Test procedures 97

5.2 Pneumatic diagnostics

5.2.1 Pressure sensors

Verification of all pneumatic sensors is required before any pneumatic test can be performed.
Four different aspects of the sensor should be checked:
ZERO setting
MAX setting
GAIN setting
RESPONSE to changes

ZERO setting: without pressure on the sensor (ZERO condition) the OUT1 reading of the ADC
should be in the range of the ZERO limits. The OUT1 value should also be equal to the ZERO value
in the calibration screen. If correct, the OUT2 reading (in units of hPa or lpm) will also be zero. Any
sensor that has a negative OUT2 reading or an OUT2 reading higher than ZERO should have it's
ZERO value recalibrated.

NOTE Only TRX4 can have a reading of -1lpm with all spindles on the flowmeter closed.
Before recalibrating the ZERO orfTRX3 and TRX4, a backup of the GAIN value should be made.
See instructions in calibration section.

MAX setting. When the maximum pressure is applied to the sensor, the OUT1 reading should be
equal to the MAX value in the calibration screen. If correct, the OUT2 reading will indicate the
maximum pressure or flow on that sensor.

GAIN setting. The GAIN setting is a measure for the difference between the MAX and the ZERO
value. The GAIN value is approximately the MAX minus the ZERO value. The value should be higher
than a certain value.

NOTE The GAIN value of TRX3 and TRX4 are used to do a final fine tuning of the sensors after the
ZERO and MAX calibrations are performed.
The GAIN values need to be carefully backed up after recalibration of the sensors.

RESPONSE to changes. Any variation of pressure on the sensors within the range of the sensor
should create an OUT1 reading between the ZERO and MAX value of the calibration screen. The
OUT2 reading will change between zero and the maximum unit of the range.

The following table shows the range of the values in the calibration screen for each sensor.

ZERO MAX (*) GAIN OUT1 OUT2

TRX1 700 .. 8FF > F00 > 700 ZERO < OUT1 < MAX 0 .. 100 hPa

TRX2 700 .. 8FF > F00 > 700 ZERO < OUT1 < MAX 0 .. 100 hPa

TRX3 300 .. 4FF > F00 > 500 ZERO < OUT1 < MAX 0 .. 97 lpm

TRX4 300 .. 4FF > F00 > 500 ZERO < OUT1 < MAX -1 .. 20 lpm

TRX5 700 .. 8FF > F00 > 300 ZERO < OUT1 < MAX 0 .. 2000 hPa

TRX6 700 .. 8FF > F00 > 700 ZERO < OUT1 < MAX 0 .. 100 hPa
(*) MAX values should alw ays be less than FFF.
FFF is NOT a valid calibration value for MAX !

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5.2.2 Tank emptying test

With valve V5 activated, the tank will empty via the bottle and the bottle venting valve. The OUT2 value of
TRX5 should drop to 000 hPa.

WARNING Make sure drive gas pressure is present when performing this test. Otherwise
the pneumatic valve which connects the tank to the bottle will not be activated by
the electrical valve V5. This can lead to wrong zero calibrations of TRX5.

Procedure
1. Open the calibration screen and activate the +12V Valves supply.
2. Set the Front/Absorber switch in ABSORBER position. Verify if the I1/DRV switch indication is
ON.
3. Activate valve V5.
4. Check if the OUT2 reading of TRX5 is zero.
(If OUT2 is different from zero then perform the ZERO calibration of TRX5.)
5. Deactivate valve V5.
6. Fill the tank again with pressure by activating valve V7 until any value between 1000 and 2000
mbar is obtained. Then deactivate V7.
7. Activate valve V5 to empty the tank.
8. Observe the pressure dropping to zero (OUT2 reading of TRX5).

5.2.3 Tank filling test

The tank can be filled with 3 valves: V7, V8 or V4/X2. All valves are in parallel and have different flow
capacities. Depending on the required pressure in the tank, and the available time to fill the tank, the
software will decide which combination of valves needs to be used. Each valve can be tested individually
using the calibration screen interface.

NOTE V7 and V8 are low flow filling valves. It will take about 10 seconds to fill
the tank from zero to 2000 mbar. Both valves are always used in parallel.
Check each valve individually.
V4/X2 is a high flow filling valve assembly. V4 is an electrical valve that
activates the pneumatic valve X2. It takes maximum 2 seconds to fill the
tank from zero to 2000 mbar.

V7, V8 test procedure

1. Open the calibration screen and activate the +12V Valves supply.
Make sure all valves are deactivated.
2. Set the Front/Absorber switch in ABSORBER position and verify if the I1/DRV pressure switch
indication is ON.
3. Activate valve V7. Check if the OUT2 reading of TRX5 is raising and deactivate V7 when reaching
a pressure close to 2000 mbar.
4. Observe if the time to fill the tank was around 10 seconds. Any significant longer time is an
indication of a restriction in the valve or some of the tubes connecting to it.
5. Activate valve V5 to empty the tank.

Repeat the same test for valve V8.

V4 test procedure
1. Open the calibration screen and activate the +12V Valves supply.
Make sure all valves are deactivated.
2. Set the Front/Absorber switch in ABSORBER position and verify if the I1/DRV pressure switch

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indication is ON.
3. Activate valve V4. Check if the OUT2 reading of TRX5 is raising and deactivate V4 when reaching
close to 2000 mbar.
NOTE This will take less than 2 seconds. So be prepared to switch off the valve in
time.

4. Observe if the time to fill the tank was around 2 seconds. Any significant longer time is an
indication of a restriction in the valve or some of the tubes connecting to it.
5. Activate valve V5 to empty the tank.

5.2.4 Tank zero pressure leak test

Empty the tank and disconnect the tank from the bottle. If all filling valves are deactivated as well, the
pressure in the tank should remain constant at 0 mbar.
Procedure
1. Open the calibration screen and activate the +12V Valves supply.
Make sure all valves are deactivated.
2. Set the Front/Absorber switch in ABSORBER position and verify if the I1/DRV pressure switch
indication is ON.
3. Activate valve V5 to empty the tank. The pressure reading OUT2 of TRX5 should indicate 0 mbar.
4. Deactivate valve V5.
5. Observe the pressure in the tank via the OUT2 reading of TRX5. The pressure should remain 0
mbar. Maximum increase 10 mbar/minute.

If the pressure is raising, then either V7, V8 or V4/X2 (or a combination) is leaking. Perform troubleshooting
procedures to identify the leaking valve(s).

5.2.5 Tank high pressure leak test

The pressure in the tank should remain constant when the tank is filled with a pressure close to the
maximum range of 2000 mbar.
Procedure
1. Open the calibration screen and activate the +12V Valves supply.
Make sure all valves are deactivated.
2. Set the Front/Absorber switch in ABSORBER position and verify that the I1/DRV pressure
switch indication is ON.
3. Activate valve V5 to empty the tank. The pressure reading OUT2 of TRX5 should indicate 0 mbar.
4. Deactivate valve V5.
5. Activate valve V7 to fill the tank to almost it's maximum pressure, eg 1900 mbar.
Make sure the tank is not overfilled: the OUT1 reading of TRX5 should not be FFF.
6. Deactivate valve V7.
7. Observe that the pressure remains constant during a few minutes. Maximum drop rate 10 mbar/
minute.
8. Activate valve V5 to empty the tank.

5.2.6 Tank low pressure leak test

The pressure in the tank should remain constant when the tank is filled with a low pressure of 100 mbar.
Procedure
1. Open the calibration screen and activate the +12V Valves supply.
Make sure all valves are deactivated.
2. Set the Front/Absorber switch in ABSORBER position and verify that the I1/DRV pressure
switch indication is ON.

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3. Activate valve V5 to empty the tank. The pressure reading OUT2 of TRX5 should indicate 0 mbar.
4. Deactivate valve V5.
5. Activate valve V7 to fill the tank to about 100 mbar.
6. Deactivate valve V7.
7. Observe that the pressure remains constant over a few minutes. Maximum drop rate 10 mbar/
minute.
8. Activate valve V5 to empty the tank.

5.2.7 Bottle safety valve test

The bottle safety valve is closing the bottle at pressures below 120 mbar. After activation of the safety valve
the valve should close properly again.
Procedure
1. Open the calibration screen and activate the +12V Valves supply.
Make sure all valves are deactivated.
2. Set the Front/Absorber switch in ABSORBER position and verify that the I1/DRV pressure
switch indication is ON.
3. Leave the PBU in place with an internal bag mounted.
4. Activate valve V5 to connect the tank with the bottle.
5. Activate the bottle venting valve V3 to close the bottle.
6. Activate valve V7 again and let the pressure build up until the safety valve pops off. The safety
valve will deactivate as soon as the pressure drops below 120 mbar. As long as V7 is activated
the cycle will repeat. Leave the valve V7 open for about one minute and then deactivate valve V7.
7. The pressure in the bottle should remain stable at any value below 120 mbar. If the bottle keeps
leaking this might be an indication that the safety valve does not close properly after activation.

5.2.8 Bottle leak test

The pressure in the bottle should remain constant when filled with 100 mbar. The bottle can only be
pressurized via the tank circuit. Therefore, make sure the tank leak test is OK before performing this test.
The Patient Breathing Unit should also remain in place.
The maximum pressure in the bottle is 100 mbar but a safety device, the bottle safety valve, will pop off at
120 mbar. So the bottle will be tested for leaks at maximum 100 mbar.

Procedure
1. Open the calibration screen and activate the +12V Valves supply.
Make sure all valves are deactivated.
2. Set the Front/Absorber switch in ABSORBER position and verify if the I1/DRV pressure switch
indication is ON.
3. Leave the PBU in place with an internal bag mounted.
4. Activate valve V5 to connect the tank with the bottle.
5. Activate the bottle venting valve V3 to close the bottle.
6. Activate valve V7 to fill the tank and bottle until the OUT2 reading of TRX5 is showing maximum
100 mbar pressure.
7. Deactivate valve V7.
8. Observe that the reading OUT2 of TRX5 is stable. Maximum drop rate 10 mbar/minute.

5.2.9 Bottle venting valve test

The bottle venting valve has 2 functions:

Close the bottle during inspiration.
Evacuate the pressure from the bottle during expiration.
Procedure

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1. Open the calibration screen and activate the +12V Valves supply.
Make sure all valves are deactivated.
2. Set the Front/Absorber switch in ABSORBER position and verify if the I1/DRV pressure switch
indication is ON.
3. Leave the PBU in place with an internal bag mounted.
4. Activate valve V5 to connect the tank with the bottle.
5. Activate the bottle venting valve V3 to close the bottle.
6. Activate valve V7 to fill the tank and bottle until the OUT2 reading of TRX5 is showing 100 mbar
pressure. Then deactivate valve V7.
7. Observe that the reading OUT2 of TRX5 is stable. This means that the valve is properly closing
the bottle.
8. Deactivate valve V3 and observe that the OUT2 reading of TRX5 drops instantly to 0 mbar.

5.2.10 Upper Limit tank test

The Upper Limit tank is filled with 100 mbar to close the PEEP valve during inspiration. The tank is filled with
V11 and monitored by TRX6. When the pressure of 100 mbar is reached the valve V11 is deactivated. At this
stage the pressure in the UL tank should remain constant. The leak should be less than 4 mbar in 15
seconds, or 15 mbar per minute. If this threshold is exceeded the system will give an error warning
"PEEPVALVE LEAKAGE" and force the system to manual mode.
It is not easy to control the switching of V11 manually. Therefore it is recommended to use the second
leaktest as Upper Limit tank leak test:

1. Disconnect the patient from the system.

2. Select the leak test program.
3. Select the second test "Patient circuit & internal bag".
4. Wait for 15 seconds. If no error messages appears the leak test has passed.
5. Leave the leak test program.

5.2.11 PEEP tank test

The PEEP tank cannot be filled directly by any valve in the circuit. Pressure from the Upper Limit tank and
the PEEP valve will be used to fill the tank via valve V13.
Procedure
1. Open the calibration screen and activate the +12V Valves supply.
Make sure all valves are deactivated.
2. Set the Front/Absorber switch in ABSORBER position and verify if the I1/DRV pressure switch
indication is ON.
3. Observe that the pressure reading OUT2 of TRX2 is 0 mbar.
4. Activate valves V9, V10, V12, V13 and V11.
5. Deactivate valve V13.
6. Observe the reading OUT2 of TRX2 to be around 35 mbar and remain stable. Maximum drop rate
5 mbar/minute.

5.2.12 Drive gas performance test

The drive gas performance test checks the pressure in the drive gas circuit at the maximum drive gas flow
rate. The fast filling valve V4 generates the highest drive gas flow possible during the filling of the tank. The
drive gas alarm indicator should remain ON during the test.
Procedure
1. Open the calibration screen and activate the +12V Valves supply.
Make sure all valves are deactivated.
2. Set the Front/Absorber switch in ABSORBER position and verify if the I1/DRV pressure switch
indication is ON.

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3. Remove the Patient Breathing Unit from the bottle.

4. Activate valve V3 and V5
5. Activate valve V4 and observe the status of the drive gas pressure switch.
The indicator should remain ON during the test when connected to mains supply.
The indicator should remain ON during at least 10 seconds when working from compressor.

5.2.13 Valve tests

Although most valves are used in the previous tests, a series of specific test procedures for each individual
valve are described below. It is important to check that each valve functions properly in both stages:
activated and deactivated.

V1, V2, V14, V15, V16

All these valves are connected in parallel to the bottle and are only used in PCV mode to release pressure
from the bottle to reduce consequently the pressure in the patient breathing circuit in PCV mode.
Deactivated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

Perform the bottle leak test. If there is no leak then Bottle leak test 100

all valves are closing properly.

Activated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

Pressurize the bottle and activate one valve at the Pressurize the bottle with the Bottle leak test 100

time to check if the pressure is effectively dropping Activate the valve to be tested. If the pressure
to 0 mbar. perform the test for each valve. drops to 0 mbar the test is successful.
Repeat the test for each valve.
Deactivate all valves after the test

V3

Valve V3 is controlling the bottle venting valve. During inspiration the valve needs to close the bottle to
allow pressure buildup, during expiration the the bottle venting valve has to be open to evacuate the
pressure from the bottle.
Deactivated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

First activate valve V3 to close the bottle and build Pressurize the bottle with the Bottle leak test 100
up pressure in the bottle. When deactivating the Deactivate V3.If the pressure drops to 0 mbar the
valve the pressure in the bottle should drop instantly test is successful.
to 0 mbar. Deactivate all valves after the test

Activated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

When the valve is activated the bottle is closed. It is Bottle leak test 100

possible to build up pressure and there should be no

leak in the bottle.

V4/X2

The tank fast filling valve is a composition of an electrical valve V4 and a pneumatic valve X2. In case of
malfunction, examine both parts.
Deactivated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

There should be no flow into the tank when the valve Tank zero pressure leak test 99
is deactivated. This can be monitored by the

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pressure sensor TRX5 in the tank.

Activated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

The time to fill the tank with 2000 mbar pressure is Empty the tank and deactivate all valves in the
not more than 2 seconds. calibration screen.
Activate valve V4 and monitor the pressure in the
tank with the OUT2 reading of TRX5.
The pressure of 2000 mbar will be reached in
about 2 seconds.
If you see a significant increase of time to fill the
tank then examine the valve or tubes connected to
the tank.
Deactivate all valves after the test

V5/X3

The valve connects the tank to bottle and is a composition of an electrical valve V5 and a pneumatic valve
X3. In case of malfunction, examine both parts.
Deactivated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

Tank high pressure and low pressure leak tests Perform following test procedure:
pass. Tank low pressure leak test 99 and Tank high
pressure leak test 99
Activated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

Tank connects properly to the bottle during the Perform following test procedure:
bottle leak test Bottle leak test 100
Deactivate all valves after the test

V6/X4

The Change Over Valve (COV) switches the PBU between manual and automatic modes.
The valve is composed of an electrical valve V6 and a pneumatic valve X4 located inside the PBU.
The valve assembly operates properly if BOTH leak tests pass.
However, a leak in the leak tests is not automatically an indication of a failure of the COV valve.

It is recommended to perform both leak tests first, and if required to check V6 separately.
Deactivated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

Perform the first leak test "Patient circuit and See Patient circuit leak tests 107

manual arm".
To check V6, remove the PBU and verify there is no Remove PBU
flow coming out of the COV valve connection point of Set system in standby mode
the bottle. Verify no flow is coming out of the bottle COV
connection point.
Activated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

Perform the second leak test "Patient circuit and See Patient circuit leak tests 107

internal bag".
To check V6, remove the PBU and verify there is a Remove PBU
flow coming out of the COV valve connection point of Activate V6 in the calibration screen.
the bottle. Verify there is flow coming out of the bottle COV
connection point. (4 lpm)
Deactivate all valves after the test

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V7, V8

Tank low flow filling valves.

Deactivated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

In deactivated state the valves should not leak flow Tank zero pressure leak test 99
into the tank. This can be monitored by measuring
the pressure.
Activated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

The pressure in the tank is raising when any of the Empty the tank and deactivate all valves in the
valves is activated. A single valve can fill the tank to calibration screen.
2000 mbar in about 10 seconds. Activate valve V7 or V8 and monitor the pressure
in the tank with the OUT2 reading of TRX5.
The pressure of 2000 mbar will be reached in
about 10 seconds.
If you see a significant increase of time to fill the
tank then examine the valve.
Deactivate all valves after the test

V9

Opens or closes the PEEP tank

Deactivated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

No pressure can be built in the PEEP tank Open the calibration screen
Activate valves V11 and V13
Activate valve V10
Deactivate valve V13
The OUT2 reading of TRX2 should be 0 mbar
Deactivate all valves after the test
Activated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

Pressure can be built in the PEEP tank Open the calibration screen
Activate valve V9
Activate valves V11 and V13
Activate valve V10
Deactivate valve V13
The OUT2 reading of TRX2 should indicate a
pressure of about 30 mbar. The absolute value is
not important, but th pressure should remain
constant.
Deactivate all valves after the test

V10

The valve connects the PEEP valve to the PEEP tank or to atmosphere
Deactivated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

The PEEP valve will be completely discharged. Open the calibration screen
Activate valves V11, V12 and V13
Deactivate valve V11 (The PEEP valve is activated
now).
Close the Y-piece and activate V6
Set a flow of fresh gas to pressurize the bag until

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30 mbar. Then close the gas flow.

Deactivate V13 and observe that the pressure in
the patient circuit drops to 0 mbar.
Activated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

The PEEP valve can be discharged into the PEEP Open the calibration screen
tank. Activate valve V9
Activate valves V11 and V13
Activate valve V10
Deactivate valve V13
The OUT2 reading of TRX2 should indicate a
pressure of about 30 mbar. The absolute value is
not important, but the pressure should remain
constant.
Deactivate all valves after the test

V11

V11 is used to fill the upper limit tank

Deactivated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

No pressure buildup in Upper Limit tank when V12 is Open the calibration screen
activated. Activate valve V12
Observe the reading OUT2 of TRX6: the reading
should remain 0 mbar.
Activated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

The Upper Limit tank fills rapidly with pressure. Open the calibration screen
Activate valve V11
Observe the reading OUT2 of TRX6: the reading
should should be > 100 mbar. (the sensor is in
saturation)
Deactivate all valves after the test

V12

Close the UL tank

Deactivated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

No pressure remains in UL tank after stop filling. Open the calibration screen
Activate valve V11
Deactivate valve V11
Observe the reading OUT2 of TRX6: the reading
should be 0 mbar.
Activated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

Pressure remains in tank after filling finished Open the calibration screen
Activate valve V11 and V12
Deactivate valve V11
Observe the reading OUT2 of TRX6: the reading
should be > 100 mbar. (the sensor remains in
saturation)
Deactivate all valves after the test

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V13

Connect to the PEEP valve for activation and deactivation.

Deactivated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

Unable to generate flow to fill the PEEP valve. Open the calibration screen
Remove the PBU
Activate valve V11
There will be no flow coming out of the bottle
PEEP valve connection point.
Activated: Perform follow ing test procedure:

Flow can be generated to fill the PEEP valve Open the calibration screen
Remove the PBU
Activate valve V11
There will be flow coming out of the bottle PEEP
valve connection point.
Deactivate all valves after the test

© 2016 Medec Benelux NV