Gardner Denver Thomas - Oil-Free Compressors and Pumps for the Medical Industry

Gardner Denver Thomas has been meeting the pump and compressor needs of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the medical industry for over 50 years. Simply put, Thomas is the specialist in serving OEMs.

We know that the performance of our customers’ designs ultimately depends on the quality and dependability of the equipment's components. Thomas understands the critical requirements of customers for pressure, vacuum, size, noise, air flow, low vibration, cost and speed to market. That’s why so many OEMs of medical equipment and environmental technology have entrusted their reputations to Thomas.

Oil-free compressors and pumps for medical equipment

With a wide range of oil-free pressure, vacuum and liquid technologies, including WOB-L piston, diaphragm, rotary vane, linear diaphragm and peristaltic, Thomas offers the broadest product range in the industry. With this vast product offering, Thomas can design an ideal, custom pressure or vacuum solution that can be prototyped and manufactured to meet customers’ precise needs.

Within the medical market long life and low noise are key factors to consider when selecting pumps for medical equipment. Thomas products are found in all types of equipment designed to monitor, sterilise, diagnose and analyse.

Typical applications are nebulisers, aspirators, oxygen concentrators, blood analysers, air beds, dental ovens and carts, edema sleeves, dialysis machines, massage electrodes, autoclaves and wound drainage devices.

Single-stage and multi-stage piston pumps

WOB-L piston pumps work to reduce a volume by a fixed crank-driven piston within a cylinder; this design feature offers dynamic compression. WOB-L piston pumps feature a compact, reciprocating design for vacuum or pressure, an oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder, and lightweight die-cast aluminium components or highly wear-resistant plastic.

Both single-stage and multi-stage models are available, both of which are balanced for low vibration operation and feature a long life, high-performance piston seal and permanently lubricated bearings. All wetted aluminium parts are treated for corrosion protection from moisture. WOB-L piston pumps can achieve flow rates of up to 187l/min and pressure to 11bar vacuum down to –940mbar relief.

Diaphragm pumps for medical equipment

Diaphragm pumps work by reduction of a volume using a flexible membrane driven by a crank. They are suitable for pressure and vacuum or combined. They are made of durable plastic or corrosion-resistant coated aluminium, and feature long-life diaphragms, permanently lubricated bearings and gas tightness to the outside.

Our diaphragm pumps for medical equipment are balanced for low vibration and offer low noise level and high variability. Liquid media models are available, which are suitable for aggressive media applications. Diaphragm pumps offer flow rates of up to 91l/min, an end vacuum of 10mbar absolute and 2.8bar pressure.

Rotary vane vacuum pumps and compressors

Rotary vane vacuum pumps and compressors operate by compressing volume in order to increase pressure and create vacuum. They are suitable for pressure and/or vacuum, and are oil-less and nearly pulsation-free. Wetted parts are made out of grey cast iron, carbon, stainless steel and plastic.

Our rotary vane vacuum pumps and compressors feature self-lubricating and self-adjusting vanes and a compact design. They offer good controllability and flow rates of up to 595l/min, with a pressure of up to 1bar and vacuum up to -880mbar relief. DC models with reversible operation are also available.

Linear pumps for medical equipment

To achieve direct electrical actuation of the pumping method, linear pumps use two different means of actuation: linear and vibrating armature. Linear pumps work by reduction of a volume by direct action of a shuttle on a membrane.

Our linear pumps for medical equipment offer very long life, quiet operation, low power consumption, low pulsation and high efficiency. They are oil-less and have no bearings. Smaller models still offer excellent fluid capability. Flow rates of up to 250l/min, pressure up to 0.7bar and a maximum vacuum of -550mbar relief can be achieved.

Liquid pumps for medical equipment

Liquid pumps are based on three different operating principles:

• Peristaltic pumps are available with a variety of tube materials to handle aggressive and abrasive media
• Liquid diaphragm pumps are self-priming, can run dry and are suitable for continous operation
• Liquid linear diaphragm pumps have a very long life-time and offer low noise levels; they use two means of actuation - linear and vibrating armature

The liquid programme achieves flow rates up to 3l/min, suction height up to 8m H2O and pressure height up to 80m H2O.