An oxygen generators is a medical device that concentrates the oxygen from ambient air by removing nitrogen and other components leaving a high concentration of oxygen suitable for medical use. The air we breathe is comprised of about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. An oxygen generators increases the percentage of oxygen and reduces nitrogen and other gases to produce an oxygen-enriched product gas composed of 90–95% oxygen.

How Do Oxygen Concentrator Work?

There are two main types of oxygen generators - continuous flow and pulse dose. Both use pressure swing adsorption technology to separate and concentrate oxygen from room air. Continuous flow concentrators work by pulling room air through a molecular sieve material such as zeolite. These materials have a strong attraction for nitrogen allowing oxygen to pass through while nitrogen is trapped in the sieve. The enriched oxygen is collected and delivered to the patient continuously through a cannula.

Pulse dose Oxygen Concentrator operate in a similar way but collect the oxygen produced in small bursts that are administered to the patient as needed. They are smaller, lighter, and more portable than continuous flow devices. The molecular sieve beds alternate between adsorption and regeneration cycles using valves and control logic to direct the air flow and collect the oxygen. During regeneration, a small amount of pressurized air is passed through the bed to remove the trapped nitrogen allowing the bed to be reused for the next cycle.

Components and Functions

The main components of an Oxygen Concentrator include:

- Molecular Sieve Beds - Contains zeolite granules that selectively adsorb nitrogen allowing oxygen to pass through.

- Compressor - Uses electricity to compress room air to pressures needed for the separation process.

- Valves - Direct air flow between beds and control adsorption/regeneration cycles.

- Electronics - Monitor operating parameters and control compressor, valves and other functions.

- Oxygen Storage Reservoir - Collects and stores concentrated oxygen before delivery to the patient.

- Patient Interface - Tubing, cannula or mask that carries oxygen from the machine to the patient.

Working together, these components allow an oxygen generators to reliably produce a continuous supply of concentrated oxygen for medical applications. The molecular sieves separate oxygen and nitrogen while the compressor, valves and electronics precisely control the air flow and collection process.

Portable vs Stationary Devices

Oxygen Concentrator are available in portable and stationary configurations to suit different patient needs. Portable concentrators are smaller, lighter weight units powered by internal rechargeable batteries making them suitable for travel. However, their lower oxygen production rates mean they may not be suitable for patients with high oxygen requirements.

Stationary oxygen generators are larger desktop units intended for continuous home use. They plug into an AC power outlet and have higher oxygen production rates up to 10 liters per minute. This makes them appropriate for patients requiring round-the-clock supplemental oxygen therapy. Most stationary concentrators also include wheeled carts for portability within the home if needed.

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