Compressed air is used across a huge number of applications including the medical and dental industry. Portable medical air compressors offer a high-performance power source for more efficient surgical procedures and air delivery systems while offering quiet operation for better patient experience. Read on to learn more about portable medical and dental compressors.
Why Use a Portable Medical Air Compressor?
A portable medical and dental compressor can be used for a range of functions including the removal of stones from the kidneys or bladder, or for minor orthopedic surgery to repair tennis elbow or bone spurs.
In dentistry, a dental compressor is used to power tools for drilling and polishing, as well as for cleaning and drying the patient’s mouth to facilitate easier dental treatment.
Portable air compressors are ideal for medical and dental applications as they generally have a small profile and can fit discreetly on workbenches or next to dental chairs for better patient comfort and ergonomics for dental practitioners. They are also quiet when compared with electrically powered tools for a more calm atmosphere.
Previously, air compressor parts needed to be lubricated with oil for better performance. However, with recent technological innovation, most portable and medical dental compressors are oil-less and are fitted with an air purification system to comply with health and safety standards.
How Does a Portable Medical Air Compressor Work? 
The basic principle of creating compressed air involves forcing increasing amounts of air into a storage tank by a variety of mechanisms. The rise in the pressure of the air in the storage tank creates potential energy which can then be converted into kinetic energy to be used to power tools such as drills, files, or a suction apparatus.
Most portable medical or dental compressors use a reciprocating piston mechanism to force the air into the storage tank. This mechanism uses a moving piston which has a valve to control airflow. When the piston is on the down stroke, the air is drawn into the chamber, then forced out the opposite end into the storage tank on the up stroke.
Types of Portable Medical Air Compressor
At Cattani Compressors, you can buy a dental compressor from our full range of Cattani medical air compressors. We offer compressors with single, double, or triple cylinders depending on the volume of dental work performed at your surgery. They offer noise reduction technology and operate oil-free with a bacterial filter to eliminate up to 99.9% of airborne microorganisms for clear, healthier air delivered to your patients.
If you are looking to buy dental a compressor, the Cattani AC100 and Cattani AC200 have 30L tank capacity, suitable for 1 – 2 surgeries. While the Cattani AC300 has a 45L capacity ideal for 2 – 3 surgeries. Our dental compressors are also fitted with pre-filters to remove moisture from the air to improve air condition.
Medical and Dental Compressor Safety Requirements
Different types of air compressors are used for various applications and deliver different kinds of compressed air. Energy air is used to store and effectively transmit energy, making it ideal for mechanical applications. Active air means that the air used is an integral part of the process beyond mechanical functions; this is the type used for medical and dental applications.
Because a medical and dental compressor uses active air and is used not only to power surgical tools but to also deliver breathable air to patients and clean and dry the patients’ mouth, the air is subject to compliance with current legislation and Australian safety regulations.
Final Thoughts
For the best performance and safest air, you can’t beat a Cattani dental compressor for your dental clinic or medical practice. To learn more about how your business can benefit from compressed air or to buy a dental compressor, call our friendly and experienced staff at Cattani Compressors on (02) 8880 9257.
