Background

The AB800 CO2 Absorber is a circular rebreathing system intended for continuous gas inhalation anesthesia in both adult humans and children weighing over 5 kg. It provides a method for introducing fresh gas into the circuit through the inspiratory limb and offers controlled flow through a soda-lime absorber canister in the expiratory limb to remove CO2.

The AB800 system is adaptable and can be used with varying flow rates of fresh gas for patient ventilation, including high flow, low flow, or minimal flow. Additionally, positive pressure ventilation can be administered either manually using a bag or through a bellows system powered by an anaesthetic ventilator and a manual switch control led by the user is used to determine which of these positive pressure sources is connected to the circle system.

Source: (Ulco AB800 Absorber User Manual.pdf)

Identification

The AB800 CO2 Absorber is an integral component of a semi-closed patient breathing system that utilizes a circle absorber to eliminate CO2. The circle absorber section of the AB800 comprises two key elements:

  1. A canister designed for holding soda-lime absorbent.
  2. A machined block that contains the interconnections between the absorber system and external connectors.

The soda-lime canister is capable of accommodating up to 1 kg of soda-lime and is constructed from reusable polysulphone material. It securely attaches to the underside of the AB800 system by using a lever locking mechanism.

Block Image


When the Ulco AB800 is viewed from the back,  the following can be seen

  • Scavenge connector 30mm Male cone
  • Ventilator bellows hose connector
  • Identification Label
  • Manual Bag Arm
Block Image



When viewed from the front and top the following can be seen:

  • 22/15mm Inspiratory Male cone
  • ON / OFF Control
  • 22/15mm Expiratory Male cone
  • Canister assembly
  • Canister support
  • Canister locking system
  • Ventilation Mode Control Knob
  • APL Valve (This valve also acts as a Pressure limiting valve and is factory set to max 80 cm/H2O but can be set lower)
  • Removable valve cover
  • Silicone shutter unidirectional valves
  • Fresh Gas Connector
  • Patient Pressure manometer connector

The AB800 has been designed to be used in conjunction with the Signet 615 Anaesthetic Workstation, which provides a mounting bracket suitable for attachment of the absorber.

Source: (Ulco AB800 Absorber User Manual.pdf)

Technical Specifications

The Ulco AB800 Co2 Absorber has the following technical specifications

  • 1kg or 2kg Soda Lime capacity (2kg illustrated)
  • Low flow APL (Adjustable Pressure Limiting) valve
  • Quick release canister system
  • Autoclavable hydrophobic silicon (latex free) inspiratory/expiratory shutter valves
  • Unique On/Off control enables variable partial rebreathing when set anywhere in-between On/Off.
  • Manual/Ventilator switching (compatible with EV500 fitted with AV100) to enable switching between manual and automatic ventilation without the disconnection of breathing hoses.
  • Autoclavable Polysulphone soda lime canisters
  • Solid construction Delrin head block
  • Stainless steel 22mmM/15mmF inspiratory/expiratory connectors (for use with Adult or Neonatal/Paediatric Circle Circuits)
  • Circuit Support Hook
  • Self sealing manometer pressure gauge fitting (for connecting to Signet Workstation or fitment of optional manometer gauge).

Source: Technical data sheet provided by Ulcomedical, the manufacturers of the Ulco AB800.

Additional Information

•  Ulco AB800 Absorber User Manual.pdf: provides basic technical and background information on the CO2 Absorber brand.

- Technical data sheet: retrieved from ulcomedical.com, the now defunct site of the manufacturer.

- University of Detroit article: an overview of the Co2 absorption process