Any system that uses a vacuum to provide power to a component may require a vacuum canister. This can also be a called a vacuum reserve canister, and it is designed to maintain the vacuum in the system. However, it is important to keep in mind the canister itself does not create or add to the vacuum.
In general, the vacuum canister is a relatively simple design. It includes a body, a lid, an O-ring in the lid to create and maintain the seal as well as a screen. Screens are essential to prevent particulate matter from moving through the canister and into the components as well as vice versa with pressure drops and changes in the system.
For dental equipment, the system will also have two HVE (high volume evacuation) tubing ports and one SE (saliva ejector) tubing port. These can be found in different configurations based on the equipment design.
Sizing Considerations
There are typically two different sizes used with any vacuum system. These can be categories as large or small, with capacity and overall dimensions of the two being very different.
With the size of the smaller units, brackets are typically included. This allows for easy mounting of the vacuum canister in either a horizontal or a vertical position within the equipment or system.
Before You Buy
In addition to choosing the right size of the vacuum canister, it is also a wise decision to ensure the company provides replacement parts. Check the website to find out what is included in the canister, and then if individual replacement parts are available.
With new plastics, these are very durable parts and components. It is unlikely the canister itself will fail, but over time the seals may need to be replaced. This is a low-cost repair, and one eliminates the need for full canister replacement.
