We have previously talked about velocity (date) and how it’s really a combination of air flow and the added power of velocity that moves things around. Similar things happen to air flows in a dental piping collection system. At a given level of vacuum (‘’Hg) a certain flow of air can be moved through a specific diameter of pipe. A pipe is defined by its diameter just like a hole. A good chart for finding air flow is at www.basvacdental.com

Most dry vac manufacturers want larger diameter pipe 4 and 6 inch. The idea here is that a high flow suction pump needs a large pipe to move its large volume through. OK, I agree but only if you can get that much air into the pipe through the tiny holes of the suction tools. Velocity, remember, needs a higher vacuum to really create excitement and movement. The large flow big pump systems tend to be 5-9’’ Hg vacuum energy systems.

Wow, this is a tough one to answer easily and I hope as you have requirements for systems we can look at each as a unique project. BaseVac engineers have a secret formula they use in sizing a system. The problem is it’s secret. Here are the criteria for evaluation.

1. How may operatories?
2. How many users?
3. How many HVE and saliva ejectors?
4. Is it a teaching lab or large practice?
5. What type of dentistry is done?

I have seen a room full of 2hp pumps to make a large system. I have also seen one large pump. The correct solution should follow a very in depth evaluation of what is required as far as dental suction. The American NFPA (national Fire Protection Agency) has specifications for hospital medical piping and compressed air and vacuum systems. They do not specify how to size a dental suction system but they do have excellent guidelines on how to build the system and the piping. At BaseVac our Engineers build NFPA Systems if required. We also have dry suction pumps up to 25’’Hp each to allow us to customize a system unique to each application.

It’s always great to have too much of anything, except body fat and debt. In dental suction I have heard that too much suction is potentially dangerous. I am not a dentist so I should agree. At BaseVac our systems can create as much as 25’’hg in a closed suction system. Note closed. So if one suction tool was all that was open and you stuck it on your tongue you could get 25’’ hg or a nasty hicky. By throttling the valve on the suction tool you would reduce the flow into the tool and increase the velocity at the tip. The speed of the air will cause the excitement to move things around but if you stick it to your tongue you will still get 25’’hg. To prevent this a BaseVac installer can adjust the built in silenced vacuum regulating valve to any energy point from 5’’ to 25’’Hg. This should be adjusted during a normal day and changed based on the normal fluctuations of usage.

A higher vacuum level means more flow into the system with less fluctuation in the vacuum levels. Its finding the comfort level on each installation to ensure each dentist is comfortable with the power of the system.

Absolutely, and not just one floor but 3 or more. To do this you need a strong vacuum system of 20’’ to 25’’ Hg. Here is how it works. A high vacuum energy system is a low flow system. Low flow means that air and water can move slow in large diameter pipes so you want one piping system of not more than 2’’ diameter if you want to pull water upstairs.

In our lab we set up a tortuous vertical piping system and we installed a droopy clear flex hose as the bottom 90° inlet connection. The water filled the horizontal manifold as we used dental suction tools in buckets of water. We could watch the water slide up and down the flex hose elbow. As the hose filled, the velocity of the air increased (more liquid, less air space) When the water filled 75 to 80% of the hose diameter suddenly the entire liquid quantity shot up the vertical pipe.