Anaesthetic gas scavenging systems (AGSS/AGFS) for hospitals and anaesthesia systems
Safe removal of surplus anaesthetic gases with a reliable vacuum supply
During patient care and treatment in operating theatres, recovery rooms and other anaesthesia areas, surplus anaesthetic gases are generated within the hospital environment. These gases must be captured reliably and completely, removed from the immediate working area and conveyed safely away. This is the role of Anaesthetic Gas Scavenging Systems (AGSS), also known as Anaesthetic Gas Disposal Systems (AGFS).
The performance of such a system depends largely on the vacuum supply used. It ensures that surplus anaesthetic gases are continuously extracted and conveyed in a controlled manner. Airflow, vacuum level and the number of connected terminal units must all be carefully matched to ensure reliable operation.
Becker offers oil-free and contact-free vacuum solutions for both device-integrated and central AGSS installations. With side channel blowers, gas-tight versions of the SV series, radial blowers and BCV claw vacuum pumps, a range of technologies is available to suit different system designs and performance requirements.
During patient care and treatment in operating theatres, recovery rooms and other anaesthesia areas, surplus anaesthetic gases are generated within the hospital environment. These gases must be captured reliably and completely, removed from the immediate working area and conveyed safely away. This is the role of Anaesthetic Gas Scavenging Systems (AGSS), also known as Anaesthetic Gas Disposal Systems (AGFS).
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The performance of such a system depends largely on the vacuum supply used. It ensures that surplus anaesthetic gases are continuously extracted and conveyed in a controlled manner. Airflow, vacuum level and the number of connected terminal units must all be carefully matched to ensure reliable operation.
Becker offers oil-free and contact-free vacuum solutions for both device-integrated and central AGSS installations. With side channel blowers, gas-tight versions of the SV series, radial blowers and BCV claw vacuum pumps, a range of technologies is available to suit different system designs and performance requirements.
What is anaesthetic gas suction?
Anaesthetic gas scavenging is used to safely capture and remove surplus anaesthetic gases from anaesthesia workstations. While the anaesthesia machine delivers the gases required for patient care, the AGSS is responsible for removing any excess gases from the system and the surrounding environment. This helps prevent surplus anaesthetic gases from escaping uncontrolled into the room air. As a result, anaesthetic gas scavenging is an important part of modern anaesthesia infrastructure in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Depending on the system design, gases are collected either directly at the anaesthesia machine or via a central pipework network connecting multiple operating theatres and treatment areas. In both cases, the vacuum supply ensures consistently reliable extraction performance.
In German-speaking countries, the term AGFS (Anaesthetic Gas Disposal System) is commonly used. Internationally, the English term AGSS (Anaesthetic Gas Scavenging System) has become the established designation.
Both terms describe the same basic function: the safe capture and removal of excess anaesthetic gases.
Key facts at a glance
- AGFS and AGSS describe the same technical function.
- Both systems are used to remove excess anaesthetic gases.
- The vacuum supply is a core component of every AGFS.
- System sizing is based on flow rate, vacuum level and the number of extraction points.
- Modern systems can be operated either centrally or as part of individual devices.
The reliable operation of an anaesthetic gas scavenging system depends on the correct design of the vacuum supply. The primary objective is to ensure that sufficient extraction capacity is available at all times to safely capture waste anaesthetic gases. At the same time, the system should be designed in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner.
The following factors are typically considered during the planning stage:
- Number of extraction points
- Simultaneous usage requirements
- Pipework lengths and potential pressure losses
- Required level of redundancy
- System architecture
The required extraction capacity and permissible vacuum level are determined by the AGSS specification, the extraction points, pipework losses and simultaneity requirements. The key reference point is the required performance at the most critical extraction point.
Actual operating parameters therefore always depend on the specific system design and the project-specific requirements.
Which vacuum technology is best suited for anaesthetic gas scavenging?
The choice of vacuum technology has a lasting impact on the performance, maintenance requirements and operating costs of an AGSS. Becker offers three technology concepts that are particularly well suited to anaesthetic gas scavenging applications:
SV side channel blowers
for device-integrated and decentralised applications
BCV claw vacuum pumps
for central vacuum supply systems
RV radial blowers
as an even more efficient alternative to side channel blowers
SV side channel blowers for AGSS applications
For many anaesthesia workstations, side channel blowers are used to provide the vacuum supply.
The SV series from Becker features a compact design and operates without mechanical contact. There is no contact between moving components within the compression chamber, which significantly reduces wear and maintenance requirements. Side channel technology is particularly well suited to applications with continuous operation and consistent airflow demand.
SV side channel blowers for AGSS applications
For many anaesthesia workstations, side channel blowers are used to provide the vacuum supply.
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The SV series from Becker features a compact design and operates without mechanical contact. There is no contact between moving components within the compression chamber, which significantly reduces wear and maintenance requirements. Side channel technology is particularly well suited to applications with continuous operation and consistent airflow demand.
Benefits of the SV series:
| ✓ | Oil-free and contact-free compression | |
| ✓ | Stable performance across the operating curve | |
| ✓ | Low maintenance requirements | |
| ✓ | High reliability in continuous operation | |
| ✓ | Compact installation options | |
| ✓ | Ideal for OEM applications |
Typical applications:
- Anaesthesia machines
- Individual operating theatre workstations
- Decentralised AGSS installations
- Medical OEM applications
Gas-tight side channel blowers for anaesthetic gas scavenging systems
In anaesthetic gas scavenging applications, certain operating conditions may require a higher level of leak tightness from the components used. For these situations, Becker offers gas-tight versions of the SV series. These variants have been developed for applications where process gases must be conveyed in a controlled manner while minimising leakage.
Particularly in the transfer and removal of anaesthetic gases, a gas-tight blower design can make an important contribution to the overall functionality and reliability of the system.
Benefits of gas-tight versions for vacuum generation:
- Minimised potential leakage paths
- Safe handling of process gases
- Suitable for applications with increased leak-tightness requirements
- Easy integration into existing system architectures
Single-stage Side channel blowers
Double-stage Side channel blowers
BCV claw vacuum pumps for central AGFS systems
In larger hospitals, multiple operating theatres and anaesthesia workstations are often connected to a shared supply system. For these central installations, oil-free and contact-free claw vacuum pumps are frequently used. The BCV series from Becker operates with non-contact claw rotors. During operation, the rotors run without touching each other, which means there is no operational wear caused by contact between components within the compression chamber.
This technology is particularly well suited to systems with multiple terminal units and demanding requirements for availability and energy efficiency.
BCV claw vacuum pumps for central AGFS systems
In larger hospitals, multiple operating theatres and anaesthesia workstations are often connected to a shared supply system.
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For these central installations, oil-free and contact-free claw vacuum pumps are frequently used. The BCV series from Becker operates with non-contact claw rotors. During operation, the rotors run without touching each other, which means there is no operational wear caused by contact between components within the compression chamber.
This technology is particularly well suited to systems with multiple terminal units and demanding requirements for availability and energy efficiency.
Benefits of BCV technology:
| ✓ | Oil-free and contact-free compression | |
| ✓ | High energy efficiency | |
| ✓ | Suitable for continuous operation | |
| ✓ | Low-maintenance technology | |
| ✓ | Scalable system concepts | |
| ✓ | Integration into redundant systems |
Typical applications
- Central AGFS installations
- Multiple operating theatres
- Hospitals with demanding availability requirements
- Expandable vacuum systems
RV radial blowers for efficient AGSS applications
Radial blowers convey gas without mechanical contact using a high-speed impeller, making them well suited to AGSS applications that require continuous operation and high airflow rates. The RV series from Becker combines a compact design with highly efficient performance within its intended operating range.
The technology can be used in both device-integrated and central system configurations, provided that airflow, vacuum level and operating point match the requirements of the application. This makes it a powerful alternative to side channel blowers, particularly in system designs where energy efficiency is a key consideration.
RV radial blowers for efficient AGSS applications
Radial blowers convey gas without mechanical contact using a high-speed impeller, making them well suited to AGSS applications that require continuous operation and high airflow rates.
Read more
The RV series from Becker combines a compact design with highly efficient performance within its intended operating range.
The technology can be used in both device-integrated and central system configurations, provided that airflow, vacuum level and operating point match the requirements of the application. This makes it a powerful alternative to side channel blowers, particularly in system designs where energy efficiency is a key consideration.
Benefits of RV technology:
| ✓ | Oil-free and contact-free compression | |
| ✓ | High efficiency at the designed operating point | |
| ✓ | Suitable for continuous operation | |
| ✓ | Low maintenance requirements | |
| ✓ | Compact integration | |
| ✓ | Variable-speed control for demand-based performance adjustment |
Typical applications:
- Device-integrated and decentralised AGSS systems
- Central AGSS installations operating within a suitable performance range
- Applications with a continuous airflow requirement
- Energy-efficient OEM solutions for medical technology
Centralised and decentralised system architectures
In decentralised systems, the vacuum generator is located close to the terminal unit or integrated directly into the device itself. Centralised systems connect multiple terminal units to a single central vacuum source via a shared pipework network. The most suitable architecture depends on the specific project requirements in terms of integration, infrastructure, availability and day-to-day operation.
Technical consultation for anaesthetic gas scavenging and AGSS systems
Whether you are planning a device-integrated AGSS, a decentralised vacuum supply system or a central AGSS installation serving multiple operating theatres, the right system design has a direct impact on efficiency, availability and long-term operating costs.
Becker supports manufacturers of anaesthesia equipment, system builders and hospital planners in selecting the most suitable vacuum technology, sizing vacuum supply systems and integrating vacuum pumps based on different operating principles into modern AGSS applications.
Are you planning a new anaesthetic gas scavenging system or looking to expand an existing AGSS installation?
Contact our experts for technical support with the design and sizing of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
AGFS stands for Anaesthetic Gas Disposal System. An AGFS captures excess anaesthetic gases and removes them from an anaesthesia system in a controlled manner.
AGSS stands for Anaesthetic Gas Scavenging System, the internationally used term for a system that captures and removes waste anaesthetic gases.
The required airflow depends on the requirements at the extraction points. The exact system sizing is determined on a project-specific basis.
The choice of operating principle depends largely on the specific application requirements. Side channel blowers, claw vacuum pumps and radial blowers are commonly used for AGSS (Anaesthetic Gas Scavenging Systems). The most suitable solution depends on factors such as the required flow rate, pressure characteristics, energy efficiency targets and the overall system design.
Gas-tight versions are particularly suitable for applications where there are increased requirements for the safe handling and transfer of process gases.
The following information is typically required for the technical design of a central vacuum supply system:
- Number of outlet points
- Simultaneous usage requirements
- Preferred system architecture
- Pipework lengths
- Anaesthesia system operating parameters
- Redundancy and availability requirements
For Becker, the two key starting points are the required vacuum level and the required flow rate. Additional requirements, such as gas-tightness, speed control of the equipment and the preferred operating principle, are typically discussed during an initial consultation.
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