8 –27 NPT male thread
Adapter, vacuum, with 1/8 –27 NPT male thread
LATCH KEY QUICK-CONNECT ADAPTERS
6-231030-00
Adapter, oxygen, round striker, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
6-231032-00
Adapter, air, rectangular striker, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
6-231034-00
Adapter, vacuum, rectangular striker, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
DISS BODY ADAPTERS
PART NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
6-513001-00
Adapter, oxygen, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
6-511554-00
6-520287-00
6-520395-00
6-520396-00
6-515606-00
6-511558-00
6-520288-00
Adapter, nitrogen, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
Adapter, vacuum, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
Adapter, nitrous oxide, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
Adapter, air, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
Adapter, WAGD, with 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
Adapter, instrument air with 1/4-18 NPT male thread
Adapter, CO2 and CO2-O2 mixtures with 1/4 -18 NPT male threads
BeaconMedæs Š 14408 W. 105th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058
Fax: (913) 894-6088
Page 33
SSB-890-01
Page 6 of 7
8/1/06
Hose Assemblies, Valves, Fittings, and Components
SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING INFORMATION (continued)
HOSE BARB ADAPTERS, HOSE RETRACTORS, BULK HOSES, AND FERRULES
Geometric
Gas
Oxygen
Nitrous Oxide
Air
Vacuum
Nitrogen
Instrument Air
WAGD
Carbon Dioxide
Geometric
With Ferrule
6-210221-00
6-210220-00
6-210222-00
6-210223-00
DISS
HOSE BARB ADAPTERS FOR 1/4” ID HOSE
DISS
Geometric
Nipple w/O-ring
Nut
6-512007-00
6-512076-00
6-825000-00
6-512018-00
6-511611-00
6-511511-00
6-230339-00
6-511609-00
6-511511-00
6-512009-00
6-512077-00
6-511511-00
6-511610-00
6-511511-00
6-511621-00
6-511518-00
6-230350-00
6-511515-00
6-511510-00
6-511607-00
6-511511-00
HOSE BARB ADAPTERS FOR 5/16” ID HOSE
DISS
Gas
Geometric
Nipple w/O-ring
Nut
Vacuum
6-512115-00
6-134157-00
6-511511-00
6-230349-00
6-511606-00
6-511510-00
WAGD
HOSE RETRACTOR
Heavy Duty, Double Retractor for
all Pressure and Vacuum Service
6-132002-00
BULK HOSE 1/4” ID (Length sold per foot)
Gas Service
Color Code
Part Number
Oxygen
Green
6-611044-02
Nitrous Oxide
Blue
6-611044-01
Air
Yellow
6-611044-03
Vacuum
White
6-611044-04
Purple
6-611044-05
WAGD
Nitrogen
Black
6-611044-00
All Others
Black
6-611044-00
5/16” ID
Vacuum
White
6-656010-06
For 1/4” ID Hose (pressure)
For 5/16” ID Hose (vacuum)
Ferrule Hand Crimping Tool
Page 34
Pin Index
Latch Key
Pin Index
Latch Key
6-231016-00
6-232129-00
6-231018-00
6-231017-00
6-232114-00
6-232115-00
6-232116-00
6-232117-00
6-232139-00
6-232118-00
Fittings and Components
Unless otherwise indicated, the fittings and
components listed in this catalog are designed for low
pressure medical gas systems where pressure does not
exceed 200 psig. In addition to fittings and
components that utilize geometric shape indexing and
DISS connections, a complete offering of general
purpose fittings is also available.
Caution:
Common threads, crimp or slip-fit connections
permit the assembly of components which may
permit the cross-indexing of services, unanticipated
performance, poor flow, and excessive pressure
drops. The user is cautioned to consider such
factors when using these components.
BeaconMedæs fittings and components are medicalgrade fittings, carefully machined to precise
dimensions, and offer outstanding durability.
FERRULES
6-355021-00
6-405000-00
6-995508-00
BeaconMedæs Š 14408 W. 105th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058
Fax: (913) 894-6088
Page 7 of 7
8/1/06
Hose Assemblies, Valves, Fittings, and Components
HOSE
ASSEMBLIES
SSB-890-01
SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING INFORMATION (continued)
FITTINGS AND COUPLINGS
HOSE/TUBING FITTINGS
6-512012-00
6-512506-00
Connector, hose barb for 1/4” ID hose, to 1/4 –18 NPT female thread
Connector, hose barb for 5/16” ID hose, to 1/4 –18 NPT female thread
6-512508-00
6-515002-00
Connector, hose barb for 5/16” ID hose, to 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
Connector, hose barb for 1/4” ID hose, to 1/4 –18 NPT male thread
DISS BODY WITH HOSE BARB
6-520174-00
Adapter, oxygen, for 1/4” ID hose
6-525300-53
Adapter, vacuum, large bore, for 5/16” ID hose
6-525298-00
6-525299-00
6-525300-00
6-525302-00
6-525303-00
6-525301-00
Adapter, nitrous oxide, for 1/4” ID hose
Adapter, air, for 1/4” ID hose
Adapter, vacuum, for 1/4” ID hose
Adapter, nitrogen, for 1/4” ID hose
Adapter, WAGD, for 1/4” ID hose
Adapter, carbon dioxide, for 1/4” ID hose
COUPLINGS AND BUSHINGS
6-835020-00
6-513011-00
Coupling, 1/4 –18 NPT female each end
Coupling, 1/4 –18 NPT female to 1/8 –27 NPT female
6-513003-00
Coupling, 1/4 –18 NPT male thread x 1/8 -27 NPT male thread
6-835000-00
Bushing, 1/4 –18 NPT male to 1/8 –27 NPT female
6-835001-00
Coupling, 1/4 –18 NPT female thread x 1/8 -27 NPT male
BeaconMedæs Š 14408 W. 105th Street Lenexa, KS 66215 Š Phone: (913) 894-6058
Fax: (913) 894-6088
Page 35
Page 36
®
A company within the Atlas Copco Group
13325 Carowinds Blvd • Charlotte, NC 28273 • Phone 1 888 4 MED GAS • Fax 704 588 4949
www.beaconmedaes.com
Page 37