November 10, 2023

Why Not Build Something

A magazine for construction freaks

Air compressors in the surgical field

Doctor check

Most times compressed air finds its way into the medical industry. Compressed air is used in applications for the lungs, anesthetics and intensive care machines. Hospitals that have 150 beds and operational surgical theatres need to have laboratory air system, medical air system and a pneumatic air system. The systems will most often have oil-less reciprocating air compressors along with other equipment.

What are medical air compressors used for?

Air compressors are used in the operating theatre where life support systems are used during surgery and rely on compressors to make them operational. Many surgical instruments require compressed air to function. Oxygen machines need air compressors so they can thin out the air so that the sedated patient can inhale it.
Compressors are used to power blood analyzers, dental milling machines, powering up autoclaves, ENT air aspirators, endoscopy equipment and nebulizers.

Air compressors for ventilators

The units deliver dried and filtered compressed air to the patients who are suffering from life-threatening conditions and need to be connected to ventilation machines for life support.

Laboratory experiments

These type of air compressors are in the category of care devices 1; this includes all systems that deliver compressed air in a capacity in which any type of interruption can be fatal to the patient. The compressors are equipped with low pressure and high temperature with visual alarms. Almost all of the models that are delivering air in this category are oil-free. They have a high flow output and low noise levels. This type has a standby function that is reassuring when there is a gas supply interruption that the compressor will take over and deliver the air that is needed.

Medical compressors that are used for ventilators need to have a clear interface, power and air source and bright indicator lamps used for alarms.
Other defining characteristics of medical air compressors is that they are manufactured for ventilators, so there is an easy and convenient maintenance that is needed. Most are equipped with a meter for working hours and will require standard consumables.

Respiratory medical air compressors

When there is a delivery of compressed air for medical respiration assistance, the pressure of the air must be regulated. If there is insufficient pressure, it can cause the breathing machine to fail and not deliver the right level of oxygen. If too much is given to the patient, it can cause serious injury.
Respiratory medication devices are essential for individuals who have respiratory problems that require inhaled aerosolized medications. The devices are often powered with a high output compressor that has a warranty of at least five years.

Air compressors in the laboratory

When a hospital has a joining laboratory, it most often won’t use the same air system as the air system being used for the medical hospital. The laboratory air compressors will supply air to the development and research areas. There are oil-lubricated and oil-free air compressors that have the right proper filtration and are most suitable for this use.

When it comes to the manufacturers of medical air compressors, Grainger is one of the most reputable. The company have air compressors that are designed for research facilities, laboratories and medical units that fall within the scientific and medical process industries.
The smaller air compressors are for medical and dental settings. Those types supply you with clean and reliable air for medical instrumentation, therapy and diagnostics.