In scientific environments, where optimal conditions are necessary, using clean, consistent compressed air is important. It's vital for powering tools and pneumatic equipment. When finding the right solution, you'll likely encounter "instrument air." This refers to extremely clean, dry air that's free of impurities.
Instrument air is used for operating handheld medical tools, surgical saws, and medical drills. It's utilized for cleaning and sterilizing medical instruments. In laboratory experiments and quality controls, compressed air plays a major role. It goes without saying these applications demand the best possible conditions to eliminate health risks or contamination.
In addition to these applications, clean air also improves results when operating rock drills, riveters, forging presses, and paint sprayers. Regardless of whether you're operating construction, medical, or laboratory equipment, you can benefit from a versatile, efficient oil-free compressor. The scroll compressor, in particular, meets many needs, including the mentioned applications.
This article will cover the benefits of a scroll compressor, and why this equipment may be the best solution for you. It's capable of delivering clean, high-purity instrument air.
What is instrument air?
Generally speaking, instrument air is free of oil, moisture, microorganisms, and other contaminants. It differs from industrial compressed air in that it follows more strict guidelines. Due to this, not every compressor is capable of delivering optimal instrument air. This is because it's impossible to completely remove oil particles through filtration.
To make sure you're buying the right equipment, you'll want to avoid ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 1 "technically oil-free" machines. Instead look for ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 0 certified compressors. By doing so, you can meet industry specific regulations and maintain the best conditions. This is particularly important when working in medical and laboratory settings that deal with treating humans.
The oil-free scroll compressor
There's a few oil-free compressor options, including the piston and scroll. While piston and scroll equipment can both be relatively small, the scroll tends to be quieter and more economical to operate. This is the case for the Atlas Copco SF+ series, which produces as little as 52 dB(A) ambient noise. It also comes with an IE3 motor to meet strict efficiency standards.
Regardless of which model you choose, the entire series comes with an Elektronikon® Touch controller, and Variable Flow Technology for the larger sizes. The latter automatically starts and stops scroll elements to meet demand. The SF+ series also has SMARTLINK remote monitoring to maintain maximum uptime. When compared to a piston compressor, less energy is used. This is because a piston machine requires a cool down period and needs to be restarted in between uses.
With all this, its compact oil-free design is suitable for instrument air applications. This is because the SF+ series includes either a refrigerant or a desiccant dryer, depending on the required air quality. Dryers play an important role in removing moisture, which can lead to rust, corrosion, and bacteria. To determine the best solution, follow industry guidelines and requirements.
Download the scroll compressor for scientific instrument application leaflet
Frictionless design
Due to how a scroll compressor works, oil isn't needed as lubricant. This is because the two scrolls which trap air don't come in contact with each other. Instead, a cooling fan can be used to keep the machine cool during periods of long use. Also, with no friction, the scrolls require little maintenance. This makes a scroll compressor an excellent solution.
Choosing the best equipment
This article provides a general overview of what to look for when researching compressors, and points out the benefits of a scroll compressor. That said, you'll want to consider factors like flow, pressure, and size of your facility. It's also best to consult local governing bodies for your application to ensure you're meeting regulations.
With a team of experts, we can help determine the best solution for you. We're available to answer any questions covered in this article, and are happy to put together a custom assessment based on your needs. To learn more and get started, contact us today. In addition to the SF+, we offer a full range of compressors and accessories. We look forward to working with you.
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