7 Benefits of Using an Oil-Free Scroll Compressor
Compressed air used in medical and dental environments needs to be considered carefully because the air can form part of equipment operation and, depending on the application, may come into contact with sensitive processes.
An oil free scroll compressor is one technology that can be considered for these environments because it is designed without oil in the compression chamber. Scroll compression also uses a smooth orbital mechanism, making the technology relevant to facilities where noise and vibration are practical considerations.
However, selecting a compressor for healthcare or dental use requires more than choosing an oil-free model. Air-quality requirements, pressure, flow, duty cycle, installation and applicable standards must all be assessed.
Why Is Oil-Free Compression Relevant to Medical Applications?
Oil-free compression avoids the use of oil within the compression chamber. This is significant for applications where oil contamination in compressed air needs to be controlled.
Medical and dental facilities may use compressed air for equipment and processes that have specific air-quality requirements. The compressor should therefore be selected as part of the complete compressed-air system.
Supporting equipment such as dryers, filters, receivers and distribution systems can also influence the final air quality.
How Does a Scroll Compressor Work?
A scroll compressor contains two spiral-shaped scroll elements. One remains fixed while the other moves in an orbital path.
Air enters between the scrolls and becomes trapped in pockets. As the moving scroll continues its orbital motion, the pockets travel towards the centre and gradually become smaller.
The reduction in volume compresses the air before it is discharged.
Why Can Scroll Technology Suit Dental Facilities?
Dental clinics often operate equipment in environments where patients and staff are nearby. Noise and vibration can therefore become practical considerations when selecting utility equipment.
An oil-free scroll compressor may be considered where:
- Clean compressed air is required
- Low noise is desirable
- Equipment is installed near occupied spaces
- Consistent compressed-air supply is needed
- Compact equipment configuration is preferred
The actual suitability depends on the dental equipment and its manufacturer's compressed-air requirements.
Why Can Oil-Free Scroll Compressors Suit Healthcare Facilities?
Healthcare facilities can have multiple compressed-air requirements, and the specification needs to reflect the intended application.
Oil-free scroll technology can be considered where clean compressed air is important. Its smooth operating principle can also be useful where equipment noise needs to be controlled.
For hospitals and healthcare facilities, compressor selection should be carried out against the relevant medical-air requirements and applicable standards.
What Should Hospitals and Dental Clinics Consider?
1. Air Quality
Determine the required air-quality class or specification for the intended application. The compressor should be selected as part of the complete air-treatment system.
2. Pressure
Identify the pressure required by the connected medical or dental equipment.
3. Flow
Estimate peak and average air demand. Multiple connected devices may create different demand patterns.
4. Operating Hours
Healthcare facilities may require extended or continuous operation. Compressor configuration should therefore reflect the expected duty cycle.
5. Noise
Where equipment is installed near patients, staff or treatment rooms, sound level should be included in the selection criteria.
6. Maintenance
A planned maintenance programme is important for critical utility equipment. Operators should follow the manufacturer's recommendations and maintain appropriate service records.
7. Service Support
A compressor supplier should be able to provide technical assistance and genuine components when required.
What Role Does a Scroll Air Compressor Supplier Play?
Choosing a scroll air compressor supplier is part of the equipment selection process.
The supplier should be able to understand:
- Medical or dental application requirements
- Pressure and flow demand
- Installation conditions
- Air-quality expectations
- Maintenance requirements
- Service support needs
Bimpex's brand guidelines position the company as a technical partner providing equipment selection, genuine spares and after-sales service rather than simply selling equipment.
Anest Iwata's Oil-Free Scroll Technology
The Bimpex brand guidelines identify Anest Iwata as a pioneering manufacturer in oil-free scroll technology and reference the world's first oil-free scroll compressor in 1991, along with patented technology and Critical Maintenance Free technology.
For Bimpex-related content, Anest Iwata should be presented as the technology and equipment brand, while Bimpex should be identified as the authorised distributor or channel partner.
Is Oil-Free Enough for Medical Air?
No. An oil-free compressor alone does not automatically define the quality of air delivered at the point of use.
The complete system needs to be evaluated, including:
- Compressor
- Filtration
- Drying
- Receiver
- Distribution piping
- Point-of-use equipment
- Maintenance practices
The required standards and specifications should be established for the specific medical or dental application before equipment is selected.
Conclusion
An oil free scroll compressor can be a practical technology to evaluate for medical and dental applications where clean compressed air, smooth operation and controlled noise are important considerations.
Healthcare and dental facilities should assess the complete compressed-air system rather than choosing a compressor solely because it is oil-free. Pressure, flow, air quality, duty cycle, installation and service support should all form part of the selection process.
FAQs
1. Why are oil-free compressors considered for dental applications?
They avoid oil in the compression chamber, making the technology relevant where clean compressed air is important.
2. Are oil-free scroll compressors suitable for hospitals?
They can be considered for appropriate healthcare applications, subject to the required pressure, flow, air-quality specifications and applicable standards.
3. Does an oil-free compressor alone guarantee medical-grade air?
No. The complete compressed-air system, including filtration, drying, distribution and maintenance, must be evaluated.
4. What should a dental clinic consider when selecting a compressor?
Air quality, pressure, flow, noise, duty cycle, installation conditions, maintenance and service support should be considered.
5. How does scroll compression work?
Two spiral-shaped scrolls progressively compress trapped air as one scroll moves in an orbital path around the other.