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Without air, vacuum, and water systems, a practice simply cannot operate, which is why utilities are an area where few will compromise on quality, reliability, and service. One of these essential utilities is the vacuum system, which evacuates liquids in the oral cavity and keeps the operating field clear and controls infectious spray during clinical procedures. However, vacuums require maintenance and waste management programs that can easily detract from the smooth and reliable operation of a practice. There are vacuum systems available that not only provide reliable operation and high performance, but also function without the use of oil. The VacStar and STS vacuum systems from Air Techniques offer oilfree operation and reliable performance backed by 40 years of service. Eliminating Oil—VacStar With typically limited space in utility areas, it is important that equipment remains clean and operational. Vacuum systems that use oil as a sealing fluid must be regularly checked and maintained, require waste management procedures, and can leak or release oil spray, jeopardizing equipment. Recognizing both the risks and the hassles associated with oil-based vacuum systems, Air Techniques introduced the VacStar vacuum system in 1986 to eliminate the use of oil. Providing consistently accurate levels of vigorous suction in the operatory while maintaining patient comfort and safety, the VacStar vacuum uses water to create the seal between the spinning impeller and the pump housing to ensure reliable operation. With 4 models, the VacStar vacuum system provides suitable suction to meet the needs of both general dentists and oral surgeons. Even the use of water can add maintenance and cost to the operation of a vacuum system. As a result, Air Techniques introduced the Hydromiser, which recycles most of the water needed by the system and reduces water consumption by up to 75%. The patented Hydromiser is available for all VacStar models and requires no additional electricity to operate. Environmentally Friendly—STS Though the current standard for vacuum systems is still the wet ring pump, Air Techniques identified additional opportunity for cost reductions for the dental practice while also seeking to provide a more ecologically sound alternative. STS, the only dry vacuum system on the market, was introduced in 2001. It’s not only oilfree but also water-free, further reducing cost, maintenance, and consumption of natural resources. The environmentally friendly design of the STS system includes a patent pending heat exchanger that lowers the exhaust temperature by over 50° F. This reduces stress on equipment and systems and is conducive to the use of more economical PVC exhaust piping, which is significantly less expensive than the copper required for higher heat generating systems. Reliable Equipment Maintenance— Vacuum Equalizer and CleanStream All vacuum systems have to perform clinically, but reliable vacuum systems that provide economies, efficiencies, and quality bring true value to the dental practice. Both the VacStar and STS vacuum systems are designed and manufactured with quality components, including oversized bearings and a precisely engineered naval bronze impeller. The tight control on both the design and manufacture of these systems forms the basis for their longevity and quality. As a company, Air Techniques has taken the basic vacuum and transformed it into an efficient, high-performance piece of instrumentation that minimizes both required maintenance and ecological impact. With a consistent focus on matching the needs of the dental practice to the utility system, the Vacuum Equalizer was designed to match the system capacity to the system demand when multiple vacuum pumps are in use. An electronic microprocessor in the Vacuum Equalizer monitors demand on the vacuum system and will switch pumps on or off as needed to sustain proper levels of suction across multiple users, maintain efficiency, and minimize system wear and tear. To support its oil-free vacuum systems, Air Techniques trains and certifies technicians who are supported by authorized dealers located in every state. When major service calls are not necessary and to help the dental practice maintain the life of these vacuum systems, Air Techniques offers the CleanStream Evacuation System Cleaner. This noncorrosive, environmentally-friendly evacuation system cleaner removes debris and prevents it from building up in the evacuation lines. In fact, it is the only cleaner that is completely biodegradable. A CleanStream dispenser can be used to more reliably deploy cleansing mist throughout the tubing as 99% air, reducing stress on the vacuum pump. Meeting the Needs of Your Practice Whether the need is for the trusted technology of a water ring pump or the high performance and ecologically sound water-free vacuum system, the VacStar and STS vacuum systems provide reliable, cost-effective performance for single dentist practices as well as for demanding group practices. With available units sized to the practice and technology designed to balance system demand to maintain performance and longevity, Air Techniques offers scalable solutions to meet the unique needs of individual practices. —Monica Roy-Smith