The compressor is one part of a medical air supply. Two offers with similar compressor ratings can cover different treatment, storage, monitoring and service arrangements. A useful RFQ therefore describes the required system boundary before asking for a price.

Start with the facility's intended air services and demand profile

Before comparing quotations, define what the medical air system must actually do. Work with the facility's qualified team to answer:

• Which departments or equipment will use medical air? Are there distinct pressure or purity requirements for different services?

• What is the expected simultaneous demand? What diversity factor applies across departments?

• What redundancy is required? For example, is N+1 compressor capacity needed, or is a single unit acceptable with backup from another source?

• What are the local code and hospital specification requirements for medical air? These vary by jurisdiction and must be confirmed by the responsible designer.

Provide a site drawing and information about the available electrical supply, plant space, and access. These constraints often determine which system configurations are feasible.

Define the system boundary in the RFQ

A medical air system includes more than the compressor. The RFQ should require each bidder to state exactly what is included and what is excluded. Ask for a process diagram that identifies:

• Compressors (type, number, control mode)

• Air treatment equipment (dryers, filters, separators)

• Receivers and storage volume

• Controls and monitoring points

• Connections to the distribution system

• Alarms: where they are generated and who receives them

Mark every item excluded from the supplier's scope, especially installation, site utilities, testing, and training. This prevents assumptions that lead to change orders later.

Comparison dimensions for evaluating proposals

When comparing offers, go beyond the compressor rating. Use these dimensions to structure your review:

1. Capacity and redundancy – Does the proposed configuration meet the demand profile with the required redundancy? What is the basis for the capacity claim?

2. Air treatment and quality – What treatment steps are included? How is quality monitored and verified? What are the maintenance requirements for filters and dryers?

3. Controls and monitoring – What parameters are monitored? How are alarms communicated? Can the system integrate with the facility's building management system?

4. Continuity of supply – What happens during maintenance or a compressor fault? Is there automatic switchover? How is the system tested?

5. Maintenance and service – What are the recommended service intervals? What consumables and spare parts are needed? Are they readily available?

6. Documentation and handover – What records are supplied? This may include as-built drawings, test reports, and operation and maintenance manuals.

7. Scope clarity – Which items are included in the supplier's scope, and which are excluded? Are installation, commissioning, and training included?

Practical RFQ checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your RFQ covers the essential points:

• Intended air services and demand profile

• Applicable local code and hospital specification (confirmed by qualified team)

• Required redundancy and continuity criteria

• Site drawing, electrical supply, plant space, and access details

• Required system boundary: included and excluded items

• Process diagram required with each proposal

• Monitoring and alarm requirements

• Maintenance access, consumables, and spare parts

• Documentation and handover requirements

• Installation, testing, and training responsibilities

Decision boundaries

This checklist helps you define requirements and compare proposals, but it does not replace the facility's qualified team. Final design, acceptance criteria, and compliance with local regulations must be determined by the responsible engineers and authorities. The supplier's model documents provide specific technical data; verify that these match your requirements.

Kersai shows an air compressor unit range. Send the demand brief and ask for current model documents plus a line-item boundary of supply. The final design and acceptance criteria belong with the facility's qualified team.