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Bobsparks Bobspark...
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May 04, 2006
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Design home oxygen generator?

How does home oxygen generator work
  • 3 years ago
gatorbait by gatorbai...
Member since:
January 24, 2007
Total points:
14131 (Level 6)

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Atmospheric air consists of approximately 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen. An oxygen concentrator uses ambient air as a source of oxygen by separating these two components. It utilises the property of zeolite granules to selectively absorb nitrogen from compressed air.

Atmospheric air is entrained by the concentrator, filtered and raised to a pressure of 20 pounds per square inch (P.S.I.) by a compressor.

The compressed air is then introduced into one of the canisters containing zeolite granules where nitrogen is selectively absorbed leaving the residual oxygen available for patient use. After about 20 seconds the supply of compressed air is automatically diverted to the second canister where the process is repeated enabling the output of oxygen continue uninterrupted. While the pressure in the second canister is at 20 P.S.I. the pressure in the first canister is reduced to zero. This allows nitrogen to be released from the zeolite and returned into the atmosphere. The zeolite is then regenerated and ready for the next cycle. By alternating the pressure in the two canisters so that first one and then the other is at 20 P.S.I., a constant supply of oxygen is produced while the zeolite is continually being regenerated. Individual units have an output of up to five litres per minute with an oxygen concentration of up to 95%.

The output is continually analysed and the user is alerted by an orange warning light on the front panel if the output concentration falls below 85%. If the oxygen concentrator falls below 70% a red warning light is illuminated indicating malfunction and the unit automatically shuts down. The concentrator is extremely easy to operate, the controls consisting simply of an on/off switch and a flow meter. A pressure alarm sounds when the unit is first turned on and for the next few seconds while the pressure is initially building up to 20 P.S.I. after which the alarm remains silent. It only sounds subsequently if the pressure falls: this usually means the filters need changing. The noise of the compressor is subdued and does not disturb even the most sensitive of surgeons.

Routine maintenance consists merely of changing the filters at regular intervals as directed by the manufacturers and this can be easily achieved using skills available locally. Providing these recommendations are observed the unit requires no other attention and will continue to function for many years.
  • 3 years ago
Asker's Rating:
5 out of 5
Asker's Comment:
Just what I wanted to know. Many thanks

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