Please note, this document is for information only, different requirements may apply for different manufacturers and types of equipment!
Content:
- Space needed
- Building load capacity, statics
- System deliverability
- Electricity network
- Air exchange, cooling
- Radiation protection
- Regulatory obligations, authorisation procedures
- Space needed
CT equipment rooms and their approximate proposed dimensions:
- Examination room: approx. 6×7 m
- Operator room: 5×4 m or similar
- Changing rooms, preparation, waiting area: according to individual requirements
- it is recommended to take into account the space requirements of accessories (sponges, blankets, paper towels, injector, etc.)
A typical design:
The space requirements should also take into account the area needed for servicing the equipment in addition to the size of the CT enclosure:
- Building load capacity, statics
The weight of the CT equipment is the determining factor, and the building must be able to accommodate the gantry main unit and electronic components, which typically weigh 1-1.5 tonnes.
A machine base must be provided in the examination room in the area under the CT that can support the weight of the equipment. The levelness of the ground is important to properly align the table and the CT gantry and to balance the gantry rotating at high speed.
- Availability
Not only does the building need to retain the equipment, but it also needs to be able to arrange the delivery of the equipment prior to installation. There are many different ways of transporting the main units to their final location, taking into account the size and weight of the units to be delivered, the width and height of the delivery route and, of course, the load capacity. Care must be taken to ensure that differences in level are adequately bridged and that existing walkways are protected.
- Electricity network
Electrical demand:
- Voltage and frequency: 380/400/415VAC +-10%, 50Hz, 3 phase
- Power: 50-100 kVA (up to 200kVA depending on the power of the equipment)
Typical and approximate needs:
- up to 40 slices: 42-65 kVA, current demand 80 – 100 A
- up to 80 slices 65-80 kVA, current demand 100 – 120 A
- Up to 160 slices 80-100 kVA, current demand 120 – 160 A
- Air exchange, cooling
The function of the air handling system is to dissipate the heat generated by the equipment, to exchange the air in the rooms, to ensure a dust-free air space and to set the right humidity. The standard on general radiation protection requirements for X-ray rooms recommends an air exchange rate of at least six times per hour for X-ray rooms in general, from which equipment manufacturers may make different recommendations or requirements. For high patient throughput, it is recommended to size the air handler to several times the air exchange rate stated in this standard.
- Radiation protection
It should be designed according to the standard for general radiation protection requirements for X-ray rooms. It aims to keep the scattered radiation below the specified limit in all adjacent rooms. The radiation protection design concerns the design of the inspection apertures, windows and walls.
Radiation rooms must be controlled, with no unauthorised access (typically a button door) and the presence of ionising radiation must be indicated by a light or lamp indicating the radiation hazard.
- Regulatory obligations, authorisation procedures:
Licence from the authorities:
As the CT equipment is a radiation capable device you may need license to have, use, sell, etc. CT equipment.