At G. Samaras, our mission has always been to provide high-performance, intelligent solutions for medical gas systems. In line with this commitment, we are implementing a new layer of smart functionality in our ADEC Adsorption Dryers: the integration of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) sensors at both the inlet and outlet of the dryer unit.
These sensors are designed to monitor oil vapor concentrations in real time, providing accurate, continuous data on the effectiveness of the filtration and oil separation processes—critical for the safety and reliability of medical compressed air systems.
Why VOC Sensors Matter in Medical Compressed Air
Medical compressed air is used directly in patient care, especially in respiratory support, anesthesia, and neonatal units. Therefore, the presence of oil vapors—often invisible and odorless—poses significant health risks and must be tightly controlled. VOC sensors measure trace levels of oil-based gaseous compounds in the compressed air, allowing us to verify air quality in compliance with international standards such as ISO 7396-1 and the European Pharmacopoeia.
By continuously monitoring these parameters, healthcare facilities gain transparency into the actual performance of their compressed air system rather than relying on theoretical maintenance schedules.
What VOC Sensors Measure and Why It Matters
VOC sensors in the ADEC dryers capture real-time data on oil vapor levels, typically measured in ppm (parts per million). This data provides direct insight into:
The condition of the compressor’s oil separation filters, which generally have a lifespan of 6 months. Rising VOC levels may indicate filter saturation or early failure.
The status of activated carbon filters, which also have a typical replacement cycle of 6 months. VOC buildup can compromise their ability to trap oil aerosols and vapors.
The integrity of the adsorption material within the dryer, which has a lifespan of around 8 years. Long-term data trends can reveal early signs of degradation.
Instead of scheduling maintenance at fixed intervals, operators can use this data to optimize service timing, reducing costs and avoiding premature or delayed interventions.
From Monitoring to Predictive Maintenance
The use of VOC sensors enables a transition from preventive to predictive maintenance. By analyzing VOC trends over time, technicians can anticipate when a component is nearing the end of its effective lifecycle—even before a noticeable pressure drop or contamination alert occurs.
Benefits include:
Improved equipment uptime through timely interventions
Cost savings by reducing unnecessary part replacements
Increased system reliability and air purity assurance
Environmental responsibility, by maximizing the useful life of consumables
Additionally, monitoring data can be integrated with telemetry systems such as Medimote, allowing facilities to remotely track VOC behavior, set alarm thresholds, and receive alerts if measurements exceed safe operating limits.
Operational Challenges and Sensor Reliability
Although VOC sensors offer numerous advantages, certain challenges must be taken into account to maintain their accuracy over time:
Sensor drift: Exposure to harsh environmental conditions or prolonged use can cause a gradual shift in sensor readings.
Contamination: High particle loads or oil-saturated environments may interfere with measurement accuracy.
Calibration needs: Periodic validation against certified reference standards is required, especially in medical environments.
To mitigate these issues, ADEC systems are designed for easy calibration and sensor replacement, ensuring long-term reliability in critical applications.
A Smart Step Forward
With the integration of VOC sensors, G. Samaras is taking a major step toward digitizing diagnostics and automating maintenance logic in medical gas systems. These sensors act as an intelligent layer of protection—monitoring the system from within and empowering engineers and hospital technicians with the data they need to act proactively.
In the future, this technology opens the door to broader applications across air treatment chains, including centralized plant control, maintenance forecasting, and even AI-based service models.
At G. Samaras, innovation is not just about developing new products—it's about redefining how we deliver reliability, efficiency, and safety to every healthcare facility we support.