A medical air compressor is an integral part of medical air delivery systems. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99 prohibits using medical air compressors for other reasons aside from medical and dental purposes.
What Is A Medical Air Compressor?
Basically, a medical air compressor is a part of piped systems designed to supply clean, dry, odourless, and compressed air. Through different complex mechanisms, the compressors force a large amount of air into a storage tank. As it compresses more air, the pressure builds more inside. This effect will then create potential energy from which kinetic energy can arise. In return, this kinetic energy powers the tools and breathing apparatus in the medical and dental settings.
Compressors play a crucial role in hospital air systems becoming the “heart” of the operation. In comparison to the usual compressors, a medical grade type needs to meet high standard criteria and precision. After all, it delivers the air that vulnerable patients breathe. Hence, in as much as the quality of the machine is important, the compact air it releases is more crucial. One of the most important standards a medical compressor should meet is an oil free feature. The presence of oils in an air system is often the root of gas contamination in hospitals. But, with a compressor, it separates from the machine itself through a chamber. Thus, minimising the spread of contaminants.
Types Of Medical Air Compressor
The impact of using a compressor in the medical and dental fields are life-changing that manufacturers have developed different types. Few products you will encounter include:
Lubricated Reciprocating Compressors
This type is useful in distributing medical air when an intermittent cycle is in need. Through clean copper piping, these compressors provide medical air to patient rooms and even in the laboratory.
Oil Free Screw Compressors
Also known as positive displacement or rotary compressor, this type includes a pair of intermeshing rotors. As the air moves through the rotor, it undergoes condensation and reduction in volume.
Oil Free Scroll Compressors
With a stationary scroll in pair with a moving one, they create compressed air. These scroll compressors are common in calibrating tools, operating ventilators and powering incubators.
Oil Free Tooth Compressors
Aside from its ease of maintenance, tooth compressors operate quietly and are self-regulating. It also confers little to no damage to dental and surgical tools that it powers.
What Are The Applications of Medical Air Compressors?
The uses of medical air compressors are broad and remarkable, which include:
- Powering and cleaning hand-held tools
Drills, suction, and files powered by compressed air are easier to handle and manage than the electrically-powered tools. Cleaning also becomes easy and complete, even without physically touching the equipment.
- Filtrating air in the duct system
All air circulating in the surgery room and patient suites are guaranteed safe through medical compressor systems. Its safety design and performance offer pure and dry air to facilities that benefit the patient and workers.
- Patient breathing
By delivering high grade medical air, patients who cannot breathe on their own could have a quality source of oxygen.
All In All
Make sure that your medical air compressor meets the needed standard of use. Besides only through a certified compressor can systems be safe and free from contaminants. Achieve easy installation and maintenance of your compressor by choosing a Cattani compressor. Learn more and talk to our experts today at (02) 8880 9257.
