Oxygen Concentrator Flashcards
Define an oxygen concentrator?
Special device that ensure a steady and concentrated supply of oxygen flow from outlet to patient
Describe the composition of ambient air ?
Oxygen -21%
Nitrogen-78%
Other gases and water vapor-1%
Describe the external anatomy of the oxygen concentrator?
-Flow meter(Flow adjusting button)
-Deoxygenation hole /Oxygen outlet
-Display screen
-Oxygen Purity indicator
-Air filter (filter cap)
-Main Switch (Power switch)
-Humidifier
Describe the internal structure of an oxygen concentrator.
Air compressors, heat exchanger ,surge tank, Four way selenoid valve, two cylinders(Molecular sieve beds) filled with pellets, a reservoir to equalise pressure* ,product tanks, pressure regulators and flow meter adjusting valve.
What principle is used by the oxygen concentrator? And explain it.
Pressure Swing Adsorption
The process relies on the fact that under high pressure gases tend to be attached to solid surfaces(The higher the pressure the more gas adsorbed). When the pressure is reduced the gas is released or desorbed.
Describe how an oxygen concentrator works?
Air is drawn in through the air filter where it is cleansed of any bacteria and solid matter.
The air is compressed and then humidified (It can be stored in the surge tank).
The air is then pumped into the concentrators where in one nitrogen is extracted .
The result air contains high concentrations of oxygen which are then fed into the oxygen reservoir (Product tank) from where it will be administered to a patient at a prescribed rate.
Describe how the molecular sieve beds work?
Air is passed under high pressure through a vessel containing an adsorbent bed of Zeolite (that attracts Nitrogen more strongly than it does Oxygen) and part or all of the Nitrogen will stay in the bed and gas coming out of the vessel will be enriched in oxygen.
In the other concentrator, there is a low pressure which allows the nitrogen to to be desorbed and be released into the air. This allows a continuous supply of oxygen.
What happens once the Zeolite is saturated?
The valve leading to the oxygen tank is closed and pressure decreases in the Zeolite Tank thereby nitrogen released into the air.
Advantages of an oxygen concentrator?
Less dangerous than oxygen cylinders, good for outdoor use/ home use(It is portable)
Deals away with hassle of replenishing cylinders thereby cutting cost
Less bulky as compared to cylinders
Low risk of combustion .
Shared between patients but has risk of cross infection.
Disadvantages of oxygen cylinder?
Frequent maintenance
High power consumption (up to 600W?
Problematic in areas of high humidity
Does not deliver 100% oxygen
