HERION & RAU Fluidtechnik | Anwendungen | Medical Applications

Pressure Switches for Medical Applications

In medical systems, pressure monitoring is not a convenience feature but part of the safety technology. Whether for breathing air supply, sterilization processes, or organ transport: stable, precisely defined pressure conditions are prerequisites for patient safety and validated processes. Our pressure switches offer low setpoint drift and long-term functional reliability, even with oxygen, saturated steam, or elevated temperature and pressure conditions.

Pressure switches for medical applications

Typical Application Areas

Three applications where more than just a machine depends on the pressure value:

Hospital Supply Units

for medical breathing air

High-Pressure Autoclaves

for sterilization

Heart Transplant Boxes

for gas pressure monitoring

Application Case 01

Hospital – Monitoring Medical Breathing Air

Medical breathing air is generated centrally in hospitals and flows through a piping system to the supply units. Ventilators and other systems only operate above a defined minimum pressure. Our pressure switch monitors it directly in the unit and immediately reports a drop to the control system or alarm chain. Because alarm systems rely on precise setpoints, repeatability is particularly important here, in the setting range of 1 to 16 bar.

Why our pressure switches are ideally suited:

Horizontal flange for easy integration into supply units
Robust zinc die-cast housing
Setting range of 1–16 bar
High repeatability
Long-term stable switch points
Suitable for medical compressed air

Application Case 02

High-Pressure Autoclaves – Pressure Monitoring in the Sterilization Process

A high-pressure autoclave sterilizes instruments with saturated steam, which only works at a precisely defined ratio of pressure and temperature. In practice, our pressure switch often enables the cycle: only when the required pressure is present does the validated sterilization start. It can also lock the door as long as residual pressure remains in the vessel. Stainless steel housing, stainless steel or EPDM membrane, and low drift over many cycles ensure it performs this function with equal reliability for years.

Why our pressure switches are ideally suited:

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is particularly important to consider with oxygen, medical breathing air, or saturated steam?

The media used place very different demands on the pressure switch. With oxygen, suitable materials and appropriately clean execution are particularly critical. Medical breathing air places different demands on the media-wetted components, while with saturated steam, high temperatures and recurring thermal loads must also be considered. Therefore, we do not view media compatibility in isolation, but always together with pressure, temperature, and the specific installation situation.

Why are mechanical pressure switches also used in medical applications?

A mechanical pressure switch converts a defined pressure state directly into an electrical switching signal. No additional electronic pressure evaluation is required. This can be particularly advantageous for clearly defined monitoring, enable, or alarm functions. However, it is crucial that the switch point, switch direction, and electrical design are matched to the respective function—for example, when monitoring a breathing air supply, pressure enabling of an autoclave, or a mobile medical supply unit.

What information do we need to select a pressure switch for medical applications?

In addition to operating pressure, desired switch point, and switch direction, the medium, temperature range, and specific function in the system are particularly important. This is supplemented by pressure connection, electrical load, connection type, and installation situation. For mobile applications, mechanical loads and cable routing must also be considered; with oxygen or saturated steam, media compatibility and material selection are particularly important. On this basis, we can determine the appropriate design and configuration for the respective application.