The electronics inside a Primea don't need lubrication, but the turbine underneath them absolutely does, and getting the sequence right matters more here than on a simpler handpiece, since running the wrong pressure for your specific model affects the Advanced Air system's ability to do its job.

Know Your Model and Mode Before You Start

The single most important maintenance decision is confirming which Primea you have and which mode it runs in; the correct operating pressure depends on both.

Model / Mode	Maximum Power	Operating Pressure
RK-97 L (built-in Advanced Air)	30 W	5.9 bar
RG-97 L (add-on Advanced Air)	27 W	5.5 bar
RG-97 L (standard turbine mode)	21 W	Standard turbine pressure

VERIFIED, SAME W&H REPROCESSING STANDARD AS ITS OTHER TURBINES
W&H's Primea Instructions for Use follow the same ISO 17664-based reprocessing sequence used across its turbine handpiece line: clean, disinfect, dry, lubricate, then sterilize. The specific pressure and power figures differ by Primea model, but the reprocessing sequence itself is consistent company-wide.

The Reprocessing Sequence, Step by Step

1	Clean and disinfect immediately after use. Use only detergents intended for medical devices made of metal and plastic, following the cleaning agent manufacturer's instructions.

2	Dry completely. Use oil-free, filtered compressed air at a maximum of 3 bar (43.5 psi) for manual drying.

3	Inspect before lubricating. Check for damage, visible residual soiling, and surface changes; reprocess again if any soiling remains.

4	Lubricate with W&H Service Oil F1. A synthetic oil developed specifically for W&H turbine handpieces, straight and contra-angle handpieces, and air motors; apply per the documented spray duration.

5	Package and sterilize. Use a sterilization package sized so it doesn't stress the seals, then sterilize using a validated cycle.

Sterilization Cycle Reference

Cycle Type	Time and Temperature
Dynamic-air-removal prevacuum (Type B)	134°C (273°F) for at least 3 minutes
Steam-flush pressure-pulse (Type S)	132°C (270°F) for at least 4 minutes

W&H recommends sterilization according to EN 13060, EN 285, or ANSI/AAMI ST55, the same standards referenced across its turbine handpiece documentation

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Automated Maintenance Options

Assistina 301 plus: runs rotation lubrication, internal spray-channel cleaning, and compressed-air blow-drying automatically, completing the process in about 35 seconds per instrument.
Assistina TWIN: a two-chamber device that reduces the maintenance process to roughly 10 seconds per instrument, with its Care Set rated for approximately 2,800 instruments before replacement.
Either device is compatible with W&H Service Oil F1 and reduces the chance of a manual reprocessing step being rushed or skipped. Print Shipping Label

Weekly and Periodic Care

Confirm operating pressure matches your specific model and mode: 5.9 bar (RK-97 L), 5.5 bar (RG-97 L add-on), or standard turbine pressure (RG-97 L without the add-on control).
Inspect the Roto Quick coupling for wear, since the LED generator is built into the coupling rather than the handpiece.
Check bur retention regularly to catch chuck wear before a mid-procedure issue.

Storage Between Uses

Store the handpiece in its sterilization packaging until the next use.
Keep RK-97 L and RG-97 L units clearly identified if your practice runs both, since their documented pressure and power specs differ.

Mistakes That Shorten Handpiece Life

Running the wrong pressure for your model. 5.9 bar, 5.5 bar, and standard turbine pressure are not interchangeable settings.
Lubricating out of sequence. W&H's documented order is clean, disinfect, dry, lubricate, then sterilize.
Exceeding 3 bar during manual drying. This is a stated maximum for oil-free compressed air, not a rough guideline.
Sterilizing while still soiled. Reprocess again if inspection finds any residual soiling first.
Skipping automated maintenance devices where available. Assisting devices exist specifically to make this sequence more consistent than manual reprocessing alone.

Extending the Life of Your W&H Primea

The Primea's Advanced Air system is only as good as the turbine underneath it; consistent reprocessing and the correct operating pressure for your specific model protect both. For the warning signs that show up when this routine slips, see our companion piece, the W&H Primea Common Problems & Troubleshooting Guide, and our general dental handpiece repair and maintenance service overview.

What Practices Are Saying

“Labeling our RK and RG units by their correct pressure setting solved a recurring confusion between our assistants.” — Sterilization Lead, Multi-Provider Practice

“Moving to Assistina TWIN cut our per-instrument maintenance time down dramatically without cutting corners on the actual process.” — Practice Manager, Group Dental Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What pressure should my Primea run at?

A It depends on the model and mode: 5.9 bar for the RK-97 L in built-in Advanced Air mode, 5.5 bar for the RG-97 L in add-on Advanced Air mode, or standard turbine pressure for the RG-97 L without the add-on control.

Q When should the Primea be lubricated?

A Immediately after cleaning and disinfection, while the handpiece is dry, using W&H Service Oil F1 before sterilization, not after.

Q What sterilization cycle does W&H recommend?

A 134°C (273°F) for at least 3 minutes using a type B prevacuum cycle, or 132°C (270°F) for at least 4 minutes using a type S steam-flush cycle.

Q Is Assistina required for proper maintenance?

A No, manual reprocessing following W&H's documented sequence is valid, but Assistina 301 Plus or Assistina TWIN automates the process and can reduce the chance of a step being rushed or skipped.

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W&H Primea Turbine Handpiece Maintenance Guide