PEEP valve

grabcad

PEEP = Positive End-expiratory Pressure Valve This experimental valve design is highly configurable for 22mm tube systems, using a spring or rubber band to maintain the opening pressure level. PEEP valves are used in ventilation systems to maintain approximately 20cmH2O of pressure within the hood. The initiative for this design stemmed from a Facebook discussion about the possibility of 3D printing a PEEP valve for non-invasive ventilation systems, increasing capacity when commercial valves are unavailable due to the COVID-19 situation. The original concept involved using a ping-pong ball as a valve, proposed by James Rink, a UK surgeon. This design is a solution proposal based on his idea. Standard components were used in its construction: a flat-seal from garden pipe systems, a ping-pong ball, rubber band, and standard springs. Most parameters can be adjusted, including ball diameter, clearance, thread pitch, connecting tube parameters, spring parameters, etc... Two variants exist: one with and one without a seal ring, making it possible to print without support. Initial testing on an anesthetic circuit yielded positive results.