ebm-papst Fans, Blowers and Technology

by Todd Cardillo, Market Mager -Industrial

ebm-papst Inc. has provided air-moving solutions  for medical equipment and  devices for decades. Beyond the UL, CSA, CE, EMC and other quality standards that our industrial customers must meet, medical equipment and device manufacturers must comply with FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) requirements. 

When new products are brought to market or existing ones are modified, FDA approvals play a critical role in our customers’ qualification processes.  The FDA tests and regulates medical devices and equipment – ensuring they are safe and effective for human use. This type of testing can be expensive and lengthy. Medical equipment components need to be tested for robustness and extended life expectancy. 

Since most medical devices incorporate electronics that generate high levels of heat, these frequently require internal fans or blowers. This is where we’ve applied our expertise. 

As one example, several of our axial fans are used within a computed tomography (CT) scan machine. Some of the fans are located in the gantry portion of the scanner, which rotates at a high velocity. For this application, our fans need to reliably operate at up to 75 G forces to cool the gantry during motion.  To address the air flow needed for controlling equipment ambient temperatures, as well as acoustic noise and environmental requirements, it’s crucial that the optimum air moving device is chosen at the beginning stages of any medical equipment project. 

For more details on the ebm-papst products available to cool medical equipment and devices, visit the medical equipment applications area in our Market Solutions Tool.

About Todd Cardillo
 At ebm-papst Inc. for more than 18 years, Todd enthusiastically embraces his current role as Market Manager for the Industrial market. He continuously builds new relationships and strives to deepen interactions with existing customers. Todd’s commitment to the company drives him to thoroughly educate customers on ebm-papst’s product offerings, while at the same time learning all he can about each customer’s business applications. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. When not at work, Todd treasures his time with his 3 adventurous children – engaging in triathlons, mountain biking, adventure races, skiing and traveling.
  

by Todd Cardillo, Market Manager - Industrial

The world’s population is getting older and living longer. Between 2000 and 2020, the number of people 65 and older is predicted to increase from 35 to 54 million. By 2050, that number will jump to 86 million! Life expectancy in the world’s top 29 counties is now 80+ years old. (U.S. Administration on Aging, U.S. Census Bureau)

To serve older patients, the need for medical equipment and supplies will continue to grow. Next-generation imaging technologies such as CT/PET scanners are expected to grow at double digit rates over the next five years.(Market Analysis, Radiation Oncology, MD Publishing, Oct. 2012) New robotic surgical equipment allows patients to benefit from shorter hospital stays and reduced recovery times.

Fans are the hidden yet essential ingredient within much of today’s advanced medical equipment. ebm-papst has supported ventilation solutions for the medical equipment industry for more than 25 years. ebm-papst fans and motors are used in an array of sophisticated equipment, from full-body imagers to smaller devices that improve patient comfort.  

There are different components within medical imaging systems that need to be cooled. The type of air mover that’s required depends on how much cooling is needed, how much room is available for the air mover, air pressure, noise level and temperature requirements among other criteria.

As one example, computerized tomography (CT) scanners include three complex systems: the gantry, the computer, and the operating console. These scanners usually have one or more air movers inside that may include axial fans, impellers, and centrifugal blowers. Several of our fans are used reduce the heat generated by G-forces created within the gantry during the imaging process.

On a much smaller scale, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines — which are used to treat people with obstructive sleep apnea — employ small fans that provide the high-pressure, low flow air stream required to help keep patients breathing continually at night.

Although the medical equipment market is growing rapidly, the testing and qualification required for new or modified equipment can take years. ebm-papst has a proven track record of working with medical equipment manufacturers to ensure that our fans are reliable, meet low noise requirements, are energy efficient, and perform consistently under stringent medical operating requirements.

What kinds of ventilation systems do you think could be included in new hospital equipment? What kinds of air-moving systems could be added to make patients more comfortable before, during and after a procedure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!