Central vs local gas supply - Pros and cons - IT Tech

Central Versus Local Gas Supply:

Choosing between central and local gas supply for your lab? Explore the pros and cons of each system, including cost, safety, and efficiency. Learn about Gas Piping & Distribution Systems and make the best choice for your research needs.

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Summary: 

This article compares central and local gas supply systems for labs, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each option. It helps researchers make informed decisions about the best gas delivery system for their specific needs.

When setting up a laboratory, choosing the right gas supply system is crucial. Central gas supply involves a centralized source that distributes gas to multiple points, while local gas supply uses individual cylinders for each gas. Central systems offer advantages like cost-effectiveness for large labs and improved safety with centralized monitoring. However, they require extensive installation and maintenance. Local systems are more flexible and easier to install, but they can be more expensive and pose potential safety risks if not managed properly. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the pros and cons of both systems, helping researchers determine the best option for their specific research needs and budget.

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The Gas Supply Dilemma: Centralized vs. Local Systems in Scientific Laboratories

In the realm of scientific research, the reliable and efficient delivery of gases is very important. From the delicate manipulation of cell cultures to the precise analysis of chemical compounds, gases play a critical role in a wide range of laboratory procedures. The choice between a centralized gas supply system and a local gas supply system presents a significant decision for laboratory managers, impacting not only operational efficiency but also safety, cost, and long-term sustainability.

Centralized gas supply systems, often referred to as bulk gas systems, involve the delivery of gases from a central source, typically a large cylinder bank or a gas generator, to multiple points of use throughout the laboratory.

Advantages of Centralized gas supply system:

• Economies of Scale: Centralized systems allow for the purchase of gases in larger quantities, often at discounted rates. This can result in significant cost savings compared to purchasing individual cylinders for each point of use.
• Simplified Management: Centralized systems streamline gas management by consolidating inventory and reducing the need for frequent cylinder changes. This can free up valuable time for laboratory staff and minimize disruptions to research activities.
• Enhanced Safety: Centralized systems typically incorporate safety features such as pressure regulators, alarms, and leak detection systems, which can help to mitigate the risks associated with gas handling. The centralized location of gas cylinders also reduces the potential for accidents or spills in individual laboratories.
• Improved Reliability: Centralized systems provide a more consistent and reliable gas supply, as they are less susceptible to interruptions caused by individual cylinder depletion. This is particularly important for critical applications where uninterrupted gas flow is essential.

Disadvantages of Centralized gas supply system:

• Complex and expensive installation and maintenance
• Extensive piping network required to distribute gas present space constraint and potential leak points
• Difficult to isolate specific areas

Local gas supply systems, on the other hand, involve the use of individual gas cylinders or smaller gas generators located directly at the point of use.

Advantages of Local gas supply system:

• Flexibility and Scalability: Local systems provide greater flexibility in terms of gas selection and flow rates, as each point of use can be equipped with the specific gas and flow rate required for its application. This can be particularly beneficial for laboratories with diverse research activities or those that require a wide range of gases.
• Reduced Installation Costs: Local systems typically require less extensive installation and infrastructure compared to centralized systems, resulting in lower upfront costs. This can be an attractive option for smaller laboratories or those with limited budgets.
• Improved Safety: Local systems can offer enhanced safety by isolating gas cylinders and equipment in individual laboratories, reducing the potential for cross-contamination or accidents. This approach also allows for easier identification and isolation of leaks.
• Simplified Maintenance: Local systems are generally easier to maintain, as individual cylinders or generators can be replaced or serviced independently. This can minimize downtime and disruptions to research activities.

Disadvantages of Local gas supply system:

• Usage of individual cylinders can lead to increased inventory management
• Difficult to track gas usage
• Multiple cylinders can create safety hazards if not properly managed and stored

The use of individual cylinders can lead to increased inventory management and potential for cylinder depletion, which can disrupt research activities. The lack of a centralized monitoring system can also make it more difficult to track gas usage and identify potential leaks. Additionally, the use of multiple cylinders can create safety hazards if not properly managed.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gas Supply System

The choice between a centralized and local gas supply system depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Laboratory Size and Layout: The size and layout of the laboratory will influence the feasibility and cost of installing a centralized system. Smaller laboratories with limited space may find local systems more practical.
• Gas Usage and Requirements: The types and quantities of gases required will determine the appropriate system. Laboratories with high gas consumption or a wide range of gas requirements may benefit from a centralized system.
• Budget and Resources: The initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs associated with each system should be carefully considered. Centralized systems typically require a higher upfront investment but may offer long-term cost savings.
• Safety Considerations: The safety risks associated with each system should be assessed, taking into account factors such as gas type, pressure, and potential leak points. Centralized systems often incorporate more robust safety features but require careful installation and maintenance.
• Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of each system should be considered, particularly in terms of energy consumption and gas emissions. Centralized systems can offer greater efficiency and reduce the number of gas cylinders used.

Gas Piping & Distribution Systems: A Critical Component of Centralized Systems

For laboratories opting for a centralized gas supply system, the design and implementation of a robust Gas Piping & Distribution Systems is crucial. This system serves as the backbone of the gas delivery network, ensuring safe and reliable gas flow to all points of use. The design of the gas piping system should consider factors such as:

• Gas Type and Pressure: The piping materials and dimensions should be compatible with the specific gas type and pressure requirements of the laboratory. Different gases have different properties and require appropriate piping materials to prevent corrosion or leaks.
• Flow Rates: The piping system should be designed to accommodate the required flow rates for each point of use. This ensures that sufficient gas is available to meet the demands of the laboratory.
• Safety Features: The gas piping system should incorporate safety features such as pressure regulators, alarms, and leak detection systems to mitigate the risks associated with gas handling. These features help to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the system.
• Accessibility and Maintenance: The piping system should be designed for easy access and maintenance. This allows for regular inspections and repairs to prevent leaks or other problems.
• Expansion and Future Needs: The gas piping system should be designed with future expansion in mind. This ensures that the system can accommodate future growth in gas demand or changes in research activities.

The Role of IT tech in Gas Supply Solutions

IT tech, as a leading provider of lab consumables and equipment, plays a vital role in supporting laboratories with their gas supply needs. The company offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including:

• Gas Piping & Distribution Systems: IT tech provides expert design, installation, and maintenance services for Gas Piping & Distribution Systems. The company's team of experienced engineers and technicians can design and implement customized systems that meet the specific needs of each laboratory.
• Gas Monitoring and Control Systems: IT tech offers advanced gas monitoring and control systems that provide real-time data on gas usage, pressure, and flow rates. These systems help to optimize gas consumption, enhance safety, and ensure the reliable operation of the gas supply system.
• Gas Safety Training and Consulting: IT tech provides comprehensive gas safety training and consulting services to help laboratories comply with industry regulations and best practices. The company's experts can provide guidance on gas handling procedures, safety protocols, and emergency response plans.‍
• Gas Cylinders and Generators: IT tech provides a wide selection of gas cylinders and generators to meet the diverse requirements of laboratories. From high-purity gases to specialty gases, the company offers a comprehensive range of options to ensure the availability of the right gas for every application.

By partnering with IT tech, laboratories can access a comprehensive range of gas supply solutions that meet their specific needs and ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of gases for their research activities.

Conclusion

The choice between a centralized and local gas supply system is a complex one, with no single solution being universally optimal. The best approach will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of each laboratory. By carefully considering the factors discussed above, laboratory managers can make an informed decision that ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of gases for their research activities.

IT tech, with its comprehensive range of gas supply solutions and expertise in Gas Piping & Distribution Systems, is well-positioned to support laboratories in making the right choice and implementing a gas supply system that meets their specific needs.

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Choosing the Right System: A Recap

The decision between a central and local gas supply system is a critical one for any laboratory, impacting everything from operational efficiency to safety and cost. This decision requires careful consideration of various factors, including the specific needs of your lab, the types of gases used, the volume of gas consumption, and the available infrastructure.

Central gas supply systems offer several advantages, including centralized control and monitoring, reduced risk of leaks, and the ability to supply multiple labs with a single system. However, they also come with higher initial installation costs and require more complex maintenance. Local gas supply systems, on the other hand, are more cost-effective for smaller labs and offer greater flexibility in terms of gas delivery. However, they may pose a higher risk of leaks and require more frequent maintenance.

Ultimately, the best choice for your lab depends on your specific needs and circumstances. By carefully evaluating the pros and cons of each system, you can make an informed decision that will optimize your lab's performance and safety.

Key Takeaways

Here are some key takeaways to guide your decision-making process:

• Central gas supply systems are ideal for large labs with high gas consumption and a need for centralized control and monitoring. They offer enhanced safety and efficiency but come with higher initial costs and complex maintenance requirements.
• Local gas supply systems are suitable for smaller labs with lower gas consumption and a preference for cost-effectiveness and flexibility. However, they may pose a higher risk of leaks and require more frequent maintenance.
• Consider the specific needs of your lab, including the types of gases used, the volume of gas consumption, and the available infrastructure.
• Consult with a qualified gas system provider to discuss your specific requirements and receive expert advice on the best system for your lab.

Recommendations

To ensure a safe and efficient gas supply system, we recommend the following:

• Conduct a thorough needs assessment to determine the specific requirements of your lab, including the types of gases used, the volume of gas consumption, and the available infrastructure.
• Develop a comprehensive gas management plan that outlines procedures for gas handling, storage, and distribution.
• Invest in high-quality gas supply equipment from reputable manufacturers and ensure that all equipment is properly installed and maintained.
• Implement a robust safety program that includes regular inspections, leak detection, and emergency response protocols.
• Train all lab personnel on proper gas handling procedures and safety protocols.

By following these recommendations, you can ensure that your lab has a safe, reliable, and efficient gas supply system that meets your specific needs.

Looking Ahead

Choosing between central and local gas supply systems is just one facet of a comprehensive lab gas management strategy. As technology advances, new innovations in gas supply systems are emerging, offering enhanced efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

To ensure your lab remains at the forefront and equipped with the most effective gas supply solutions, IT Tech is dedicated to providing you with the latest insights and resources. Our team of experts is committed to optimizing your lab's performance and safety through innovative Gas Piping & Distribution Systems.

Explore the latest advancements in gas supply systems with IT Tech's comprehensive range of services and products. Our solutions are tailored to meet the unique requirements of your lab, empowering you to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of medical gases company. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Click here to learn more about IT Tech's Gas Piping & Distribution Systems

By partnering with IT Tech, you can ensure that your lab has the right equipment and infrastructure to support your research and development activities. Contact us today to discuss your lab's specific needs and explore how our solutions can elevate your operations to new heights.

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Georgia Tech’s SimTigrate Design Lab and Dräger, an international supplier of medical and safety technology, have released a white paper that sets out to demonstrate the advantages for Intensive Care Units in hospitals of ceiling-mounted beam systems over traditional headwall systems or those operated with articulated arms or overhead booms.

One of this paper’s stated purposes is to understand how medical teams evaluate architectural solutions to medical gas delivery, and to compare user experiences with different overhead utilities in the ICU. Its opinions are based primarily on field observations of the use of booms in three hospitals, interviews with staff in other ICUs who have used the beam system, and a simulation conducted in a low-fidelity mockup with nurses, physicians and respiratory therapists from a hospital undergoing a renovation of its ICU patient rooms.

The paper is also a full-throated endorsement of Dräger’s beam system for ICUs, although it does not delve into cost comparisons among different delivery systems.

The paper observes that operating rooms in most hospitals already favor ceiling-mounted systems to deliver medical gases and supply power. As more patient care is provided at the bedside within ICUs, hospitals have replicated overhead service delivery solutions in those units to realize the same advantages of improved access to the head of the bed.

“Yet it is important to keep in mind that ICU rooms do not function exactly like operating rooms, and therefore may have different needs,” the paper states.

The white paper spells out the disadvantages of headwalls in ICUs (space, patient and equipment access, mobility). It also provides a number of reasons why overhead booms aren’t optimal, either.

For example, while overhead booms free up floor space,  “they are quite large and take up a lot of real estate in the patient room.” Due to limited space in most inpatient rooms, nurses routinely have to move both boom arms out of the way to move patients into or out of the room.

The flexibility of articulated boom arms has a downside, too, in that the arms can block critical views of such things as monitors.

Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of booms operating overhead is that they impede the use of patient lifts, because the range of a cross bar is limited by the boom and requires that the boom arms are pushed all the way forward, and the bed be moved further away from the wall, to gain access to the patient’s center of gravity.

These illustrations compare patient access when an ICU room is equipped with a Ponta beam system (top) versus an articulated arm system. The Georgia Tech white paper says the biggest disadvantage of booms operating overhead or to the side of the bed is that they impede the use of patient lifts, because the range of a cross bar is limited by the boom and requires that the boom arms are pushed all the way forward, and the bed be moved further away from the wall, to gain access to the patient’s center of gravity. Image: “Comparison of Overhead Utility Systems for Intensive Care Rooms.”

The bulk of this white paper is devoted to demonstrating the advantages of Dräger’s Ponta overhead beam system within an ICU environment.

It states that the Ponta beam takes up less space than an overhead boom, which is important for smaller inpatient rooms. The beam system allows nurses to move the shuttles (columns that suspend from the beam) laterally to come closer together to support infants in incubators or patients in chairs; or farther apart to support bariatric patients.

The columns are customizable for the specific needs of the ICU clinic and standardized across all rooms, such that the ventilator is always on the same side of the patient bed. The beam system allows staff to move the bed in and out of the room easier.

To back up its claims, Georgia Tech, with support from Dräger, the architectural firm HKS, and Grady Health System, conducted three simulation sessions on the Grady’s campus in downtown Atlanta to give the nurses, providers, and facility leadership an opportunity to try out the Ponta beam under real-life care situations.

A critical care doctor with Grady scripted a complex patient scenario that required bulky equipment, access to the head of the bed, and placed many people in the room.

The participants included nurses, doctors, and leadership from Grady’s medical ICU, as well as nurses from the Marcus Stroke and Neurosciences Center who were familiar with using a boom and could compare the performance of different delivery systems.

The 15 simulation participants who completed surveys rated the Ponta system positively in all categories. A dozen agreed or strongly agreed that the beam reduced clutter around the bed; 13 agreed or strongly agreed that the beam better organizes equipment, and 11 agreed or strongly agreed that the beam system is better for managing cables.

Clear majorities of participants also judged the beam system superior to overhead boom systems for providing better access to the patient and to gases and equipment, and better visibility to monitors.

“It is clear that ceiling-mounted solutions for delivery of utilities are far superior than the traditional headwall,” the report states. But unlike overhead boom systems, which were designed originally for operating rooms, Dräger’s Ponta beam system is specifically desgined for smaller inpatient room. The beam system also minimizes bulky infrastructure directly over the patient.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of the Ponta beam is that because it is not mounted directly over the center of the bed, that space is available for overhead patient lift tracks, making the patient lift more effective and easier to operate, which results in more frequent use.

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