On page 71 of HTM 02-01 there is a quiet statement that ‘oil free compressors may be beneficial in reducing filter requirements’. But what, asks medical gas specialist, BeaconMedæs, does this little statement, delivered sotto voce, mean?
The company says: “For most of the world, most of the time, clean outdoor air already meets the pharmacopeia. Most of the filtration we add to the air systems is not there because the air was bad to begin with, but because the compressor contaminates it. Naturally, we can’t allow this to pass on to the patient. “While the HTM effectively stipulates: ‘Take any air, add anything you must, and then use technology to clean it up’, other standards say: ‘Get clean air, add no contamination, and deliver it clean’. Both products must ultimately meet the same pharmacopeial quality; one is simply less technology and maintenance-dependent. “Hence the reference to oil-free technology. Since there is no oil in the compression chamber, the multiple filtration stages are unnecessary. Filters remain on the system, and the charcoal absorber may be present, but now they are there to capture particulates, and remove any residual odour and taste from the outside air. “On every hospital terminal there is the statement. ‘Use No Oil’, but down in the basement we still use it. It is strange that ‘Medical Air, EuPharm’ is almost alone among human consumption applications still permitting the use of lubricated compressors. Perhaps it’s time to pay more attention to that quiet clause on page 71?” BeaconMedæs is proud to offer medical oil-free air plant systems incorporating Atlas Copco oil-free compressor technology.
BeaconMedaes Telford Crescent Staveley Derbyshire S43 3 PF United Kingdom
Tel: 01246 474242
www.beaconmedaes.com
