Oxygen Concentrators

Features

Applications

Buying Tips

This is another variant of the oxygen generator. Pressure Swing Adsorption technology is again behind the operating principle of the Oxygen Concentrators. It is a device that is used to provide oxygen to patients at considerably higher concentrations than those of ambient air. The oxygen concentrators are a perfect alternative to compressed oxygen tanks. Oxygen concentrators also find its application an economical source of oxygen in industrial processes.

A very simple oxygen concentrator has the capability of continuous delivery of oxygen. The internal functions are based around two cylinders, that are filled with a zeolitic molecular sieve. This is able to selectively adsorbs the nitrogen from the air. The whole process works like this. In the beginning, in each cycle air is allowed to flow through the first cylinder at pressures of around 20 lbf/in² (138 kpa, or 1.36 atmospheres). Here the nitrogen molecules are captured by the zeolitic molecular sieves. The next cylinder is vented off to ambient atmospheric pressure. This allows the captured nitrogen to dissipate quickly.

Typically units have cycle time of around 20 seconds. It allows for a continuous supply of oxygen at flow rates that is up to approximately five liters/ min. The operating pressures generally do not exceed 100 psig. The concentrations are anywhere between 50 to 95 %. The capacities can be varied depending on the industrial processes. There are a variety of models that come in with different capacities. Smaller models are generally portable that makes it suitable for medical use.

PSA comes to Medical Aid: PSA Oxygen Concentrator that delivers oxygen with 90-95% purity without the usual hectic experience of refilling and transportation is a boon for the patients and important landmark in the Medical field. Gone are the days of bulky cylinders filling and refilling of which used to be a problem. This advanced and high-tech PSA system is used all over world because its operation is much cheaper and convenient than the cylinders. These systems can be installed in Ambulances working on the battery of the vehicle. It is quite common that in the shifting of the serious Patient from one place to another, with oxygen supply, the cylinders gets empty on the way. This may prove to be fatal. PSA Oxygen Concentrator prevents such hazards because the supply of oxygen is uninterrupted. Features: Oxygen availability: 24 hours Uninterrupted supply ensured at all times User friendly operation is just to Plug in and Switch ON Nebulizing therapy device can be implemented simultaneously with the Oxygen Delivery Adjustable Flow meter to show accuracy of delivery Bacteria filters are provided PSA Oxygen concentrator can be useful in the following field of medical treatment: Respiratory Diseases: Chronic bronchitis, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); bronchial asthma, pulmonary emphysema, silicosis. Cardiovascular Diseases: Congenial heart disease, coronary heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease etc. Cerebrovascular accidents, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebrovascular block etc.

Buying tips for an Oxygen Concentrator:
As we are aware that Oxygen concentrators play a very significant role in the Medical industry. With Oxygen concentrators getting popular with each day, patients with Oxygen needs are switching to Oxygen concentrators that employ the trusted PSA technology. Before opting for the Oxygen concentrators points are to be given a thoughtful consideration:

• Assessing needs: For example if you need to move out with your concentrator then buying an unit that comes with a portable design is the option. Another option is to buy an oxygen concentrator that comes with a detachable portable unit included. The flow requirement assessment is another valuable consideration.
  For example patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have to use a low flow of 1to 2.5 litrs per minute but cardiac patients use a higher flow that is more than four litres per minute. The highest flow units between 5 to 10 litres per minute are used by patients with cancer.
• Flow rate: It is pertinent to know that higher is the rate of Oxygen flow, more costly the Oxygen concentrator and consequently larger the physical dimensions of the unit. There are two kinds of Oxygen concentrators on demand or continuous.
• Level of Noise/Decibel: Often ignored but a very important factor, the noise level can be crucial if running next to a patient’s bed. Generally Oxygen Concentrators emit around 50-60 decibels. Now if the noise is disturbing, the concentrator could be moved into place and instead oxygen extension tubing can be provided. Longer the tubing the more is the decrease in litre flow.
• Alarms: If the concentrator makes use of an internal battery for power failure or pressure alarms, than it is obviously judicious to opt for a "battery test" feature.
• Flowmeters: Some Concentrators come with variable flowmeter while others come with preset flow operated by a rotary switch.