Medical air compressors require frequent maintenance in order to ensure high performance. This article explains the various medical air compressors and the preventative maintenance practices that should be carried out for them.
Types of Medical Air Compressors
Below, we discuss three different types of medical air compressors used in medical facilities, their uses, and some necessary maintenance measures to take for each.
Scroll Compressor
A scroll compressor (also known as a spiral compressor, scroll vacuum pump, or scroll pump) is a medical air compressor used for compressing air or refrigeration. (Source: Wikipedia)
A scroll compressor needs maintenance annually. During the inspection, the following is done:
- Belts get changed – Tension belts in a scroll compressor should be changed just in case they are worn out. This ensures high performance during regular use.
- Belt tension checked – Belts should be tightened regularly. This ensures that the components are in place, and thus, the general output is enhanced.
- Tip Seals should be changed – After every 10,000 hours, you should ensure that the seals receive a regular and proper flow of liquid for lubrication purposes through internal pump passages.
- Bearings should be greased – During assembly, bearings should be greased with quality grease type “EP 3.” In order for the pump to be in good working condition, the bearings should be lubricated regularly to avoid overheating.
- Replacement of Tip Seals – Tip seals should be replaced regularly since their faces and elastic parts suffer damages that may go beyond repair.
- Replacement of O-rings, Seals, and Exhaust Valves
- Regular Pump monitoring and maintenance – Pump care is vital since it prevents failure and unexpected tool downtime.
Reciprocating Compressor
A reciprocating compressor, also known as a piston compressor, is a positive displacement compressor that has pistons driven by a crankshaft to produce gases at high pressure.
The intake gas goes in the suction manifold, then makes its way into the compression cylinder, which is compressed by a piston driven in a reciprocating motion via a crankshaft and is later discharged. (Source: Wikipedia)
This medical air compressor requires the following maintenance practices:
- Belts get changed – You should change belts regularly to prevent them from being too loose. Loose belts can easily slip and cause excessive wear and vibration to occur.
- Belt tension checked – It is important to check the belt tension since they control many operations.
- Piston rings replaced – Piston rings wear out due to the opening and closing. Usually, the lip of a cylinder should be discarded to allow the piston assembly to slide out of the liner.
Here are some ways maintenance for a medical air compressor differs from a scroll compressor:
- No oil to change
- No tip seals to change
Liquid Ring Pump
A liquid ring pump is a rotating positive displacement pump. These pumps are mostly used as a vacuum pump but can also be used as a gas compressor. The work of a liquid ring pump is almost similar to that of a rotary vane pump. The only difference is that the vanes are a vital part of the rotor, being the only part that moves. The shaft seals are the only parts with sliding friction. The induction motor powers the liquid ring pumps. (Source: Wikipedia)
Maintenance practices in a liquid ring pump include:
- Check the Water Separator- It is vital to check the water separator regularly since it lets you see how quickly it fills up under normal circumstances.
- Bearings checked - Bearings should be lubricated after every 2,000/2,500 hours of use. High-quality grease should be applied. Bearing temperatures should not go beyond 85 degrees Celsius.
- Mechanical Seals lubricated - Mechanical seals must never be dry. When seals operate without a lubricant, their faces and elastomers may be damaged beyond repair. The conditions of the seals should be checked every 4,000 working hours.
Maintenance practices in a liquid ring pump do not include:
- Changing Belts or Tip Seals
- Replacing Piston Rings
- Changing Oil
Maintenance Ensures High Performance
Well-maintained medical air compressors are essential to smooth operations in all types of medical functions and facilities. Knowing the differences between the various compressors and their maintenance requirements is key for facility managers and other staff.
Adhering to proper maintenance standards will allow your facility to avoid unnecessary risks and delays due to poor compressor performance.
