Boehringer 3800 Series Suction Regulators
Boehringer 3800 Series Suction Regulators
3800
3804
3810
3814
Boehringer Laboratories, LLC 3840
300 Thoms Dr.
Phoenixville, PA 19460
800-642-4945
WELCOME
Congratulations on your purchase of a Boehringer Suction Regulator. We consider our Suction
Regulators to be the best in the world. We are confident they will provide you with reliable, trouble-
free, safe patient care and low cost of operation. This product is intended for use by individuals
properly trained in suctioning procedures by or on the order of a physician. Please read these
instructions carefully.
Contents
Contents ................................................................................................................................... 2
Definition of Terms/ Symbology ............................................................................................... 3
Safety Information .................................................................................................................... 4
Clinical Use............................................................................................................................... 4
Operation .................................................................................................................................. 5
Installation ................................................................................................................................ 6
Mode Selection ......................................................................................................................... 7
Test........................................................................................................................................... 8
Maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 8
Cleaning & Disinfection ............................................................................................................ 9
Disassembly ............................................................................................................................. 9
Assembly .................................................................................................................................. 10
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................ 13
Specifications ........................................................................................................................... 14
Warranty ................................................................................................................................... 15
Diagram, Continuous Regulators (Models 3800, 3810, 3840) ................................................. 16
Diagram, Intermitting Regulators (Models 3804, 3814) ........................................................... 17
VACUUM Air or other gases at a sub atmospheric pressure typically expressed as mmHg or cmH20.
SUCTION A use of vacuum that causes a fluid or solid to be drawn into an interior space or to adhere to a
surface because of the difference between the external and internal pressures.
Alerts the user to the presence important operating and maintenance instructions in the
literature accompanying the device.
WARNING Alerts user to actions or conditions that could result in injury to user or patient.
CAUTION Alerts user to actions or conditions that can cause damage to the device or may result in
substandard performance of the device or system.
OFF Supply suction is off and patient circuit is vented to atmospheric pressure.
LINE Supply suction is on and regulation is bypassed to deliver maximum suction to collection circuit.
CONTIN Intermitting regulator setting that provides continuous regulated suction to the collection circuit.
INT Intermitting regulator setting that allows periodic, automatic application & venting of the
collection circuit.
Lo Spike: Accuracy of regulation depends primarily on the ability to provide a consistent level
of vacuum under changing flow conditions.
Involuntary pneumatic biopsy, or tissue damage, can occur when high levels of vacuum are
applied to delicate tissue. With a Boehringer regulator, you can depend on very low “spike”
compared to our competitor’s models.
"Spike" is the variation in indicated suction as flow in the collection circuit changes from an a
free flowing condition to an occluded condition. We measure spike as the change in indicated
suction from full flow to a no flow condition using a typical collection circuit with a 14 French
catheter. To test, set the regulator to 100 mm flowing, and then allow occlude the 14Fr
catheter. The change in the indicated suction level is "Spike".
Boehringer regulators are checked on the assembly line to meet a specification of less than
10% of the indicated setting, for example 10mmHg spike at a 100 mmHg setting.
An evaluation of a regulator’s spike allows one to determine whether the device is truly
“regulating”. A safe and reliable regulator should regulate to its set position regardless of
variable flow conditions.
Suction regulators must only be attached to vacuum systems. Do not attach to compressed air,
nitrogen, or oxygen sources.
Suction catheters, collection canisters and suction tubing must be carefully evaluated and selected to
ensure adequate function for the specific clinical environment and intended field of use.
There have been reports of increased intracranial pressures associated with endotracheal suctioning
procedures. "Persistent, increased ICP has been associated with neurological damage and fatalities".
(ECRI, Healthcare Product Comparison System (US). Regulators, Suction. Plymouth Meeting (PA),
1999.).
Always verify regulator operation (Spike, see page 4 for details) before use on a patient. Verify operation
by establishing the desired vacuum level with the collection circuit and suction catheter attached to the
regulator. Occlude the suction catheter and note that the indicated vacuum does not rise by more than
10% of the original setting.
Intermitting Regulators: The automatic return of the patient circuit to atmosphere may not eliminate the
need for catheter tip irrigation. As with any automatic system, it is important to monitor the results to be
sure that drainage is occurring in a safe efficient manner. The fact that the intermitter is cycling is not an
indication that effective drainage is occurring.
The Model 3708 Boehringer MRI Suction Regulator is the only MR conditional regulator with FDA 510K
approval..
The high air flow of the model 3740, 3748, 3840, 7740, and 7840 contraindicate their use with a
Vacuum Assisted Delivery (VAD) systems. Please consult our factory engineers if you require suction
regulation for these applications.
CAUTION!
Collection canisters are mandatory for all suction procedures. We strongly recommend the use of an
overflow protection device (filter or trap bottle) at all times between the regulator and collection canister.
See Accessories at the end of this manual.
CLINICAL USE
The 3800 Series Continuous Suction Regulators are designed to provide accurate control of wall suction for
use in suction therapy procedures in the operating, recovery, intensive care unit, labor and delivery, neonatal,
pediatrics, patient bedside, and emergency room.
The 3800 Series Intermitting Suction Regulators are designed to provide an intermittent suction source for
gastrointestinal drainage procedures. The 3800 series regulators may also be used in procedures that require
continuous suction
Intermitting Models
3804, 3814
INCREASE
All Boehringer suction regulators are supplied with 1/8” NPT female ports. The standard port facilitates simple
adaptation to any quick disconnect system. Fittings are available from Boehringer to adapt to your quick connect
system. We recommend you purchase the appropriate fittings with your regulator at the time of purchase. The
fittings will then be factory installed prior to shipping. By purchasing the regulator and fittings (a complete
system) simultaneously, the factory will apply the same TWELVE Year Warranty of our suction regulators to the
fittings as well. See page 18 for complete warranty details.
In the event that you must assemble or disassemble fittings, please follow these instructions:
Wall Adapter 1. Assemble desired male quick connect to the wall adapter port on the
Port (rear) back of the regulator using Teflon tape or thread sealant.
2. Assemble the desired inlet fitting to the patient connection port bottom
of the regulator using Teflon tape or thread sealant.
3. The regulator is now ready to be placed in service on your suction
system.
4. For gastric suctioning procedures, position the patient port of the
collection canister 12-18” above the patient. This will encourage slight
fluid backflow through the catheter when the collection circuit is vented
Patient Connection to atmosphere. This action tends to clear the catheter tip and
Port (bottom) maximize the removal of fluids.
5. An appropriately sized collection canister must be used in between the
regulator and the patient connection.
Configuration
Location Order Number and Description
requirement
Model 1492
Diamond Ohio
Vacuum outlet requires a 90°
twist to release the regulator
Model 1493
Chemetron (NCG)
Wall Adapter Port Rectangular Adapter
Vacuum outlet has a button to
release the regulator
Model 1504
DISS Hand-Tight Nut and
The adapter screws onto the
Gland
outlet and then is unscrewed to
remove (approximately 3 turns)
Safety Release
OFF: With control valve in the OFF position, suction is off and the collection circuit is returned to
atmospheric pressure by an internal vent port, a special feature of the Boehringer design.
REG: With control valve in the REG position, wall suction may be controlled to a specific level by turning
the large adjusting knob in the direction indicated. A spring opposed diaphragm assembly precisely
controls the level of suction provided at the lower port of the Regulator within the range of the gauge. This
assembly "senses" changes in the patient collection circuit and makes appropriate adjustments to maintain
the suction level that has been selected. Regulated settings are verified by the large, easy to read gauge.
Model 7800 regulators incorporate a safe upper limit so they will not deliver any more than 230mmHg in
this setting.
LINE: With control valve in the LINE position, the regulating mechanism is bypassed. Full wall suction is
applied to the patient collection system through the lower port of the Regulator. The LINE suction mode is
engaged by depressing the safety spring release and rotating the control valve to the line position. LINE
setting is verified by the exposure of the "LINE" warning at the bottom of the gauge label.
CAUTION! Full line suction may cause damage to sensitive tissue.
INTERMIT: With control valve in the INTERMIT position, regulated suction to the patient is intermittently
turned on and off (vented to atmosphere) at a nominal ratio of 2:1 (on:off). The ratio is not adjustable and
the cycle time (‘on’ plus ‘off’ time) is set at the factory. If the cycle time needs to be adjusted, turn the
timing screw (No. 31 on fig. 2) CCW to speed up the cycle time and CW to slow down the cycle time.
Suction may be controlled by turning the large adjusting knob in the direction indicated. See CONTIN
below for details of the suction control. Model 3804 regulators incorporate a safe upper limit to not deliver
more than 230mmHg in this setting. Model 3814 regulators incorporate a safe upper limit to not deliver
more than 115mmHg in this setting.
CONTIN: With control valve in the CONTIN position, suction is continuous and may be controlled to a
specific level by turning the large adjusting knob in the direction indicated. A spring opposed diaphragm
assembly precisely controls the level of suction provided at the lower port of the Regulator within the range
of the gauge. This assembly "senses" changes in the patient collection circuit and makes appropriate
adjustments to maintain the suction level that has been selected. Regulated settings are verified by the
large, easy to read linear gauge. Model 3804 regulators incorporate a safe upper limit to not deliver more
than 230mmHg in this setting. Model 3814 regulators incorporate a safe upper limit to not deliver more than
115mmHg in this setting.
Your Boehringer Regulators have been designed to provide years of trouble free operation. Most service
activity is the result of aspiration of bodily fluids or other foreign materials into the regulator. Your 3800 series
regulator is equipped with patent pending Air Curtain Protection to provide isolation of critical control elements
from the inadvertent intrusion of foreign contaminants. The routine use of an appropriate collection canister
greatly reduces needed service. To determine your cleaning/maintenance schedule:
• Periodically inspect the overall condition of the instrument. Test the gauge accuracy and check the
instrument function as described under ‘Test’. Simply clearing the small orifices in the gauge view tube
and the regulator body can remedy many performance conditions (see troubleshooting). Return to
service if the instrument performs appropriately per the ‘Test’ requirements.
• Based on data from your periodic inspections, determine a cleaning/maintenance schedule appropriate
for the operational conditions of your facility. Clean, inspect, lubricate, and test based on your schedule
and according to the Instrument Cleaning and Disinfection, Instrument Lubrication and ‘Test’ section
outlined below.
TEST
1. With the control valve in the REG or CONTIN position and a collection system attached with a 14 Fr.
catheter, regulator should control vacuum from 10-100% of full scale (FS).
2. With the control valve in the REG or CONTIN position and housing turned all the way off, with suction
port occluded, gauge should read zero.
3. With the control valve in the REG or CONTIN, adjust regulator to the middle of the scale and occlude
the catheter. Gauge movement should be less than 10% of the setting. This measurement is called
spike.
4. The gauge should be accurate to ±5% of full scale (FS) (±5mmHg for 3810 & 3814; ±10mmHg for 3800
& 3804; ±38mmHg for 3840) for any measurement within the range of the scale. If this is not the case,
please return the gauge to the manufacturer for repair/replacement.
CAUTION: Inaccurate gauge calibration may lead to a high suction condition applied to the patient.
5. With the control valve in the OFF position, suction should be at atmospheric and gauge should read
zero. With suction port occluded, gauge should read zero.
6. With the control valve in the REG or CONTIN position, with an appropriate collection system attached
(>800cc capacity) set the Regulator to the middle of the scale and turn control valve to OFF, then back
to REG or CONTIN. Gauge indicator should not travel more than 20% past the set point before settling
at the desired level.
7. With the intermitter control valve in the INTERMIT position, the factory calibrated cycle will be 4-5
seconds OFF, with an ON time being a multiple of 1.6 to 3 times the OFF time. Adjust the timing screw
counterclockwise to speed up the cycle time and counter clockwise to slow down the cycle time.
8. A final, important step in instrument maintenance is the identification of the instrument. This confirms
that a qualified individual performed service to accepted procedures and approved master gauges. An
ID tag should accompany the instrument, which indicates (as a minimum): date of service, individual
performing the service and the date of next service.
CAUTION: Have the regulator factory serviced if not performing to specifications. See Warranty and
Repair on p.16 for details on getting your instrument factory serviced.
DISASSEMBLY
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the gauge body from the regulator body prior to cleaning.
IMPORTANT: Always clean the unit prior to assembly. See Cleaning and Disinfection pg 10 for details.
Note: The ball spring and screw shown on the inside of the movable spool valve should only be
disassembled if they are grossly contaminated. If the relief valve screw is removed, note its position and
number of threads of insertion prior to removal and thread the screw back to the same position during
reassembly. This sets the intermediate pressure that determines the timing of the spool valve.
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the gauge body from the regulator body prior to cleaning.
IMPORTANT: Always clean the unit prior to assembly. See Cleaning and Disinfection pg 10 for details.
ASSEMBLY
Assembly and Lubrication – Continuous Models 3800, 3810, 3840 (See Fig. 1)
After disassembling and cleaning the instrument, assemble and lubricate as follows. Parts are available from
Boehringer Laboratories, LLC and may be ordered by part number (P/N). Part numbers are found in figure 1 at
the end of this manual.
Regulator:
1. Lubricate control valve (OFF, REG, LINE) over entire mating surface with synthetic lubricant (P/N 1895).
2. Rotate valve as you insert it into the body. Remove the valve and inspect for dry areas. The valve must
have a thin layer of lubricant over its entire diameter without excess in the cross ports.
3. Lubricate the threaded sleeve in diaphragm housing (7) and U-cup (10) with a light coat of synthetic
lubricant (P/N 1895).
4. Assemble diaphragm housing in reverse order of disassembly. Do not lubricate the stainless steel shaft
of the piston/stem assembly (4) or the inside of the threaded sleeve (7).
5. Inspect quad ring seal (27) for cuts or wear. Replace if needed.
6. Assemble unit in reverse order of disassembly. Place spring (6) on piston/stem assembly (4) and then
insert through diaphragm housing assembly (7).
7. Cover piston/stem assembly (4) with lens cover (2) and snap lens cap retaining ring (1) into groove.
8. Install shroud (9) to piston stem (4) it will snap into its correct position. Assemble quad ring (27) to stem
(4), then screw the housing into body fully.
9. Tighten lock screw (28) to retain diaphragm housing on regulator body groove. Typically this is screwed
all of the way in, and backed out ½ - ¾ of a turn. Ensure this screw does not drag as the regulator
setting is adjusted.
10. Insert the control valve and position the valve retaining washer (11) before securing it with the valve
retaining screw (12)
Gauge:
11. Slide large end of diaphragm (19) over piston (17) until top ring snaps into groove in piston. Be certain
the top bead of the diaphragm is completely engaged into the groove of the piston.
Regulator:
17. Lubricate the threaded sleeve in diaphragm housing (6) and U-cup (9) with a light coat of synthetic
lubricant (P/N 1895).
18. Assemble diaphragm housing in reverse order of disassembly. Do not lubricate the stainless steel shaft
of the piston/stem assembly (4) or the inside of the threaded sleeve (6).
19. Inspect quad ring seal (8) for cuts or wear. Replace if needed.
20. Assemble unit in reverse order of disassembly. Place spring (5) on piston/stem assembly (4) and then
insert through diaphragm housing assembly (6).
21. Cover piston/stem assembly (4) with lens cover (2) and snap lens cap retaining ring (1) into groove.
22. Install shroud (9) to piston stem (4) it will snap into its correct position. Assemble quad ring (8) to stem
(4), then screw the housing into body fully.
23. Tighten lock screw (10) to retain diaphragm housing on regulator body groove. Typically this is screwed
all of the way in, and backed out ½ - ¾ of a turn. Ensure this screw does not drag as the regulator
setting is adjusted.
IMPORTANT! Always test the reassembled unit after each maintenance procedure.
See the Test section for exact test procedure.
Video Tips and Techniques for use and repair can be found at:
[Link]
[Link]
Boehringer Suction Regulators have been designed for years of trouble-free service. Should you experience
difficulty that is not the result of damage to the instrument, the most likely cause is aspiration of dirt and/or fluids
into the Regulator.
Symptom Probable Cause Solution
Instrument fails to provide suction at
The supply or patient fittings are clogged Replace or clean the fittings
the patient port.
Gauge responds slowly to changes in The small hole in the top of the View Tube Using a small diameter probe, pierce the
suction may be plugged. hole to clear the obstruction.
Instrument will not shut off or exhibits Dried fluids may have cut the quad ring Replace the quad ring (5) and Test the unit
high spike seal. as per above procedure.
Instrument exhibits high droop or The small brass orifice inside of the Clear any obstruction using a small diameter
gauge flutters on dead ended circuit. diaphragm housing may be clogged. probe.
Piston/Stem surface is binding with foreign
Instrument fails to regulate suction Disassemble and clean the instrument.
matter
IMPORTANT! Always test the reassembled unit after each maintenance procedure.
See the Test section for exact test procedure.
ACCESSORIES
Boehringer Laboratories, LLC warrants to the original purchaser, new suction regulators purchased directly from
Boehringer Laboratories, LLC or from an authorized dealer or representative. This warranty guarantees the
suction regulators to be free from functional defects in materials and workmanship. We also guarantee that our
suction regulators will meet our published specifications.
All regulators returned for repair shall be clean and free from contamination prior to shipment to Boehringer
Laboratories. This requirement is for the safety of our employees as well as to comply with Federal Law
prohibiting the shipment of unmarked biohazard materials. If units are returned contaminated, a cleaning charge
may result.
A service charge may be assessed on any unit returned that shows evidence of gross abuse.
Boehringer Laboratories, LLC is the only authorized warranty service center for our suction regulators. Any
repair service requesting a return authorization for repair will be asked to provide the name and location of the
original equipment purchaser. If this information cannot be provided, the repair is not covered under warranty
and will be a chargeable repair.
This warranty excludes acts of God, fire, flood and acts of war, terror or insurrection.
This warranty is not transferable from the original purchaser.
Boehringer Laboratories’ sole and exclusive remedy under this warranty is limited to repairing and/or replacing
the suction regulator. There are no other express or implied warranties beyond these warranties set forth above.
At Boehringer Laboratories, we are committed to lowering your suction regulator costs of operation!
▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼
All repairs will be shipped back within five days of receipt of purchase order authorization.
For quality factory service, call 800-642-4945 or 610-278-0900 for your return authorization. Ship returns to:
Boehringer Laboratories, LLC
Repair Department
300 Thoms Dr.
Phoenixville, PA 19460
New Products
We are continually striving to reach higher and higher standards of quality. We value your comments and input
on our suction regulators. If you are pleased with this instrument, please find out more about Boehringer
Laboratories' complete line of suction controls.
The Control Valve and Regulator Body are factory matched, take care not to interchange parts between units when servicing. For parts not
available for sale from this breakaway drawing please consult the factory for appropriate service details.
The Spool, Control Valve, and Reg Body are factory matched, take care not to interchange parts between units when servicing. For parts
not available for sale from this breakaway drawing please consult the factory for appropriate service details.
For
Customer Service
Or
Technical Support
800-642-4945
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