Scavenging

System

Done by
Dr. Mohamed Wahab
MBCHB, FICMS
 FGF
CO2 canister mask
expiration
bag

CO2 canister
inspiration
Benefit of CO2 absorbent

1.Avoid hazard of CO2 Rebreathing

2.Conserving gases
3.Decreasing pollution
Feature of ideal CO2 absorbent

1. Efficient in CO2 absorbent

2. Low cost
3. Ease of handling
4. Low resistance to air flow
5. Lack of reactivity with anesthetic
 Types of CO2 absorbent
Soda lime Absorption rate about
Baralyme 26 L /100g
Amsorb
LiOH
 The most commonly used in closed circuit is soda lime, The main purpose
of soda lime is to prevent the rebreathing of exhaled gases within
breathing circuit by absorbing CO2
 Soda lime composition

Ca(OH)2 Silica
NaOH /KOH Hardener
consumed
activator

+ heat
Why soda lime shaped as granules not powder?
 Why soda lime shaped as granules not powder?

To get the best result between resistance to air flow and absorptive
efficiency
Soda lime
 Over 80% of the anesthetic gases are wasted when FGF of 5.0 L/min is used (Excess gases leave
the system via the APL valve.).

 Typically, the reduction of FGF from 3.0 L/min to 1.0 L/min results in a saving of about 50% of
the total consumption of any volatile anesthetic agent.

The soda lime canister is

situated after the APL valve
and removes carbon dioxide
through an exothermic reaction
Signs of CO2 rebreathing
1. Skin flushing
2. Sweating
3. then
4. dysrhythmia
5. surgical bleeding site
Problems in practice and safety features

1. Soda lime is corrosive. Protective clothing, gloves and

eye/face protection can be used.

2. there is an increased potential for leaks and

disconnection.

3. Soda lime exhaustion

 A dye or color indicator is added to change the granules’ color when the soda
lime is exhausted.

Red White
Pink Cream
white purple
Methods to know when to change soda lime:
1. Increased inspired CO2 (detected by capnography)
2. Color change
3. Lack of heat in the canister
4. Clinical signs
5. Capnography (only reliable way )
6. Time in function
MCQ
Concerning soda lime:

a) 20% volume for volume of soda lime is sodium hydroxide.

b) 90% is calcium carbonate.

c) 1 k g of soda lime can absorb about 120 mL of CO2 .

d) The reaction with carbon dioxide is exothermic.

e) Soda lime fills half of the canister.