Medical Protective Clothing: The Complete Guide

    Medical protective clothing, also known as medical protective suit, disposable protective coverall, or antivirus suit. Medical protective clothing refers to the protective clothing used by medical personnel (doctors, nurses, public health personnel, cleaners, etc.) and people entering a specific health areas (such as patients, hospital visitors, persons entering the infected area, etc.). Medical protective clothing has good moisture permeability and barrier, has the function of resisting the penetration of alcohol, blood, body fluid, air dust particles, and bacterial virus, effectively protect the safety of personnel and keep the environment clean.


    Medical protective clothing is a combination of hats, tops, and trousers. There are two kinds of medical protective clothing: isolation gown and protective clothing. The main difference between medical protective clothing and isolation gown is that medical protective clothing is more durable than isolation clothing, the protection grade is higher, the protection performance is better, the protection purpose and the protection principle of them are different.


    The common materials used in disposable medical protective clothing are polypropylene textile adhesive fabric, new polyester fiber, polymer coated fabric, SMS nonwovens, polyethylene breathable film/nonwoven composite. At present, most of them use polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material to make medical protective clothing, PTFE is a kind of high-performance polymer, which cannot only resist water pressure but also discharge water vapor through micropores.


    There are many kinds of coatings for protective fabrics, such as PVC, polyethylene and so on. The waterproof, barrier bacteria of this kind of protective clothing is good, it can be reused, but the moisture permeability is poor and uncomfortable. The high-end laminated fabric is PTFE, super waterproof and moisture permeable composite fabric.


   



    Antimicrobial technology adds a durable defense barrier on fabric, which helps fight odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. This makes a product with antimicrobial fabric stay fresher longer so you can wear it with confidence. This lasting, continual protection against potentially harmful microbes lasts wash after wash. The antibacterial fabric stays cleaner for longer and in between washings. If a towel stinks less, you will wash it less because it maintains that just laundered feeling. New energy-efficient washing practices do not get fabrics as clean. Adding antimicrobial product protection reduces the growth of odor-causing microbes that remain on your clothes even after washing.


   



    Your clothing doesn’t just look great. It also absorbs or blocks harmful UV radiation and remains one of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and skin cancer.


    What's more, sun protective clothing is the simplest way to stay safe; unlike sunscreen, you never need to reapply!


    Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example, a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun’s rays and allows two percent (1/50th) to penetrate, thus reducing your exposure risk significantly. UPF measures the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate fabric and reach your skin. Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, is based on the time it takes for UV-exposed skin to redden; if you burn after 20 minutes, if used correctly, an SPF 15 sunscreen may protect your skin 15 times longer.


   



    The textile industry is considered the most ecologically harmful industry in the world. The eco-problems in textile industry occur during some production processes and are carried forward right to the finished product. In the production process like bleaching and then dyeing, the subsequent fabric makes a toxin that swells into our ecosystem. During the production process controlling pollution is as vital as making a product free from the toxic effect. The utilization of rayon for clothing has added to the fast depleting forests. Petroleum-based products are harmful to the environment. In order to safeguard our environment from these effects, an integrated pollution control approach is needed. Luckily there is an availability of more substitutes.


    Hemp, wool, organic cotton, soy silk, bamboo fabrics, jute, corn fiber, etc are considered eco-friendly fabrics due to their availability from nature without any harmful effects of chemicals or toxins. Moreover, as compared to other synthetic fibers they are available at a cheaper rate.


   



    Clothing has been used for protection since time immemorial, shielding the human body from social, physical and emotional threats. The term protective clothing defines everything used for physical protection of the body.



    Today, the array of physical threats is endless and so is the availability of protective wear. It can be worn in any situation to provide protection and make the wearer stand against any hazardous condition. Many individuals with injuries or handicaps use protective clothing to prevent further possible damage.



    Clothing psychology and comfort have changed the way people look at protective clothing. Consumers are embracing fashionable protective clothing to participate in sports and adventurous activities. They are ready to risk their life trusting advanced protective wear. On the other hand, protective wear are building trust by boosting the consumer's performance.

The relation between shaker screen mesh and the hole diameter

    A shale shaker screen is a vulnerable spare part of a shale shaker. But the shaker screen is very important in the drilling mud recycling system. The shaker screens design and quality determined the separation performance of the shale shaker. Generally speaking, the working environment and the drilling mud contents are the most determining factors to choose a suitable MI-SWACO shaker screen. The other factor is the size of the particle in the drilling mud fluid to be separated. If you know the particle size, so the shaker screen mesh is determined.


   



    What is the shaker screen mesh?


    Shaker screen mesh refers to the quantity of holes per square inch. So the Derrick shaker screen mesh has an inverse proportional relation with the hole quantity. That is to say, the larger the shaker screen mesh, the smaller the screen hole size. Commonly speaking, the relation between them is: Mesh x Hole Diameter(micron)=15000


    For example, if the shaker screen mesh is 200, then we can estimate that the screen hole diameter is about 75 microns. This is very useful for us to choose the proper shale shaker screen according to the mud fluid contents.


    Other shaker screens or you can say shale shaker screens too, are a type of mechanical screen, aim to take solids out or separate solids from drilling fluid (mud). Usually, a composite frame shaker screen is made of stainless steel, polyurethane or composite frame. It is a spare part of a shale shaker and a combined shaker frame by stainless screw and wedge block.


    Shale shaker spring is a component that provides a damping effect. The spring quality and feature will help us to get a better process when stopping the shaker. Most of the springs are made of high-quality special spring steel. However, some of the springs or we call it float amount/absorber is made of rubber or combined rubber and steel.


   



    In minerals processing, one of the most important hydrocyclone applications is within closed circuit grinding operations, classifying particles leaving the mill. Incorrect particle classification has a detrimental impact on plant efficiency and can unnecessarily consume circuit capacity.


    Feed pellet machines can bring benefits to your poultry farming. Choosing a suitable feed pelletizer machine and using it properly will significantly improve the quality of the feed. It will soon reflect a benign effect in the production process. If you can further master the technology of making animal feed pellets, you can also greatly reduce the cost of materials, thereby increasing profits.


   



    It is agreed upon in the trucking industry that ratchet straps are the most secure way to tie down a heavy load, providing the most strength and security for oversized gear! The best heavy-duty ratchet straps wrap, hook, or clip to your trailer rub rail or D-rings. These tie-down straps tighten using a ratcheting system so you can apply the right amount of pressure over or around your cargo to ensure it will stay firmly in place. Having reliable, high-quality ratchet straps is integral to making sure you deliver your cargo safely and securely!


   



    Are you planning your next overhead lifting project and unsure about the best type of industrial lifing sling to use? Or, maybe you are not getting the service life you would expect out of the slings that you’re currently using? Alloy chain slings, wire rope slings, synthetic slings, and metal mesh slings can all be used to safely and efficiently lift, move, and position a load.


    But, choosing the right type of lifting sling is dependent on a complete understanding of the application, the environment it is being used in, and how the sling will be used to support and lift the load. Wire rope is a preferred lifting device for many reasons. Its unique design consists of multiple steel wires that form individual strands laid in a helical pattern around a fiber or steel core. This structure provides strength, flexibility, and the ability to handle bending stresses.


   



    Regardless of the time spent on a roof, the risk of falling is high. Any fall is likely to result in a serious injury. Industrial rope and nets installed below a high-level work area reduce the distance that a worker can fall. They absorb the impact of the fall and provide a soft landing to reduce the likelihood of a person being injured. Safety nets are collective fall arrest systems, not fall restraint systems. That is, they provide passive protection from falls while allowing people to work at height without restricting their movement. A safety rope passes through each mesh around the perimeter of the net and determines the net's overall dimensions.

What are Precision Stamping Machines?

    Precision metal stamping is a process for punching markings, three-dimensional shapes, or other designs into material surfaces, and precision stamping machines exert a high level of force to engrave dies and forms onto the surface material. Metals such as steel, copper, and aluminum are the most commonly stamped materials, though other metals, plastics, and cement can also undergo precision stamping.


   



    Benefits of Precision Metal Stamping


    Along with machining, die-casting, forging, and many other examples, precision metal stamping is a standard and ubiquitous manufacturing process. Some of its major benefits include:


   
       
            Lower die cost: Precision metal stamping dies tend to be relatively less expensive to produce and maintain than those used in other common processes.
       
   
   
       
            Lower secondary costs: Cleaning and plating precision stamping machines are cheaper than similar treatments for other metal forming techniques.
       
   
   
       
            High level of automation: Precision metal stamping machines are relatively easy to automate, and can employ high-end computer-control programs that provide greater precision, faster production, and quicker turnaround times.
       
   


   



    Precision Stamping Industries and Applications


    Precision stamping machines are useful in a variety of applications, especially those involving three-dimensional designs, lettering, or other surface engraving features. Such terminal stamping products are commonly produced for home appliance manufacturers, automotive companies, telecommunications services, aerospace industries, medical equipment manufacturers, and electronics companies.


    The specific products and components can range from simple metal stamping parts, such as metal clips, springs, weights, washers, and brackets, to more complex designs, such as those found in engine bases or friction plates.


   



    Operated with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) systems and provided with precise design instructions, CNC Lathes are machine tools where the material or part is clamped and rotated by the main spindle, while the cutting tool work on the material, is mounted and moved in various axis.



    CNC Lathe services are normally used for machining parts, where the material/part is clamped and rotated whereas the cutting tool is stationarily mounted for OD (Outer Diameter) and ID (Inner Diameter) operations, e.g. shafts and pipes. They are ideal for parts that have the same symmetry around an axis that could be chucked up (i.e. radially clamped) in the spindle.


   



    Most subtractive CNC machines such as mills, water jets, and plasma cutters have the workpiece secured to a bed and the cutting done by a spinning tool. To cut, the tool moves across the workpiece or a tool head shoots at it. In contrast, CNC turning company reverses that process by rotating the workpiece and cutting away at it (by moving a static cutting bit against the workpiece).


    Because of how they operate, CNC mills are primarily used for creating complicated geometries, while CNC lathes are used for creating cylindrical or oblong shapes. A CNC lathe is usually chosen over a CNC milling service or 3D printer because of its ability to make multiples of the same part incredibly fast and from one stock piece of material. Check out this mesmerizing video of a CNC lathe in action:


    Horizontal turning centers are enclosed CNC lathes that integrate milling and drilling capabilities. A turning center can also include a traveling tool turret, more tooling axes, coolant flooding, a tailstock that is separated from the carriage, and sometimes a conveyor belt.


   



   
       
           
                Injection molding processing is a manufacturing process that is commonly used to create plastic components. Its ability to produce thousands of complex parts quickly makes it the perfect process for the mass production of plastic components. Essentially, the process involves the injection of plastic at high speed and pressure into a mold, which is clamped under pressure and cooled to form the final part.
           
       
   


   
        By melting thermoplastic and injecting it into an aluminum mold at high speed and pressure, manufacturers can create multiple complex parts at once. When the parameters of the process are controlled correctly, there’s also little need for finishing and processing the manufactured part, making it more cost-effective and efficient.

Why Choose PP Woven Sacks for Bulk Packaging?

    Packaging fulfills the diverse role of protecting products, preventing spoilage, contamination, extending shelf life, ensuring safe storage thereby helping to make them readily available to consumers. PP woven sack is the best choice for bulk packaging.


    PP Woven sacks are worldwide material of choice for bulk packaging of edible commodities for domestic use and exports.



   



    1. PP woven sacks have more advantages than Jute or Paper.


    PP woven sacks / FIBC, Jute, Paper bags/boxes are the most widely used packaging systems for Bulk Commodities. Cement, fertilizer and most of the chemicals are already packed woven sacks while Foodgrains and sugar use both woven sacks and jute bags.


    Plastics are the material of choice because of the inherent advantages of functional performance and cost benefits. Relative merits with respect to functional requirements for bulk packaging using these three prime packaging materials are summarized below.


   



    2. Printing effect of PP woven sacks has improved.


    The function of packaging is to protect it and keep it in ideal form for sales. The appearance of a product is very important regarding its marketing efforts. Packaging has the potential to break or make the success of a product. Protection, attraction, promotion, and differentiation are all categories in that packaging helps enhance a product.


    Attraction from the printing effect is very important for packaging because it is what catches the consumer's eye. What colors, designs, and material used is well thought out by marketers. Product packaging has the ability to catch a consumer's eye and based simply on what they see of the packaging make a decision to choose your product over one they normally buy. Promotion on product packaging influences consumer decisions as well. Packaging is what differentiates your colour printing laminated woven bag from the rest. It has the ability to sell your product, thus resulting in great marketing efforts.


   



    3. Case study: PP woven sacks vs. Paper bags in pet food packaging


    A majority of pet owners have experienced the convenience of buying pet food in bulk: it means fewer trips to the store and in most cases significant cost savings. But for many people, these benefits are quickly forgotten when they go to lift a bag of pet food, only to have the bag rip and spill all over the floor, while still at the retail location, or even later when they have already purchased the item and transported it home.


   



    The changes have happened so gradually that most consumers have not even noticed, but a tremendous amount of plastics have crept onto supermarket shelves. Shoppers are tossing a lot of plastic food packaging bags into their carts that did not exist when they were kids. Cucumbers sleeved in polyethylene film are now ubiquitous in the produce department, as are sliced fruits in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers and chopped, ready-to-eat salads in polypropylene bags. People do not have to make their own guacamole or hummus anymore—it comes already prepared in convenient polypropylene tubs.


   



    Plastic is ubiquitous. They are the lifeline of food packaging, despite facing protests from environmentalists. Love it or hate it, it is true that no packaging is as flexible, affordable and attractive as plastic. Again, it is important to choose the food packaging bags. Here are some types of plastic and how they go with your food products:


    Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET) (Code: 1): Lightweight plastic and has great impact-resistant properties. It is safe and easy to recycle. PETE is a popular packaging option for beverages, oil, water, salad dressing, and jam/jelly.


   



    By learning how to make a gift packing bag from wrapping paper, you can design it however you like. This is also perfect for those awkwardly shaped gifts, that no one really knows how to wrap, without making a bit of a mess! With this tutorial, you can use any size of wrapping paper, as long as it is big enough to hold the gift. Surprise your nearest and dearest with a present, presented in its very own personalized gift bag. To take things up a notch, design your own wrapping paper first.

BELT TENSIONER KITS

    Tensioner Bearings And Kits contain high-quality bearings, pulleys and a sweep, which are all manufactured to guarantee a long service life. If possible, the belts are made of HSN (highly saturated nitrile) because this performs better in the high-temperature areas of today’s engines.


    The belt systems of modern vehicles undergo various stress factors e.g. high operating temperatures and a large number of revolutions per minute, high horsepower loads, and narrow pulleys, which are used to save space under the bonnet.


    All of our belt tensioner kits display the following functional characteristics: high load transmission capacities, optimized vibration and sound insulation, robust construction, resistance against cracks and wear and tear, high flexibility, working temperature range between - 40° C and +120° C, and a long belt service life. Our belt tensioner kits for belt drives and all accessories are made in accordance with the most up-to-date technology.


    Our long-standing partnership with our manufacturers guarantees the highest quality and optimum performance from every single piece of tension equipment in our range.


    The deflection pulley is firmly fitted and makes sure the belt closes around the driven pulley correctly. If the belt is driving more than one unit to facilitate auxiliary drive systems, belt tension rollers are used along the entire length in order to guide the belt and ensure constant tension. The profile of these rollers is often characterized by one or more V-shaped ribs. The belt tension unit guarantees that the belt is correctly tensed and guided. The tension can be adjusted upon assembly using an eccentric or a spring which operates on the clamping plate.


   



    A wheel bearing is a crucial part of the wheel assembly that connects the wheel and the axle. It is a set of steel balls (ball bearings) or tapers (tapered bearings), held together by a metal ring. It enables the wheel to rotate smoothly with a minimum of friction. Wheel Bearings And Kits are safety-critical components designed to sustain radial and axial loads caused by gravitation, acceleration, braking and cornering forces, so they need to be replaced when they stop working properly.


    Wheel bearing kit has an average lifespan of 136,000 to 160,000 km (approximately 85,000 to 100,000 miles). This is only a rule of thumb though, the actual lifespan of a wheel bearing depends on the quality of the wheel bearing and the operating conditions.


    Despite the fact that modern wheel suspension bearings and parts are easier to install than previous generations, correct installation, the usage of appropriate tools and respecting the specified torque values are still essential for maximum performance, durability and safety. Therefore, we recommend having your wheel bearings fitted by a professional mechanic that has the skills and the tools to do the job. 


   



    C.V. joints and parts form a vital link between your transmission and your wheels. All front-wheel vehicles contain four CV joints, one at either end of each of the driveshafts running from your transmission to your wheels. Four-wheel drive vehicles also commonly contain CV joints that perform an identical function for the rear wheels.


    A C.V. joint kit ensures that torque from your transmission reaches the wheels at a constant speed, regardless of the position of the wheels. In other words, CV joints must maintain constant rotating force during turns, while also accounting for the natural up and down movement of your suspension.


    Two common types of CV joints exist ball joints and tripod joints. Most cars use a combination of the two joint types. The outer joint, which connects the driveshaft to the wheel, uses a ball joint. The inner joints, which connect the driveshaft to the transmission, usually use tripod joints.


   



    If you’re driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, then you need to operate the clutch and know how it works. In layman's terms, the clutch is the link between the wheels and the engine of your vehicle. It gives you the ability to disengage the engine when you step down on the clutch pedal. This will cause the vehicle to roll and turn no matter what speed you’re going. You will typically want to disengage the clutch when you stop and need to make a turn. The engine will continue to turn, even though the wheels have stopped. When you go to drive again, you will engage the clutch and give engine power back to the wheels.


    The clutch release bearing is what makes the whole clutch process work. It is responsible for allowing the clutch to engage the engine and disengage the engine. The clutch bearings and parts ride on the clutch spring and connect the gearbox release mechanism to the pressure plate. After you press down on the clutch pedal, the clutch release bearing causes the pressure plate to engage the clutch disc. If you take your foot off the clutch pedal, the pressure plate disengages the clutch disc.

What Is Investment Casting And How Does It Work?

    Factors such as design requirements, cost, and feasibility to manufacture dictate which casting process is most suitable to manufacture a product. Investment casting produces precise components while minimizing material waste, energy, and subsequent machining. It can also ensure the production of very intricate parts. This makes the investment casting process quite useful to design engineers.


    The goal is to understand what is meant by investment casting. So, What exactly is the investment in investment casting? The term invested historically carries the meaning of clothed or surrounded.  Investment casting employs a shell made of ceramic, plaster, or plastic that is formed around a wax pattern. The wax pattern is melted and removed in a furnace and metal is poured into the shell to create the casting.


    Investment casting provides consistent and repetitive close tolerances along with intricate passages and contours. Many of these configurations are impossible to produce. For example, where machine tools cannot reach. Achieving net-shape or near-net-shape cast components can dramatically reduce post-cast processing costs.


    Investment casting is a good alternative to weldments or fabricating. Many components can be combined into a single casting. The more that are combined, the better the manufacturing efficiency. Converting multi-piece components to a single investment casting typically delivers more dimensional accuracy and reduced part complexity.


   



    CNC machining is a manufacturing process that utilizes computerized controls to operate and manipulate machine and cutting tools to shape stock material—e.g., metal, plastic, wood, foam, composite, etc.—into custom parts and designs. While the CNC machining process offers various capabilities and operations, the fundamental principles of the process remain largely the same throughout all of them.


   



    Metal stamping is a cold-forming process that makes use of dies and stamping presses to transform sheet metal into different shapes. Pieces of flat sheet metal, typically referred to as blanks, are fed into a sheet metal stamping press that uses a tool and dies surface to form the metal into a new shape. Production facilities and metal fabricators offering stamping services will place the material to be stamped between die sections, where the use of pressure will shape and shear the material into the desired final shape for the product or component.


   



    Forging is a metal working process that manipulates, shapes, deforms, and compresses metal to achieve the desired form, configuration, or appearance outlined by a metal processing design or diagram. Depending on the type of metal and the requirements of the design, the forging process can be completed using either hot or cold forging processes.


   



    Is there any reason to specify powder metallurgy over traditional machining beyond that is how we have always done it? The answer is a definite yes -- and for more reasons than just the low cost.


    With conventional manufacturing, you melt it, you roll it, you cast, if you machine it. A lot of steps, and a lot of scrap metal at the end.


    Using powder metal reduces waste considerably and therefore can be called an environmentally friendly manufacturing process. Sounds like an oxymoron, but it is really true!


    Leftover metal from machining is minimized. There are no metal chips to throw out. When you look closely, it is apparent that powder metallurgy is truly a green process. In fact, a study by Ford Motor Co. a few years ago showed that the PM process is 15% more energy-efficient than traditional machining.


    Naturally machining from a solid workpiece is sometimes a requirement. But with many projects, you can avoid secondary machining entirely by using the powder metal process.

Desiccant or compressor dehumidifier?

    DESICCANT DEHUMIDIFIERS



    While a compressor dehumidifier has a compressor and a cold surface that it utilizes to yank the moisture from the damp air, the desiccant dehumidifier works more like a sponge or silica gel, simply absorbing the moisture from the humid air via a desiccant wheel. The wheel is regenerated by an inbuilt internal heater that allows the process to go on and on.


    The desiccant dehumidifiers are generally quieter and more compact in design and are thus preferred by many customers. Below are some of the pros and cons of using a desiccant dehumidifier.



    ADVANTAGES OF DESICCANT DEHUMIDIFIERS


    They work well in both cold and warm climates: Unlike the compressor dehumidifiers that are really built for a warm ambient temperature, the moisture absorber boxes will maintain a superior standard of performance in both warm and cold ambient temperatures. This is because while the compressor dehumidifiers work on a condensation principle that requires a temperature gradient between the atmosphere and a condensation surface, the desiccant dehumidifiers utilize an adsorption principle where the water molecules adhere onto a surface to form a thin film of moisture on the dehumidifier material. This makes them highly effective as dehumidifiers in spaces with high humidity at low temperatures. As a result, with the moisture absorber refill, you do not have to grapple with the 15°C cut-off room temperature for optimal performance that is required for the compressor dehumidifiers.


   



    Little packets of silica gel are found in all sorts of products because silica gel is a desiccant -- it adsorbs and holds water vapor. In leather products and foods like pepperoni, the lack of moisture can limit the growth of mold and reduce spoilage. In electronics, it prevents condensation, which might damage the electronics. If a bottle of vitamins contained any moisture vapor and were cooled rapidly, the condensing moisture would ruin the pills. You will find little silica gel packets in anything that would be affected by excess moisture or condensation.


    Silica gel desiccant canister is nearly harmless, which is why you find it in food products. Silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO2), is the same material found in quartz. The gel form contains millions of tiny pores that can adsorb and hold moisture. Silica gel is essentially porous sand.


    Silica gel can adsorb about 40 percent of its weight in moisture and can take the relative humidity in a closed container down to about 40 percent. Once saturated, you can drive the moisture off and reuse silica gel by heating it above 300 degrees F (150 C).


   



    Refrigerator deodorizers help to reduce bacteria growth and therefore reduce smells and extend the life of food. Adding more toxins to your fridge will only create an additional growth area, so opt for deodorizers made of non-toxic ingredients.


    Look at the lifespan of your deodorizer. If you are someone who is good at remembering when it is time to change out your deodorizer, one with a shorter lifespan could work for you. If you are often away from home for extended periods or need something for your rental property, choose a deodorizer that does not need to be frequently changed.


   



    Air purifying bags, as their name suggests, are bags that purify the air. The bag contains activated minerals such as bamboo charcoal to filter the air in its space. It does this by absorbing the chemicals, toxins, and odor and it gives off a fresh scent. However, a bamboo charcoal air purifying bag does not work like aerosol sprays that make the air smell good. In fact, it does not even give off a distinct smell. If your room smells better after you placed the air purifying bag, then that is the smell of clean air.


   



    All products can benefit from adding the packets to your production system. Whether storing or shipping, Silica-Gel Desiccant Packets are an affordable and efficient way to guarantee longer life for products.  The benefits of silica gel desiccant packets go beyond protecting the product during transport to your customers. Customers can continue to use the silica gel desiccant packets for personal use.  Here are some examples of reusing silica gel desiccant packets.

a brief history of blood collection systems and devices
    Before the modern vacuum tube, blood collection tubes and other devices were difficult and imprecise. Etched lines in borosilicate glass tubes reflected the amount of blood the phlebotomist needed to collect.


    Using a disposable venous blood collection needle, the phlebotomist would puncture a vein and direct the blood into the glass tube that contained ETDA or citrate as additives to prevent blood coagulation. Black rubber stoppers were used to seal the tubes for transportation to the laboratory.


   



    Sanitation was also an issue because tubes and syringes were washed between patients. A grinding wheel was used to resharpen multi-sample pen type needles, and they were sterilized between uses.


    Ensured that additives were used in the correct proportion for the amount of blood collected. The vacuum tubes used in venipuncture made blood draws safer and easier, and their results more accurate. Regulatory agencies such as the FDA, ISO, and CLSI now enforce guidelines that ensure that blood collection systems are consistent in both design and manufacture.


   



    Has been an advancement in collecting blood using disposable non-vacuum blood collection tubes, ushering microsampling into the mainstream. With DBS sampling, a small prick of blood is dropped onto an absorbent card made of filter paper. After the card absorbs the blood and dries sufficiently, it can be transported much more easily than glass tubes filled with blood samples. The innovation of DBS cards means that a very tiny sample of blood can provide accurate test results, a boon for patients and technical staff alike.


   



    In all settings in which specimens are collected and prepared for testing, laboratory and health care personnel should follow current recommended sterile techniques, including precautions regarding the use of needles and other sterile equipment.  Treat all biological material as material that is potentially hazardous as well as contaminated virus specimen collection tube supplies. For all those who are involved in specimen collection and preparation, the responsibility to adhere to current recommendations designed to maintain the safety of both patients and health care workers does not end when the patient is dismissed.


   



    Although most approved saliva collection methods use specialized tubes and buffers to stabilize RNA and viral inactivation, researchers have found that this expensive method may not always be needed. Our disposable saliva collection kit is designed to provide a widely available, cost-effective solution for raw saliva collection to simplify saliva-based detection, which is essential for epidemiological research on a global scale. The easy-to-use self-collection kit helps clean saliva transfer, reduces the risk of cross-contamination when paired with liquid handling procedures, and is seamlessly integrated into the downstream automated workflows of viral RNA extraction and direct PCR for high-throughput monitoring and testing.


   



    The Ministry of Health has recently approved the use of do-it-yourself, self-test COVID-19 antigen rapid test kit (colloidal gold) that can be purchased at pharmacies. Designed to be self-administered, these tests will allow more frequent testing for greater peace of mind, should individuals wish to be tested more often. Anyone who tests positive using a self-test kit should immediately approach a SASH clinic for a confirmatory test, and self-isolate while awaiting results.


   



    Wearing a disposable face mask in public places has become the norm in most countries, as the world continues fighting to keep the Covid-19 pandemic at bay.


    Experts now estimate that each month, 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves are used and disposed of globally. With a surgical mask weighing roughly 3.5g, that would equate to 451,500 tonnes of masks a month and, when placed next to one another, cover an area roughly three times the size of Singapore.


    Conservationists and non-governmental organisations are increasingly concerned that a lot of the plastic waste, especially pandemic-related waste, is ending up in landfills, waterways and oceans, adding to the millions of tonnes of plastic waste already dumped into the world's oceans every year.


   



    We are engaged in the development, production and supply of disposable infusion sets used in insulin infusion therapy, including the popular flexible cannula devices currently used with insulin pumps.

The pharmaceutical package market is constantly advancing and has experienced annual growth of at least five percent per annum in the past few years. The market is now reckoned to be worth over $20 billion a year. As with most other packaged goods, pharmaceuticals need reliable and speedy packaging solutions that deliver a combination of product protection, quality, tamper evidence, patient comfort and security needs. Constant innovations in the pharmaceuticals themselves such as, blow fill seal (BFS) vials, anti-counterfeit measures, plasma impulse chemical vapor deposition (PICVD) coating technology, snap off ampoules, unit dose vials, two-in-one prefilled vial design, prefilled syringes and child-resistant packs have a direct impact on the packaging. The review details several of the recent pharmaceutical packaging trends that are impacting packaging industry, and offers some predictions for the future.

Packaging is defined as the collection of different components which surround the pharmaceutical raw material from the time of production until its use. Packaging pharmaceutical products is a broad, encompassing, and multi-faceted task. Packaging is responsible for providing life-saving drugs, medical devices, medical treatments, and new products like medical nutritionals (nutraceuticals) in every imaginable dosage form to deliver every type of supplement, poultice, liquid, solid, powder, suspension, or drop to people the world over. It is transparent to the end user when done well and is open to criticism from all quarters when done poorly.[1,2]

Distribution of products is now more global than ever. Mass customization of packaging to permit its use in multiple markets is a topic that needs exposition and discussion. Environmental issues, including sustainability, will always be a subjective dimension to any packaging design.

Packaging is an emerging science, an emerging engineering discipline, and a success contributor to pharmaceutical industries.

Packaging can reside, or report through research and development (R and D), engineering, operations, purchasing, marketing, or the general administrative department of a company. For the majority of products produced in pharmaceutical industries it is probably the single largest aggregate purchase made by a company of materials critical to the protection, distribution, and sale of the product.
Containment - The containment of the product is the most fundamental function of packaging for medicinal products. The design of high-quality packaging must take into account both the needs of the product and of the manufacturing and distribution system. This requires the packaging: not to leak, nor allow diffusion and permeation of the product, to be strong enough to hold the contents when subjected to normal handling and not to be altered by the ingredients of the formulation in its final dosage form.[3]

Protection - The packaging must protect the product against all adverse external influences that may affect its quality or potency, such as light, moisture, oxygen, biological contamination, mechanical damage and counterfeiting/adulteration.

Presentation and information - Packaging is also an essential source of information on medicinal products. Such information is provided by labels and package inserts for patients.

Identification - The printed packs or its ancillary printed components serves the functions of providing both identity and information.

Convenience - The convenience is associated with product use or administration e.g., a unit dose eye drop which both eliminates the need for preservative and reduces risks associated with cross infection, by administering only a single dose.
Primary packaging system is the material that first envelops the product and holds it i.e., those package components and subcomponents that actually come in contact with the product, or those that may have a direct effect on the product shelf life e.g., ampoules and vials, prefilled syringes, IV containers, etc.

Secondary packaging system is outside the primary packaging and used to group primary packages together e.g., cartons, boxes, shipping containers, injection trays, etc.

Tertiary packaging system is used for bulk handling and shipping e.g., barrel, container, edge protectors, etc.

Traditionally, the majority of medicines (51%) have been taken orally by tablets or capsules, which are either packed in blister packs (very common in Europe and Asia) or fed into plastic pharmaceutical glass bottle (especially in the USA). Powders, pastilles and liquids also make up part of the oral veterinary medicine intake. However, other methods for taking medicines are now being more widely used. These include parentral or intravenous (29%), inhalation (17%), and transdermal (3%) methods.

These changes have made a big impact on the packaging industry and there is an increasing need to provide tailored, individual packaging solutions, which guarantee the effectiveness of medicines.[4]

The present review article details several key trends that are impacting packaging industry, and offers some predictions for the future packaging encompassing solid oral dosage forms and injectables.

Aseptic blow-fill-seal (BFS) technology is the process by which plastic containers are formed, filled with sterile filtered product and sealed in an uninterrupted sequence of operations within the controlled sterile environment of a single machine.[5,6]

The blow-fill-seal process is a robust, advanced aseptic processing technology, recognized by worldwide regulatory authorities for its inherent operational advantages over conventional aseptic production. Blow-fill-seal systems offer a unique combination of flexibility in packaging design, low operating cost and a high degree of sterility assurance. The machines require a minimum number of operating personnel and have a relatively small space requirement.

A variety of polymers may be used in the process, low and high-density polyethylene and polypropylene being the most popular. The innate ability to form the container/closure during the actual aseptic packaging process allows for custom design of the container to meet the specific needs of the application. This flexibility not only improves container ease of use, but provides a means of interfacing with many of today's emerging drug delivery technologies, most notably in the field of respiratory therapy.

Thermoplastic is continuously extruded in a tubular shape [Figure 1a]. When the tube reaches the correct length, the mold closes and the parison is cut [Figure 1b]. The bottom of the parison is pinched closed and the top is held in place with a set of holding jaws. The mold is then transferred to a position under the filling station.

The nozzle assembly lowers into the parison until the nozzles form a seal with the neck of the mold [Figure 1c]. Container formation is completed by applying a vacuum on the mold-side of the container and blowing sterile filtered air into the interior of the container. The patented electronic fill system delivers a precise dosage of product into the container. The nozzles then retract into their original position.

Container sealing
Following completion of the filling process, the top of the container remains semi-molten. Separate seal molds close to form the top and hermetically seal the container [Figure 1d]. The mold opens and the container is then conveyed out of the machine [Figure 1e].

The cycle is then repeated to produce another filled container. The filled containers are tested and checked to ensure that they meet the very strict specifications laid down for such products.

The duration of the complete cycle is between 10-18 seconds, depending on the container design and the amount of liquid to be filled.

BFS technology offers considerable advantages over conventional aseptic filling of preformed (plastic or other) containers, which are described as follows:

BFS technology reduces personnel intervention making it a more robust method for the aseptic preparation of saccharin sodium.

There is no need to purchase and stock a range of prefabricated containers and their closures. Bulk containers of plastic are required.

Cleaning and sterilization of prefabricated containers and closures is not required. A clean, sterile container is made within the BFS machine as it is required for filling.

The cost of material transport, storage and inventory control is reduced.

Validation requirements are reduced.

The technology allows the design of high-quality, custom-designed containers with tamper-evident closures in a variety of shapes and sizes.

There is a large choice of neck and opening device shapes.

A single compact BFS machine takes the place of several conventional machines, saving floor space. In addition, zones for transport to successive filling and closing procedures are not required because these operations all take place in the BFS machine itself.

The operation of BFS machines is less labor intensive than conventional aseptic filling.

The code numbers and variable data such as batch number and expiry date can be molded into the container itself rather than being added at a subsequent stage.

The process lends itself to the production of single dose containers and therefore preservatives are not necessary as they are with multi-dose containers.

Blow-fill-seal technology has gained much market focus in recent years due to the increased focus on biologics, proteins and other complex solutions. These important products often cannot withstand exposure to high temperatures for extended periods of time without degradation of their active components. Conventional terminal sterilization, therefore, is not an acceptable method to produce a ‘sterile’ product. Bulk sterilization, sterilization by gamma irradiation or filter sterilization followed by direct packaging utilizing the blow-fill-seal process are often used successfully for these types of products.

Counterfeiting means producing products and packaging similar to the originals and selling the fake as authentic products. Counterfeit is a problem of product security, with reference to packaging is not a problem in isolation; it is the part along with:

Duplication - i.e., copying labels, packaging, products, instructions and usage information,

Substitution - placing inferior products in authentic or reused packaging,

Tampering - by altering packages/labels and using spiked, pilfered, or stolen goods in place as real,

Returns and Warranty frauds they are addressed as Brand Theft.

The current numbers of anti-counterfeiting solutions are many and new options are introduced in the market with some variations. An attempt is made to explain the technologies for easy understanding on product packaging.

1. Overt (visible) features
Overt features are intended to enable end users to verify the authenticity of a pack. Such features will normally be prominently visible, and difficult or expensive to reproduce. They also require utmost security in supply, handling and disposal procedures to avoid unauthorized diversion. They are designed to be applied in such a way that they cannot be reused or removed without being defaced or causing damage to the pack for this reason an overt device might be incorporated within a tamper evident feature for added security.

Tamper evident packaging systems
Some packages are inherently tamper proof, like a tin can hermetically sealed, an aseptically packed multilayer carton or a vacuum or the retort pack. The tamper evident packaging systems are:

a) Film wrappers
A transparent film with a distinctive design is wrapped securely around a product or product container. The film must be cut or torn to open the container and remove the product. Substrates options include ultra destructible films, voidable films that provides image when removed. e.g., Solvent sensitive papers.

b) Shrink seals and bands
Bands or wrappers with a distinctive design are shrunk by heat or drying to seal the cap and container union. The seal must be cut or torn to remove the product.

c) Breakable caps
Such caps break when an attempt is made to open it. These caps provide external tamper evidence and can also be combined with the internal seals thereby providing double security.

d) Sealed tubes
The mouth of the tube is sealed, and the seal must be punctured to obtain the product.

2. Covert (hidden) features
The purpose of a covert feature is to enable the brand owner to identify counterfeited product. The general public will not be aware of its presence nor have the means to verify it. A covert feature should not be easy to detect or copy without specialist knowledge, and their details must be controlled on a “need to know” basis. If compromised or publicized, most covert features will lose some if not all of their security value [Figure 2].

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is hardly a new concept. For some, RFID is already a mainstream technology-it is used every day to pay tolls, secure building access, catch shop lifters etc., It allows the identification of objects through a wireless communications in a fixed frequency band. Three essential components in any RFID system are: the tag, the reader and the software. The tag is an integrated circuit containing a unique tracking identifier, called an electronic product code (EPC), which is transmitted via E.M. waves in the radio spectrum. The reader captures the transmitted signal and provides the network connectivity between tag data and the system software. The software can be tailor made for the purpose of anti-counterfeiting. For their track and trace usage, RFID tags are used [Figure 3].

When RFID tag is within the interrogation zone of the reader (i.e., interrogator) equipment; sufficient power is extracted from the interrogator to power up the tag or circuit, or a special reflective material. It then responds by transmitting data back to the interrogator.

b) Active tag
Such tags incorporate a battery to increase range for collating data, tag to tag communication, etc., But these are much more expensive.

c) Semi-active tag
In these tags batteries are used to back up the memory and data, but not to boost the range. With some active RFID tags, the batteries are only used when interrogated or when sending a homing pulse at fixed intervals to reduce cost and size.

4. Packaging designs: Materials/Substrates and other design options
a) Substrates
There are variety of substrates used in the design of packages with intent to provide counterfeit and tamper evident features starting from litho paper, polystyrenes, destructive vinyl's, acetate films synthetic paper and coatings etc., There are many ways of incorporating covert markers within a substrate, such as visible or UV fluorescing fibers, or chemical reagents in carton board or paper. Watermarks can be embedded in leaflet paper, or metallic threads interwoven in the base material, possibly including an overt optically variable devices (OVD) feature. These require a dedicated supply source and large volume production, which, if affordable, results in a very effective option. Micro-encapsulated distinctive odors can be applied as an additive to an ink or coating to provide a novel covert or semi-overt feature, as well as sound chips creates special opportunities in the design.

b) Packaging designs
Packaging designs like sealed cartons, aerosol containers have inherent strength against counterfeiting

c) Sealing systems
Special caps such as the outer tamper evident system or the foil seal as an internal tamper evident feature are commonly used for pharmaceutical products. Sealing options are lever-lidded tins, secure packaging tapes, lined cartons and tear tapes/bands.

5. Security labels
Tamper evident and security labels play an important role in providing some relief to the consumers against fakes. In self adhesive labels the substrate mostly performs as a complimentary interaction of the substrate and the pressure sensitive adhesive. While passive security labels have been extensively used, today one can find a greater application of functional labels such as printing plus anti-theft. Some label options are:

a) Paper labels with security cuts
The substrate used for these labels is ordinary coated/uncoated paper. The security features are built in by the label printer at the converting stage. With the help of a special cutting die, the face material is given cuts at various angles so that by any ways one tries to remove these labels the paper will tear off. A general purpose permanent adhesive works fine with such labels. Care is taken to ensure that the adhesive will adhere well and firmly to the surface on which the label has to be applied.

b) Destructible labels
Needs a special substrate designed for the purpose. Most of the high-end applications use a specially made cellulose acetate film. The film is very intricately designed so that it has adequate strength to undergo conversion into label stocks in roll form. It is available both in clear and opaque formats and further converted into labels using aggressive pressure sensitive adhesives. The labels can be automatically dispensed on automatic label dispensers and when attempted to be removed, break-up into very small fragmented pieces. The cost effective vinyl have replaced acetate film. A combination of various synthetic polymers can be used to impart low inherent strength to the substrate.

c) Void labels and tapes
The most important of the tamper evident security labels and have text built into them. When as a self adhesive label they are removed, they exhibit the word VOID both in the removed film and the adhesive layer left behind. These substrates gain importance as there can be customization built into the labels produced with it. One can use polyester or biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) as face materials. Variety of colors, even metallization is possible. The text VOID could be replaced by the customers brand, emblem or a message, which would normally be invisible till the label is opened. Due to the versatility of things that can be done with the product, these label substrates have found widespread usage worldwide. The substrates can even be designed to work as tapes for the final outer corrugated cartons to prevent pilferage.

d) Self destructing paper label
The labels are very similar to destructible labels as mentioned earlier. In this case, the substrate used is of very weak strength paper of low grammage. The paper is also heavily loaded with fillers creating a weak and brittle paper. Labels made from such papers fragment into pieces when attempted to be removed. However, converting it is a very tricky issue when using these substrates due to the lack of strength. The papers are very difficult to source since most of the paper mills are trying to develop papers with very high strength.

e) Holographic labels
The labels form a very large and important part of the security label market and are an ideal choice for product authentication. The holographic foil that is an optically variable device is largely made using a polyester film base. The optical interaction of the holographic image and the human eye makes it ideal for brand promotion and security. These products reveal the holographic image when tilted in light. The image so revealed can be customized to the need of the brand owners to make the maximum impact. The hologram production involves development of complex origination process and a lot of innovation to make it difficult for counterfeiters to duplicate. Many holograms are designed such that besides offering brand authentication they also have tamper evident properties. The top polyester layer has a special coating that if the hologram is attempted to be removed, the top layer peels off leaving the hologram behind on the product [Figure 4].

Air compressors are an invaluable tool for both industrial work and DIY at home, and there are several different types to choose from depending on the job you need doing. Air compressors have a number of uses, such as to fill gas cylinders for industrial purposes and scuba diving, to create the power needed to run pneumatic tools and spray guns, for pumping up automotive tyres, and within heating and air conditioning systems.

As we’ve touched on here, there are myriad uses for screw air compressor both in commercial and domestic environments. Within the category of air guns, there are several types, each of which is suitable for a different job. We’ve compiled a guide to all the major types of air compressor, how they work and how they differentiate from one another.

Whether you’re an engineering manager or in charge of facilities for your company, being informed about how air compressors function and what they’re used for is handy and can help you make the proper decisions for your business and industry.

Get all the information you need to know about air compressors, complete with the infographic below, with our comprehensive guide. We’ll address the benefits of using premium air compressors in your industry, as well as the questions of ‘what are compressors?’ and ‘how does a compressor work?’, covering all the essentials in one convenient place.

The infographic below shows how a Hydrovane series rotary sliding vane air compressor works

Since their invention in the 19th Century, mechanical, automated air compressors have continued to be one of the most widely used tools in industrial settings. Air compressors provide a continuous stream of power that is safer and cooler than many other forms of energy. For many industries, such as metal work and mining environments, air compressors are an absolutely essential tool. After the basic utilities of water, gas and electric, compressed air is actually considered to be the fourth utility.

Air compressors are also an affordable choice of tool for many manufacturing jobs, as they are durable, and high quality types require minimal maintenance and repairs.

Between the two main categories of compressor – the scroll (piston) compressor and the rotary screw (reciprocating) compressor, you have a tool for every type of industrial and commercial setting, as well as various domestic uses.

The most common types of regular screw air compressor are single and dual phase, both of which operate in the same fundamental way, only dual phase has one more step involved in the compression process. In a single phase compressor, there is one chamber and the air is compressed a single time; in a dual phase, there are two chambers and the air is put through compression twice.

Be careful not to confuse single and dual phase compressors with the number of cylinders a compressor has. Both types of compressor use two cylinders; one-cylinder compressors are less common, because air balancing is made easier with two cylinders. The difference between single and dual stage compressors is that in the former the cylinders are both the same size; in the latter they are different sizes.

How Do Single and Dual Phase Compressors Operate?
Single phase compressors, also referred to as piston air compressors, works in a relatively simple and straightforward way. First, air is drawn into the cylinder; from here, it is compressed once by a single piston movement within a vacuum system.

The power of this compression is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) or Bar – the higher the PSI/Bar, the more power the compressor has. In a single stage air compressor, the air is typically compressed at a rate of around 120 PSI (8.2 Bar). After the air has been compressed, it is sent into the storage tank from where it is dispelled into various tools as a source of energy.

Dual phase compressors operate the same way, except there are two stages of compression, rather than just one. After the first round of compression, the air is sent into a second chamber, where it is compressed for the second time, at a rate of around 175 PSI (12.1 Bar). After this, the air is sent to a storage tank in which it is cooled down and ready for application.

Both types of compressor are typically powered by either an electric or petrol motor, which drives the piston and causes the compression to happen.

Single Phase and Dual Phase Applications
Both function in fundamentally the same way and can be used for similar tasks, such as operating a pneumatic drill or other high-powered tools such as those found in a manufacturing plant.

Single phase compressors tend to be used within domestic settings for smaller workshop jobs done with handheld tools, such as woodwork, metal work and general DIY.

Dual phase compressors, on the other hand, are better for larger scale work in operations such as operations needed in vehicle repair shops, pressing factories and other plants where parts are manufactured.

Oil-Free vs. Oil-lubricated Air Compressors
Another way to compare variable frequency air compressor is to look at whether they use oil or not – there are oil-free and oil-based / lubricated compressors and both are suited to slightly different jobs. For the air to be drawn into the chamber safely and effectively, the piston needs to be in top working order. To work properly, the piston must be lubricated with oil.

With regards to lubrication, there are two main types of compressor to choose from: oil-free and oil-based. The oil is used on the cylinder to ensure the compression goes smoothly.

The Difference Between Oil-Free and Oil-Based Compressors
Oil-free air compressors already have a lubricated cylinder (often with a non-stick material such as Teflon) and therefore require no further maintenance to work properly. Oil-based compressors require oil to be added to the piston area and changed regularly. Just how often you need to change the oil will be outlined in the manufacturer’s manual that came with your compressor.

On the whole, oil-free compressors tend to weigh a lot less than oil-based compressors, as not only do they not have the weight of the oil, but they are more compact machines, requiring fewer separate parts to make them work. Oil-free compressors, being less complex in design, also tend to be more affordable than oil-based compressors.

However, although they’re more weighty and expensive, oil-based compressors have their benefits. For one thing, they are strong and durable, and usually have a longer lifespan than their oil-free counterparts. This is usually because over time the greasing material (usually Teflon) begins to wear down and lose its lubrication abilities.

Another important factor that should be considered when choosing between an oil-free and oil-based compressor is that the oil-less version tends to heat up faster and to a higher temperature than those which use oil. Compressors without oil also make a lot more noise than those with, so if you want a less noisy workplace, this is a factor to consider too.

Oil-Free and Oil-based Compressor Applications
Oil-free compressors are a great option for those in need of a lightweight, low maintenance tool for home use. Oil-based compressors are better suited to heavy duty jobs and commercial and industrial use, as although they’re generally heavier and require more maintenance, they are also more robust and versatile.

For industrial purposes and extensive, day-long use, oil-based compressors are by far the best option. If you’re looking to invest in quality compressors for your business, opting for oil-based machines is almost certainly the best route to take.

Within an industrial or commercial setting, there are numerous uses for oil-based PM screw air compressor, including:

Vehicle painting and repairs
Sanding and woodwork
Creating snow banks in ski centres
Tools within dentistry and other medical environments
Pneumatic construction tools such as nail guns
Air cleaning tools such as blowguns
Oil-free compressors can be used for domestic use, such as small-scale jobs like blowing up balloons, home workshop and DIY jobs. They are also largely used in industries where there is a need to avoid the product or consumer coming into contact with oil: food and beverage, pharmaceutical and dental, for example. In these sensitive applications, the consequences of having oil contamination in the air are too high to risk, so having an oil free compressor is a must. There is compressed air quality testing from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) which oil-free technology can help you achieve.

Fixed vs. Variable Air Compressors
Another factor to consider when choosing the right type of air compressor for your industry is whether they’re equipped with fixed or variable speed. Let’s take a closer look at what these different types of compressor can do for you.

The main difference between air compressors that use a fixed speed system and those that use variable speed is the manner in which the motor gets its power. The compression element is much the same across all machines, but the way the motor operates has an effect on the usability, efficiency and lifespan of the machine.

How Do VSD Compressors Work?
Variable speed compressors (often referred to as VSD (Variable Speed Drive) or VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) – compressors) operates by automatically adjusting the motor speed in accordance with the demand for air. This happens through a system that converts voltage from the mains power supply into a variable frequency.

Power is drawn through a converter, inside which it is converted twice. First, it converts AC power into DC power using diodes. A capacitor then cleans the AC, and then converts it to DC using a transistor, which acts as switches. These switches control the frequency of power sent to the motor, which in turn controls the speed of the motor.

A VSD air compressor contains this technology, allowing the speed of the motor and the amount of air compression used to be closely controlled. There are pros and cons to both variable speed compressors and their counterpart, fixed speed compressors – check them out below to decide which one is best for your industry.

Fixed Speed Pros and Cons
Fixed speed air compressors send a consistent, continuous stream of power into the motor, which gives you a reliable frequency in all your air compression jobs. The initial cost of fixed speed compressors is lower than that of variable speed compressors, is easier and cheaper to maintain and is a must-have within industries where the power demand is continuous.

This type of compressor is, however, less efficient than its variable speed counterpart. It is also less efficient at saving energy, and can therefore be more expensive to run, with fewer incentives available too.

Variable Speed Pros and Cons
Variable speed air compressors allow you to control the voltage and the frequency of the power in the motor, giving the user more agency over the tool. This type of compressor is more efficient when it comes to power usage, as you can easily control your output and only use what you need. Many industries will find that this type of air compressor is ideal, as it can be used in line with the demand of the job. When less power is needed, you can easily adjust the speed of the compressor, saving money and protecting the environment at the same time.

The downsides of a variable speed compressor are that there is a higher initial capital cost to pay, and maintenance and repairs are more expensive too. They are also not well suited to applications that require a continuous stream of power.

Piston Compressors, Scroll Compressors & Rotary Screw Compressors
So far in this article, all the compressors mentioned are operated using pistons, which is a generic system for one type of compressor – the scroll compressor, also known as a reciprocating air compressor. The other type is the rotary screw compressor, which doesn’t have pistons and operates in a slightly different way.

 

Here’s a quick overview of how scroll compressors and rotary screw / reciprocating compressors work, and what the unique benefits are of each of them.

Scroll Compressors
Scroll compressors are a type of piston compressor, and are also called reciprocating compressors. These are the most common type of two stage air compressor, due to affordability and general availability. But how does a reciprocating air compressor work? The piston system works by having a piston travel downwards, decreasing the pressure inside its internal cylinder through the creation of a vacuum. The sudden change in pressure causes the door of the cylinder to be forced open, and draw air in. When the piston travels up again, the air is forced out of the cylinder at a much higher pressure point. This continues in a reciprocating, ‘scroll’ pattern, hence its name.

Pros and Cons of Scroll Compressors
Pros:

Cools down quickly
More efficient use of energy
 

Cons:

Higher initial capital cost
More complex parts – harder to maintain
Rotary Screw Compressors
Rather than using pistons, rotary screw compressors rely on rollers to do the compression. Rollers are positioned just off the middle of the central shaft to ensure that one side of the roller is always in contact with the wall. The rollers are powered, rotating extremely fast, causing the same result as scroll compressors: they draw in air at a low pressure and force it out at a higher pressure.

Pros and Cons of Rotary Screw Compressors

Pros:

Good power capacity
Lower initial capital price
Easy to maintain
Cons:

Limited cooling abilities
Require continuous maintenance checks
How Do Low Noise Air Compressors Work?
One complaint often heard around air compressors is that some of them are noisy due to friction and a power source, which can be distracting and inconvenient for both commercial and domestic use. The industry has risen to deal with these complaints however, and there are several low noise air compressors to choose from, offering a decibel rating of around 40 dB.

40 dB is considered low noise; 60 dB is considered the safest decibel level for compressors; anything over 85 dB could cause long-lasting damage to your hearing, and you should avoid being exposed to this level for extended periods of time.

Low noise and silent air compressors are available in both oil-free and oil-based versions, so just how is the silencing effect achieved?

As well as choosing compressors with low decibel levels, one aspect of this technology that makes a big difference is the inclusion of an acoustic chamber for containing the noise. Another tip is to opt for electric-powered compressors, rather than gas-powered, as the former type of power source makes for a quieter machine.

The Bottom Line
Which type of air compressor you go for depends on a variety of factors. You first need to consider what application the compressors will be used for? Do you need it for continuous, ongoing use in large industrial machinery, or will it be used sporadically? Your answers to these questions will help you decide on whether to go for variable or fixed speed compressors.

Another question that you must factor into your decision is: how much do you want to spend? Remember that the initial price of a quality compressor is not the only expense associated with a compressor; consider also the cost of the power needed to run the machine, plus any related ongoing maintenance and repair costs. How much time and energy will investing in high quality compressors save your company? These are all important calculations that should be made before making your decision.

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