1312.4 Vacuum Filtration — 2025 California Plumbing Code

Central supply systems for vacuum other than liquid ring pumps shall be provided with inlet filtration with the following characteristics:

(1) Filtration shall be at least duplex to allow one filter to be exchanged without impairing the vacuum system.

(2) Filtration shall be located on the patient side of the vacuum producer.

(3) Filters shall be efficient to 0.3 µ and 99.97 percent HEPA or better, per DOE-STD-3020.

(4) Filtration shall be sized for 100 percent of the peak calculated demand while one filter or filter bundle is iso lated.

(5) It shall be permitted to group multiple filters into bundles to achieve the required capacities.

(6) The system shall be provided with isolation valves on the source side of each filter or filter bundle and isolation valves on the patient side of each filter or filter bundle, permitting the filters to be isolated without shutting off flow to the central supply system.

(7) A means shall be available to allow the user to observe any accumulations of liquids.

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL GAS AND MEDICAL VACUUM SYSTEMS

(8) A vacuum relief petcock shall be provided to allow vacuum to be relieved in the filter canister during filter replacement.

(9) Filter elements and canisters shall be permitted to be constructed of materials as deemed suitable by the manufacturer.

(10)In normal operation, one filter or filter bundle shall be isolated from the system to be available for service should a blockage in the operating filter occur or rotation of the filters be desired after filter element exchange.

[NFPA 99:5.1.3.7.4]