Size and performance of the overall PTS system are important factors when it comes to space requirements in the automation of hospital logistics. The lines of a pneumatic tube network consist of pipes, stations, blowers switches and crossings and connect nursing departments with the laboratory and pharmacy. All components are connected with the central control software.
The vertical pipes of the system usually run through utility shafts, while the horizontal lines are usually located under the suspended ceiling.
The PTS carriers require certain curves to be transported properly through the tube. The pneumatic tube center, which connects different lines, is usually located in an easily accessible room with a minimum ceiling height of 3.2 m.
At the nursing stations, the receiving and sending stations take up a size of up to 90 cm in height, up to 60 cm in width and up to 60 cm in depth. Laboratories usually have to cope with a higher volume of incoming goods. Thus, stations that can receive and return many carriers at the same time. The space requirement is therefore higher than, for example, in a pharmacy, especially if automated unloading is used.
For rough orientation, a 600-bed hospital usually consists of one pneumatic tube center, 18 lines, 46 stations and 3 km of tubes.