AirSep MN152-1 User Manual

SureFlow™

User Manual

AirSep Corporation  401 Creekside Drive  Buffalo, New York 14228-2085 USA

Telephone: [phone]  24-Hour Fax [phone]  www.airsep.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Warnings, Cautions, Notes 1

Introduction 2

Components 3

Procedure for Set-Up 4

Using One SureFlow Station 4
Oxygen from Dual Flow Concentrators 7
Using Multiple SureFlow Stations 8
Units Equipped with Barb Fitting Oxygen Outlets 10

Specifications 11

Cleaning 11

Symbols 12

Warnings, Cautions, Notes

Refer to the instructions or manual from the oxygen source manufacturer for all
warnings, cautions and notes that may be applicable.

Oxygen promotes rapid burning. Do not allow smoking or open flames in the
same room where oxygen is being used.

Certain oxygen concentrators may require a minimum flowrate to produce high
concentration oxygen. When using SureFlow with these models the minimum
flowrate must be achieved through combined patient use, or when nece ssary,
by allowing some of the oxygen to vent out of an unused oxygen outlet.

The oxygen source must not exceed 50 psig (345 kPa)

This manual covers connecting the SureFlow to an oxygen concentrator source.
If you intend to use another oxygen source, consult with the manufacturer or
supplier of that oxygen equipment.

1

Introduction

SureFlow™ is a new and uniquely engineered flow station developed by AirSep Corporation for
economically administering medical-grade oxygen to multiple patients from an oxygen
concentrator or other oxygen source (gas or liquid).

This product enables clinicians and medics around the world to ma nage and redirect the flow
from a single oxygen source to a simple flow station to serve up to five individuals per SureFlow
unit.

Two or more SureFlow units can be connected together to serve even more individuals
simultaneously. Each flowmeter is adjusted separately to ensure precise control with a visual
indication of flow for safety and comfort.

Dual flow models of NewLife® Intensity 8 and 10 LPM concentrators provide greater flexibility in
delivering oxygen by allowing SureFlow to operate connected to one of the concentrator’s
flowmeters while the secondary flowmeter can supply oxygen for a nebulizer treatment or a
higher flow patient.

SureFlow units also meet the low flow oxygen needs of pediatric patients in a critical care nursery
in developing countries around the globe. The standard SureFlow is configured with 5 low-flow
flowmeters, which display in 1/10 increments and can be used within a wide range of settings
from 1/10 LPM to 1.0 LPM. SureFlow can also be specially ordered with a combination of 1 LPM
and 5 LPM flowmeters, or with five 2 LPM flowmeters which display in 1/8 LPM increments.

2

Components

Flowmeter Station Inlet / Outlet

(5) Oxygen Outlet(s)

(5) Oxygen Flowmeter(s)

3

Procedures For Set-Up

Using One SureFlow Oxygen Flow Station

The following step-by-step instructions apply to SureFlow flow stations used with
oxygen concentrators, although you may use any medical-grade oxygen source
that does not exceed 50 psig (345 kPa).

To supply oxygen to the SureFlow unit:

During set-up, nothing is initially connected to the oxygen concentrator at this
time. This is important to prevent the concentrator from being overdrawn when
using with the SureFlow unit.

1.) Supply power to the oxygen concentrator, and set the I/O switch to the I
position to turn it on.

2.) Set the flowmeter on the oxygen conc entrator to the maximum capacity of
the unit (for example 5 LPM, 8 LPM, or 10 LPM, depending on
concentrator model).

3.) Connect the oxygen hosing (supp lied) to the outlet of the oxygen
concentrator, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

4

4.) Connect the other end of the oxy gen hosing to either inlet of the SureFlow
unit (See Figure 2.).

Figure 2 Figure 3

5.) As necessary, test for leaks at both ends of the hose by applying soapy
water to each of the connection points. If bubbling occurs, then leaks are
present, and the connection must be tightened properly until leaks are
eliminated.

It may be more apparent if there is a leak(s) by allowing the concentrator
to run with all flowmeters turned off at the flow station. If no leak is
present, the flowmeter on the concentrator should read zero.

Another aid in determining the source of a leak(s) is to put your thumb
over each outlet at the SureFlow station, one at a time. The flowmeter ball
must drop to zero on each test, indicating no leak within the SureFlow
station.

6.) Attach up to five (5) cannulas at the oxygen outlets of the flow station,
depending on how many patients will be receiving oxygen therapy.
Cannula length for each outlet can be a maximum of 50 feet (15 meters).

5

Before setting flowmeters, ensure that the SureFlow station is level, and that
you are at the correct viewing angle to properly read and adjust the settings.
(See Figure 3.) Whether the flow stations are mounted on a wall or located on a
desk or table-top, make sure that you are positioned in front of the flowmeters to
be adjusted (bending down to eye level as necessary), so that when looking at
the flowmeter, each of its back and front black, horizontal line markings are in
exact alignment (appear as just one horizontal line per increment). Proper
adjustment will appear to split the flowmeter ball horizontally across the center
of the ball as just one line.

7.) Set the desired flow on each flowmeter used at the flow station. The
maximum flow will be dependant on the capacity of the oxygen
concentrator used. The sum of the flow settings on the flow station’s
flowmeters must not exceed the capacity of the oxygen concentrator.

It is very important to re-adjust the flows as necessary on all flowmeters being
used on the flow station each time adjustment or discontinued use to one or
more of the flowmeters is made to ensure accurate prescriptions are
administered through all oxygen outlets on the unit. It may take several
adjustments to stabilize the flow on the SureFlow flowmeters.

8.) Observe that the flowmeter on the oxygen concentrator now indicates the
total combined amount of flow in use at the SureFlow flow station.

It is desirable to establish a protocol to monitor and verify flows at all SureFlow
outlets as well as from the oxygen concentrator on a periodic basis.

AirSep NewLife Intensity oxygen concentrator models require a minimum
flowrate of 2 LPM to achieve high concentration oxygen. When SureFlow is
used with the Intensity, ensure the combined flowrate is at least 2 LPM. If
combined patient use is below 2 LPM, it will be necessary to vent some of the
oxygen to atmosphere through an unused oxygen outlet on the SureFlow in
order to achieve a total flowrate of at least 2 LPM.

6

Oxygen from Dual Flow Concentrators

If the oxygen source for the SureFlow station(s) is made available from an
oxygen concentrator with two flowmeters and two outlets, such as from AirSep’s
NewLife Intensity or NewLife Intensity 10, it is possible to use one of the
flowmeters on the concentrator for SureFlow and to use the second flowmeter for
another application.

For example, if the SureFlow is using a total combined flow of 4 LPM from a
NewLife Intensity 10 (which has been set for its maximum capacity of 10 LPM),
the flowmeter corresponding to the outlet connected to SureFlow reflects the 4
LPM flow in use. This allows a maximum of 6 LPM to be set on the secondary
flowmeter for another oxygen application.

The combined flows from the SureFlow flow station and the secondary
flowmeter cannot exceed the total capacity of the oxygen concentrator. If
adjustments to any of the SureFlow flowmeters is made to increase or decrease
the amount of flow, the result will be that more or less flow will be available for
the secondary flowmeter application.

AirSep NewLife Intensity oxygen concentrator models require a minimum
flowrate of 2 LPM to achieve high concentration oxygen. When SureFlow is
used with the Intensity, ensure the combined flowrate is at least 2 LPM. If
combined patient use is below 2 LPM, it will be necessary to vent some of the
oxygen to atmosphere through an unused oxygen outlet on the SureFlow in
order to achieve a total flowrate of at least 2 LPM.

7

Using Multiple SureFlow Oxygen Flow Stations
Two or more SureFlow flow stations can be connected together to divert the flow

from a single oxygen concentrator or other oxygen source to even more oxygen
outlets to serve additional patients. The maximum capacity of flow that can be set
from all flowmeters combined from the flow stations must not exceed the capacity
of the oxygen source used.

To supply oxygen to the SureFlow units:

During set-up, nothing is initially connected to the oxygen concentrator at this
time. This is important to prevent the concentrator from being overdrawn when
using with the SureFlow units.

1.) Supply power to the oxygen concentrator, and set the I/O switch to the I
position to turn it on.

2.) Set the flowmeter on the oxygen concentrator to the maximum capacity of
the unit (for example 5 LPM, 8 LPM, or 10 LPM, depending on
concentrator model).

3.) Use a second 7 ft (2.1 m) oxygen hose (AirSep Part No. TU056-074), to
connect the available end of the first flow station to an inlet fitting on the
second flow station. (See Figure 4.)

4.) If more than two flow stations are to be used, repeat step 3 with additional
oxygen hosing and flow stations.

5.) As necessary, test for leaks at all ends of the hose by applying soapy
water to each of the connection points. If bubbling occurs, then leaks are
present, and the connection must be tightened properly until leaks are
eliminated.

It may be more apparent if there is a leak(s) by allowing the concentrator
to run with all flowmeters turned off at the flow station. If no leak is
present, the flowmeter on the concentrator should read zero

Another aid in determining the source of a leak(s) is to put your thumb
over each outlet at the SureFlow station, one at a time. The flowmeter ball
must drop to zero on each test, indicating no leak within the SureFlow
station.

6.) Attach up to five (5) cannulas per flow station, depending on how many
patients will be receiving oxygen therapy. Cannula length for each outlet
can be a maximum of 50 feet (15 meters).

8

Before setting flowmeters, ensure that the SureFlow station is level, and that
you are at the correct viewing angle to properly read and adjust the settings.
(See Figure 3.) Whether the flow stations are mounted on a wall or located on a
desk or table-top, make sure that you are positioned in front of the flowmeters to
be adjusted (bending down to eye level as necessary), so that when looking at
the flowmeter, each of its back and front black, horizontal line markings are in
perfect alignment (appear as just one horizontal line per increment). Proper
adjustment will appear to split the flowmeter ball horizontally across the center
of the ball as just one line

7.) Set the desired flow on each flowmeter used at the flow stations. The
maximum flow will be dependant on the capacity of the oxygen
concentrator used. The sum of the flow settings on the flow station’s
flowmeters must not exceed the total capacity of the oxygen concentrator.

It is very important to re-adjust the flows as necessary on all flowmeters being
used on the flow stations each time adjustment or discontinued use to one or
more of the flowmeters is made to ensure accurate prescriptions are
administered through all oxygen outlets on the unit. It may take several
adjustments to stabilize the flow on the SureFlow flowmeters.

8.) Observe that the flowmeter on the oxygen concentrator now indicates the
total combined amount of flow in use at the flow stations, which are
connected.

It is desirable to establish a protocol to monitor and verify flows at all SureFlow
outlets as well as from the oxygen concentrator on a periodic basis.

Figure 4

9

Units Equipped with Barb Fitting Oxygen Outlets

When connecting oxygen concentrators with a barb fitting as the oxygen outlet,
such as AirSep’s VisionAire Oxygen Concentrator, the oxygen hosing will not be
needed.

Instead, securely connect standard oxygen tubing to the barb fitting on the
oxygen concentrator and then using an oxygen adapter (AirSep part number
F0025-1) on the inlet of the SureFlow flow station, connect the other end of the
tubing. (See Figure 5.)

Figure 5

AirSep VisionAire oxygen concentrator models require a minimum flowrate of 1
LPM to achieve high concentration oxygen. When SureFlow is used with the
VisionAire ensure the combined flowrate is at least 1 LPM. If combined patient use
less than 1 LPM, it will be necessary to vent some of the oxygen to atmosphere
through an unused oxygen outlet on the SureFlow in order to achieve a total
flowrate of at least 1 LPM.

10

Specifications

Weight

Shipping Weight

Dimensions

Maximum Inlet
Pressure

Flowmeter Accuracy

Operating
Temperature

Storage Temperature

SureFlow

3.28 lb (1.49 kg)

5.6 lb (2.5 kg)

9.7 in. W x 5.8 in. H x 7.2 in. D
(24.6 cm W x 14.7cm H x 18.3cm D)

50 psig (345 kPa)

0-1 lpm Flowmeter ± 3% of Full Scale
0-2 lpm Flowmeter ± 5% of Full Scale
0-5 lpm Flowmeter ± 5% of Full Scale

5 - 40°C (40° - 104°F)

-5° - 60°C (30° - 140°F)

Cleaning

Do not use abrasive powders or chemicals. Clean only the exterior of the
SureFlow unit, which can be disinfected with either a common chemical
disinfectant or a diluted solution* of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite

5.25%). To use effectively, mix a solution of 1:100 parts of bleach to water. Wear
eye and skin protection and allow the solution to remain on the surface for 10
minutes. After using the disinfecting solution, rinse with water and wipe dry.
Make sure unit is completely dry and then retest it before you return it to
inventory.

* The manufacturers of sodium hypochlorite products recommend various strengths of a

bleach solution for killing bacteria, etc., based on the type of germ to disinfect; however,
a generally recommended solution is ¾ cups (237 ml) of household bleach per gallon
(3.79 L) of water.

11

Symbols

Symbols are frequently used on equipment in preference to words with the
intention of lessening any possibility of misunderstanding caused by language
differences. Symbols can also permit easier comprehension of a concept within a
restricted space.

The following table is a list of symbols and definitions that may be used with
AirSep’s SureFlow. These symbols are referenced from the appropriate
International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) standards.

Symbol

Description

Warning – Describes a hazard or

unsafe practice that if not avoided
can result in severe bodily injury,
death or property damage

Caution – Describes a hazard or

unsafe practice that if not avoided
can result in minor bodily injury or
property damage

Note – Provides information
important enough to emphasize
or repeat

Do not disassemble

Do not expose to open flames

AirSep Corporation is ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003 w/ CMDCAS certified.

European Representative:
Gavin Ayling
9 Bungham Lane
Penkridge Stafford
Staffordshire ST19 5NH England
E-mail: [e-mail]

Symbol

Description

No smoking

Complies with the 93/42/EEC
directive drawn up by the
approved organization No. 0459

Use no oil or grease

Consult instructions for use

:WEEE Directive

12

|MN152-1_A6~

MN152-1 Rev A