On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting Puritan Bennett 560 ventilators experiencing turbine failure or insufficient airflow. These issues can lead to inadequate ventilation, trigger alarms, or compromise patient safety. Most causes are external or easily verifiable, such as blocked airways, power issues, or environmental factors, before considering internal turbine failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Check Power Supply
- Verify the ventilator is properly plugged into a verified working outlet.
- Confirm the power switch is ON and the unit completes its startup sequence.
- Why: Turbine motors rely on consistent power; low or interrupted power can reduce airflow.
Inspect Air Intake and Filters
- Remove and inspect the air intake filter for blockage or excessive dust.
- Clean or replace filters as necessary.
- Why: Restricted airflow to the turbine can reduce delivered flow and trigger low-flow alarms.
Check Circuit and Tubing Connections
- Ensure patient circuit, inspiratory, and expiratory tubing are correctly connected and not kinked.
- Verify that humidifiers or inline filters are not clogged.
- Why: Mechanical restrictions in the breathing circuit can mimic turbine failure.
Observe Turbine Operation
- Listen for abnormal turbine sounds (grinding, excessive vibration).
- Ensure the turbine spins freely when running a self-test.
- Why: Noise or vibration can indicate mechanical wear or impending turbine failure.
Run Ventilator Self-Test or Diagnostic Mode
- Follow the ventilator prompts to perform a full self-test.
- Document any flow or turbine-related errors.
- Why: The self-test can confirm whether the turbine motor or sensors are functioning properly.
Check Environmental Conditions
- Ensure ambient temperature is within the operating range.
- Remove any dust or obstruction around the ventilator’s air intake.
- Why: Overheating or restricted airflow around the unit can reduce turbine efficiency.
If the Problem Persists
Common external causes have been ruled out. The turbine is likely mechanically or electronically failing.
Action:
- Remove the ventilator from service.
- Label the device "Out of Service."
- Send for repair or bench evaluation by qualified service personnel.
Knowing when to escalate is part of proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
- Do not attempt turbine troubleshooting on a patient currently receiving ventilation.
- Move the patient to another ventilator first.
- Only perform troubleshooting in a safe, controlled environment.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“Ventilator delivering insufficient flow; alarms triggered; turbine suspected.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
“Air intake filter partially blocked; tubing unobstructed; turbine self-test indicates error code 12 (turbine malfunction).”
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
“Replaced air filter and ran diagnostic; issue persists. Device labeled Out of Service and sent for repair.”
Helpful Details to Include
- Outlet tested and verified
- Tubing and circuit checked for obstructions
- Filters inspected/cleaned
- Self-test results and error codes documented
- Turbine noise or unusual vibration observed
Final Thought
Patient safety is paramount. Logical, stepwise troubleshooting prevents unnecessary internal damage and ensures only qualified personnel handle potential turbine failures. Proper documentation ensures traceability and reinforces the value of Clinical Engineering in maintaining safe ventilation devices.
That is successful troubleshooting.