Nellcor Puritan Bennett NPB 500
Nellcor · Model Puritan Bennett NPB 500
Puritan Bennett NPB-500 Simplicity Spirometer The Simplicity Spirometer System is the simple and affordable solution for diagnostic and screening spirometry. The system features the NPB-500, a compact, hand-held spirometer that offers true portability and is as quick and easy to use as its name. The system performs all of the basic spirometry measurements, and includes automated comparisons to predicted values, pre-post medication comparison, interpretation from test results, and comprehensive testing quality control. They system meets American Thoracic Athletics Society standards for accuracy and precision, and meets National Lung Health Education Program (NLHEP) recommendation for screening spirometry. The system uses the new Nellcor Puritan Bennett FSII Flow Sensor, a low cost, disposable, single-patient-use pneumotach that minimizes cross contamination and fits both adulthood and pediatric patients.
Key tips
- ·Don't extend filter/tubing replacement intervals to save cost - this is an infection-control issue, not just a performance one.
- ·Flow accuracy drift is often the earliest sign of a failing sensor, well before an outright alarm.
Typical Failure Modes
Failure patterns typical of this equipment class - general BMET reference, not verified against this exact unit's own service history unless flagged. Severity is a category-level estimate.
Oxygen concentrator sieve bed wear
HighSymptoms: Low O2 purity, alarm.
Root cause: Zeolite sieve exhaustion.
Compressor fault
HighSymptoms: Low flow, overheat.
Root cause: Worn compressor.
Suction pump failure
MediumSymptoms: Low vacuum, no suction.
Root cause: Diaphragm/motor wear.
Humidifier element fault
LowSymptoms: No humidity, overheat.
Root cause: Heater plate failure.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
The parts a BMET typically services on this class of equipment. Service class and relative cost are general engineering estimates for the category, not figures from this unit's documentation. Part numbers appear only when pulled from this unit's own service manual. Always confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Suction diaphragm / pump
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Humidifier heating plate
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Fairly easy
Sieve bed (zeolite)
Common R&R on concentrators.
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Moderate
Compressor
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suction diaphragm / pump | Periodic replacement | $$ | Moderate |
| Humidifier heating plate | Periodic replacement | $$ | Fairly easy |
| Sieve bed (zeolite) Common R&R on concentrators. | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Moderate |
| Compressor | Periodic replacement | $$$ | Difficult |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Filter and tubing replacement
- ·Flow accuracy check
- ·Annual full PM
Troubleshooting Approach
A structured starting point derived from the failure modes above. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Flow sensor calibration drift
- Confirm the presentation - typically readings out of spec, failed daily calibration check - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: sensor fouling or transducer aging.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the flow sensor / transducer per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
Symptom: Display / touchscreen fault
- Confirm the presentation - typically unresponsive screen, frozen UI - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: digitizer or display aging.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the disposable mouthpiece / bacterial filter per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Respiratory Therapy department
- Patient floors
- Emergency Department
- Home care (portable units)
Documents & Manuals
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