Facility Piping Systems Handbook, Second Edition
Using a total systems approach, this handbook progresses from fundamentals of system and component operation to a design procedure that allows quick and accurate component and pipe sizing.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Facility Piping Systems Handbook, Second Edition
DENTAL COMPRESSED AIR
GENERAL
Compressed air for dental purposes is used to power pneumatic tools such as drills and for general dentistry purposes such as quickly drying areas to be bonded. Compressed air is usually supplied by a small, dedicated compressor.
CODES AND STANDARDS
NFPA-99, Health Care Facilities, is the code governing the installation of the dental compressed air piping system.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Components of the system are illustrated in Fig. 14.34 and depend on the size of the system. Small units serving one or two dental chairs consist of only a compressor that runs continuously with no other ancillary equipment. Larger units serving multiple installations shall conform to the surgical-medical compressed air system.
REQUIRED PRESSURE AND FLOW RATE
Dental tools use both high- and low-pressure air. High-pressure tools such as drills use a flow rate of 2 scfm and a pressure of 50 psig (345 kPa). Low-pressure handpieces used for cleaning and by hygienists use a flow rate of 3 scfm and a pressure of 30 psig (210 kPa). Refer to Table 14.44 for use factors. Surgical tools may require 100 psig (700 kPa).
| No. of outlets | Simultaneous use factor, % |
|---|---|
| 4 | 100 |
| 5 10 | 75 |
| 11 over | 50 |
SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Dental chairs have an integral air pressure regulating arrangement as part of the chair, and factory-installed distribution lines to the outlets found on the chair. It is generally accepted practice to provide a pressure in a range of...
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