The Right Compressor for the Medical Industry
Compressed Air systems are absolutely necessary to the Medical Industry. Not only are compressors used to power tools, but they are also used to provide air for patients in need. As you can imagine, this means that medical air compressors need to be able to distribute pure and uncontaminated supplies of air. Choosing the right compressor for the Medical Industry is a difficult job.
JHFOSTER created this guide to help this choice be much easier and straight-forward.
Medical Compressor Uses
Compressed Air Powers Tools
Compressed air supplies continual and pressured power to hand tools used around clinics. These hand tools include nail guns and impact hammers that are used to repair structures around hospitals and medical clinics.
Compressed Air for Assisted Breathing
Compressed air systems can assist in patient breathing to keep them comfortable during operations. The use of compressed air as providing clean air for a breathing aid is called compression. Ensuring that ventilators give out clean, dry air is imperative. In order to make sure that patients receive continual air, we recommend using a reliable Oil-Free Compressor.
These systems are built to remain reliable with alarms and supply continual, uninterrupted air supply.
Rehabilitation Aid
Compressed Air can also be used to aid in rehabilitation and physical therapy. Rather than using weights and other equipment that can cause harm to patients, compressed air can be used to add resistance to exercises.
Pressurized Air for Medical Devices
Compressed air assists tools used within the medical operation room. Oil-free and oil-lubricated compressors can assist in medical instrumentation. Proper maintenance on these compressors is imperative because a malfunction can inhibit doctors and physicians during operations.
Laboratory Use
Laboratory’s within a clinic or hospital do not need to use the same air systems as the rest of the clinic. Generally for laboratory use, oil-free and oil-lubricated compressors with attached filtration are the best used. These compressors give clean and consistent air supply for diagnostics.
Compressors for the Medical Industry
Oil-Less Reciprocating Compressors
Oil-Less Reciprocating Compressors allow for intermittent cycles. These compressors also ensure contaminants never reach patients even in the case of filtration failures. These cost-effective compressors are fairly flexible. However, changing out belts and pistons on these compressors once worn out is important. Failing to do so will result in a temporary shutdown or malfunction.
Oil-Free Screw Compressors
These compressors are energy-efficient and offer low-noise. With no oil usage, the risk of contamination is practically zero. These compressors can be used in medical device manufacturing and in hospitals themselves.
Oil-Free Screw Compressors are often used in larger medical device manufacturing companies.
Oil-Free Scroll Compressors
Scroll compressors are similar in advantages to the Oil-Less Reciprocating Compressor. However, these compressors are much smaller in size, operate with little to no noise, and are generally low-maintenance. For these reasons, you will see Oil-Free Scroll Compressors often used in smaller clinics and facilities. Even more, risk of contamination is not a factor with these compressors!
It is important to remember that these compressors needs annual maintenance.
Medical Air Compressors Service & Repair
NFPA Compliance
Medical Compressors must be NFPA compliant. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has three classifications for hospital compressors and vacuum systems: Medical Air, Instrument Air and Medical Vacuum. Your systems must be able to pass requirements for these three classifications.
These unit classifications have built in redundancy so that if any critical parts of the systems fail, a back-up will automatically turn on. An alarm system then alerts maintenance staff of the failure and that a backup system has been kicked on. This failure system must be built into your compressed air solution, otherwise an NFPA Inspector will not allow you to use your equipment within the medical facility.
Our Compressed Air Technicians are 6040 certified to work on NFPA99 compliant equipment. We are on standby to help you solve your problems and breakdowns or to find the right medical compressor for you. Our specialists can serve you during normal business hours, however you need help. Our in-house support can walk you through troubleshooting your issue by phone. In addition, our technicians are ready to meet you at your location. Finally, we have 24-Hour Emergency Service. All you need to do is call us to request emergency help.
Have other questions? Please feel free to reach us at 800.582.5162 or email us.