Oxygen Concentrators.
What is Oxygen Concentartor. An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that delivers concentrated oxygen to patients who have low blood oxygen levels. It’s a safer, more economical alternative to oxygen tanks because it extracts oxygen directly from the surrounding air instead of storing it. These devices are used in hospitals, clinics, and even in-home care settings..
How Does an Oxygen Concentrator Work?. So, how does it work? The concentrator takes in air from the room, which is about 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen. The key process behind this device is Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). Inside the concentrator, the air is compressed, and a material called zeolite absorbs the nitrogen, leaving behind concentrated oxygen—usually around 90-95%. This oxygen is then delivered to the patient via a nasal cannula or mask..
Key Components: Air Intake Filter Compressor Zeolite Molecular Sieve Oxygen Outlet".
Principle of Operation: Pressure Swing Adsorption.
Em*satbn Feed 6 Sder« Wves.
When is an Oxygen Concentrator Used?. Oxygen concentrators are used when patients suffer from respiratory conditions that lower blood oxygen levels. Common medical conditions include COPD, pneumonia, COVID-19, asthma, and even sleep apnea. They’re especially useful in home-care settings where patients need long-term oxygen therapy.".
Types of Oxygen Concentrators. "Now, let’s talk about the two main types of oxygen concentrators: 1.stationary 2.portable. side-by-side comparison image clearly showing the differences between a stationary and a portable oxygen concentrator. The stationary unit is larger and used indoors, while the portable unit is smaller and designed for outdoor use..
"Stationary Oxygen Concentrators". Stationary oxygen concentrators are larger units designed for home or hospital use. They offer high oxygen flow rates, up to 10 liters per minute, and run on electricity. They’re ideal for patients who are bedridden or don’t need to move around much..
"Portable Oxygen Concentrators". Portable oxygen concentrators are lightweight, battery-operated devices designed for patients who need oxygen on the go. While they typically provide lower flow rates, they allow patients more mobility and independence.“.
Troubleshooting for Biomedical Engineers. "Now, for the biomedical engineers out there, let’s talk about troubleshooting common issues with oxygen concentrators. Here are the most frequent problems you’ll encounter and how to solve them.“ 1.Low Oxygen Purity 2.No Oxygen Flow 3.Power issues or Alarms.
1.Low Oxygen Purity. 1.Low Oxygen Purity If the oxygen purity drops below 90%, the machine might have a problem with the filters, zeolite sieve, or compressor. Solution: Start by cleaning or replacing the filters. If that doesn’t work, check the zeolite sieve beds and replace them if necessary.“.
2.No Oxygen Flow. 2.No Oxygen Flow If there’s no oxygen flow, it could be due to blockages in the tubing or a problem with the flow meter Solution: Inspect the tubing for kinks or leaks and ensure the flow meter is set correctly.“.
3.Power Issues or Alarms". "Issue: If the device won’t power on or is showing alarms, it could be a power supply issue or an internal fault. Solution: First, check the power source and connections. If the alarm persists, refer to the error code and manual for guidance.".
Stay Tuned for More. "And that’s a comprehensive overview of oxygen concentrators, their workings, and how to troubleshoot common issues. As a biomedical engineer, your role in maintaining these life-saving devices is crucial. Thanks for watching! Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more insightful videos here on Biomedical Diaries!".
Subscribe for More Biomedical Engineering content.