Monthly Archives: March 2017

dental equipment

What’s the Benefit of Efficient Dental Air Compressor

An air compressor can also function at high temperatures and in locations where explosions and fire hazards restrict other forms of energy. Air can be generated on site, so there’s more control over usage and air quality. Also, dental air compressors can run tools and equipment that generate more power than normal tools. When using pneumatic tools, an air compressor becomes a vital part of your operation.

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The most popular compressors are positive displacement compressors, which work by filling a chamber with air and then reducing volume. Positive displacement compressors include reciprocating, rotary screw and rotary vane compressors. Although reciprocating compressors are the most widely available on the market, rotary compressors are most useful in industrial environments.

Studies have concluded that industrial plants waste roughly 30 percent of generated compressed air, which could equate to $9,600 for a typical scfm installation, or as much as $32,100 for 1,500 CFM. Estimates also indicate that poorly designed compressed air systems in the U.S. result in wasted utility payments of up to $3.2 billion.

Energy efficient air compressors will not only save money but will also help control pollution. A walk-through assessment can help identify conservation opportunities in your compressed air system.

Large-scale air emissions are released when electricity is produced. Reducing the electricity needed for compressed air systems can help significantly improve air quality.

Many industrial compressors use oil for lubrication, creating an oil and water mixture called condensate, which contains hydrocarbons and other harmful contaminants that require proper disposal in accordance with government guidelines. Oil water separators, used in condensate management systems, can help efficiently remove waste. An outside waste management company can help dispose of compressor condensate.

The largest cause of energy waste results from unused, or leaked, compressed air. Heat loss is also a large component of wasted energy in the air compression process. With energy costs doubling in the last five years, it couldn’t be more crucial to make your compressor more energy efficient.

The cleaner the air your compressor creates and uses, the safer your patients. In a dental practice, there is the risk of exposure to bacteria, microorganisms and pathogens. When equipment is producing poor-quality air, or it’s improperly generating a moist environment in machine parts, you could be creating a breeding ground for these dangers.

Dental Autoclve

How to Do the Sterilization

Steam dental autoclaves are the most commonly used type of heat sterilizer in dental practices. Two types of processes employ steam under pressure. The difference between the two is the manner in which the machine evacuates the air from the sterilization chamber and then introduces the steam.

Gravity displacement sterilizers rely on the forces of gravity to force air out of the chamber through air escape vents. The steam entering the chamber from the water reservoir displaces the air as it leaves the chamber. The combination of pressurization of the chamber, steam and a high temperature for a prolonged period has the ability to kill virtually all microorganisms. This is the most common type of autoclave found in dental offices in the United States. A typical cycle for wrapped instruments includes heat-up and pressurization time, followed by a 15-to-30-minute cycle during which sterilization is taking place (121°C at 15 psi). The sterilization cycle time decreases as the temperature is increased.

It is important to use cycle times and temperatures described in the owner’s manual, and never to interrupt the sterilization cycle to remove or add items, or for any other reason. Interruption of the cycle will result in instruments that are not sterile and therefore not safe for use on patients. After the sterilization cycle, the sterilizer must depressurize and the packs remain in the sterilizer for drying. The drying phase may take anywhere from 20-45 minutes. The unit must only be opened after completion of the drying cycle. Upon removal from the sterilizer, sterile packs must be stored in a clean, dry area. Packs that become wet, torn, contaminated, or otherwise compromised require resterilization.

Dry-heat sterilization employs high temperatures for extended periods to achieve sterilization of dental equipment. The method of heat circulation in dry-heat sterilizers is usually convection, which helps to ensure that the heat circulates throughout the sterilization chamber during the process. Mechanical convection is more effective; the sterilizer contains a fan or blower that continually circulates the heated air to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the chamber. Most commercially available dry-heat sterilizers on the market today are of this type.

The higher temperature of a dry-heat sterilizer means that paper will scorch and plastic will melt. Specialized packaging material is available for dry-heat sterilizers. Most handpieces will not tolerate the higher temperatures of a dry-heat sterilizer. Mechanically driven handpieces that contain turbines and bearings are susceptible to damage at higher temperatures. The manufacturer’s instructions should be checked for compatibility of instruments, devices, and materials with the unit and the handpiece manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for preparation of the handpiece prior to sterilization and for sterilization itself.