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Dental Compressor

How to Maintain the Dental Air Compressor

A dental air compressor pressurizes atmospheric air for use in procedures. Standard compressors are not suitable for this purpose because they may not meet health and safety standards. Dental firms can choose from an array of models designed for small, medium, and large practices with a variety of features.

The operation of an air system requires more than just an ability to turn the right switches. One of the most important aspects of the whole operation is the maintenance of the compressor and various other components, because this ensures long life and efficiency for an air system. Unfortunately, compressed air maintenance mistakes are often made by operators who’ve only familiarized themselves with the basic workings of the equipment.

Common mistakes in compressed air maintenance include failure to assess energy costs and the impacts of contamination and condensation. These mistakes alone can lead to inefficiency and parts failure that can result in losses in the tens of thousands over the course of a given year. Further compressed air maintenance mistakes include a lack of attention to secondary components and a failure to properly train all members on staff of the finer nuances of compressor operation.

Compressed air should always be oil free. Nonetheless, oil serves as a necessary evil in the process of air compression. As such, the process has its share of potential consequences. As the air is compressed, oil is used for the purposes of cooling, lubrication, and sealing. Unfortunately, up to half of the degraded oil can pass through the system in vaporized form, especially when temperatures are high. The system itself can also draw unburned hydrocarbons, which condense once cooled. When acidic oil vapors mesh with moisture in the compressed air, corrosive buildup forms along the air receivers and valve cylinders.

It must be noted that dental oilless air compressors are not contaminant-resistant compressors. In other words, the inlet valve of an oil-free compressor cannot magically filter out airborne contaminants from ambient air. Just as with an oil-lubricated system, an oil-free compressor needs filtration to keep water, dirt, unburned hydrocarbons, and other impurities from the compression process.

Some manufacturers offer refurbished units which have been carefully serviced before sale. These units are similar to those that are new, but have a lower price because they’ve been gently used. It may also be possible to rent a unit, which can help defray the startup costs for a dental practice. The equipment needed to start offering services to patients can be substantial, making it expensive to start a new business.

Dental Compressor

TheType of Fluid Used in Air Compressor

It is not uncommon for five horsepower air compressor pricing to range from less than $750 to near $2000. The difference can be measured in compressor life, sometimes as short as 2000 hours versus 40 years for a heavy duty pressure lubricated compressor. While the upfront cost is attractive, it would seem the maintenance would involve throwing away the lesser air compressor every year or so and replacing it with a new machine. Even if it were planned to keep the air compressor and perform a rebuild, it may not be possible with less costly air compressors.

The consumption of special parts and oil also must be considered in the cost of ownership. It is typical for manufacturers of rotary screw dental air compressors to provide a long-life synthetic fluid to enhance the performance of the air compressor. Synthetic oils will last from 4000 hours to an indefinite period before requiring a change-out.

Depending on the type of fluid used, special handling and disposal might be required. For example, normal motor oil, which is rarely used in any type of air compressor, can be easily discarded without being considered a hazardous waste. Automatic transmission fluid, which will last about twice as long and reflects that in its price, can similarly be disposed of fairly simply. Both types of fluid are collected routinely by oil recyclers to be re-blended.

Synthetic fluids and blends, however, sometimes require special handling for proper disposal. Ester and olefin type fluids must be identified and require special disposal in some municipalities. It is best to check before buying to ensure all costs are factored.

Other types of fluid are considered to be biodegradable, and thus suitable for disposal in a sewer system. Such fluids, polyalkeneglycol or polyglycol, should have a certificate from the manufacturer that states the fluid’s biodegradability.

Other specialty chemicals like silicon blends or pure silicon represent another disposal issue and should be disclosed prior to purchase. Note that the more features a fluid has, like long life and high temperature stability, the more expensive it will be to buy and discard.

By carefully selecting an air compressor that has a balance between long service life and parts cost, it is possible to save even more money over the life of the equipment. Also, by weighing the maintenance requirements, the impact of waste filters and fluid can be managed as well. Less cost and less waste is better for the economy and ultimately is better for the environment.