Do you need an oxygen concentrator? Do you know how it works? Even though they are different in terms of design, in terms of technology and the way it operates it is usually the same.
In this article, we will explain how an oxygen concentrator works. So, let’s look into it. They are as follows:
- What is an oxygen concentrator?
- How does a portable oxygen concentrator work?
- Advantages of using an oxygen concentrator
- Disadvantages of using an oxygen concentrator
- Conclusion to how does a portable oxygen concentrator work
What is an oxygen concentrator?
Oxygen concentrators are given to people who have very low levels of oxygen in their blood. They are used with the help of a battery or connected to an electrical outlet. However, the battery has to be charged and connected to an electrical outlet. Some of the concentrators come with an adapter so that you can use them while traveling.
How does a portable oxygen concentrator work?
An oxygen concentrator receives air, purifies it, and then moves it. When the oxygen first goes into the concentrator, it is 20% of it and 80% of nitrogen, and when it comes out it is almost 95% pure oxygen and 5% nitrogen.
Therefore, this oxygen content is supplied to the patient as it is difficult to produce that amount of pure oxygen without the help of a medical device. There are 5 steps to a concentrator process. They are as follows:
- Take the air in the atmosphere.
- Compress the oxygen.
- Take out the nitrogen from the air.
- Adjust the way the air is delivered.
- Deliver the purified air.
A portable oxygen concentrator supplies the oxygen until the battery lasts, unlike simple oxygen concentrators. Portable oxygen concentrators do not need to be refilled, as they are very lightweight and easy to carry.
There are many parts of a portable oxygen concentrator. The main part comprises a compressor and a sieve bed filter. The compressor compresses the air and filters it into the concentrator, and then delivers the air into a continuous stream.
The compressed air is directed toward the sieve bed filters. The sieve bed filter is crucial because it is the device that removes nitrogen from the air. The sieve bed contains a material called Zeolite, which is a six-sided microscopic cube with holes on each side and is responsible for removing nitrogen from the air.
The concentrator contains two sieve beds. Air is forced into the first sieve bed after being compressed in the concentrator. The product tank is filled with oxygen. The first sieve bed is then filled with nitrogen. The compressed air then moves to the second sieve bed after the gas flow is switched.
The compressor from the first sieve bed is sent to the outside room, and the air from the product tank returns to the first sieve bed. Zeolite releases nitrogen due to the drop in pressure from the first sieve bed and the weakening of oxygen.
The Oxygen and Nitrogen combine and are released back into the room as regular air. The compressed air is then sent to the second sieve, through which oxygen is moved to the Product Tank. After a few seconds, the cycle begins again with the first sieve.
Other critical components include the cooling system, which prevents the portable oxygen concentrator from overheating, and the nasal cannula, which delivers the purified oxygen after it has passed through all of the sieve bed filters. The cannula aids in oxygen absorption.
Advantages of using an oxygen concentrator
- Provides a consistent and dependable source of oxygen for patients with respiratory conditions.
- It eliminates the need for expensive oxygen cylinder refills, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
- Many oxygen concentrators are lightweight and portable, allowing patients mobility and freedom.
- Requires little maintenance, which means fewer headaches for users.
- Noise level is Low, ensuring a peaceful environment for patients and those nearby.
- It uses less power than other oxygen delivery systems.
- Removes the risk of handling and storing pressurised oxygen cylinders.
- Adjustable flow rate enables healthcare providers to tailor the oxygen flow rate to individual patient requirements.
- Unlike oxygen cylinders, an oxygen concentrator produces oxygen on demand, eliminating the need for refills.
- Oxygen concentrators are widely available in medical supply stores and can be easily purchased or rented.
Disadvantages of using an oxygen concentrator
- The purchase of an oxygen concentrator can be costly at first, which may be a significant investment for some individuals or healthcare facilities.
- Oxygen concentrators require a constant power supply to operate, which can be a limitation in areas with frequent power outages or in situations where mobility is critical.
- Some oxygen concentrators can make audible noises while operating, which can be bothersome to users or those nearby, especially during sleep or quiet times.
- While portable oxygen concentrators are available, they may be bulkier and heavier than other oxygen delivery systems, limiting mobility for certain users.
- To ensure proper operation, oxygen concentrators require regular maintenance and filter replacements, which adds to the overall cost and responsibility of ownership.
- The effectiveness of oxygen concentrators may decrease at higher altitudes, making them unsuitable for use in mountainous or high-elevation areas.
- Oxygen concentrators may not be able to provide the high-flow oxygen rates required for certain medical conditions, necessitating the use of alternative oxygen delivery methods.
- Oxygen Concentration May Vary Due to Device Design and Specifications: Oxygen concentrators may not deliver 100% pure oxygen, and the oxygen concentration may vary depending on the device’s design and specifications.
- Some oxygen concentrators are temperature sensitive, and their performance may suffer in extremely hot or cold environments.
- When a constant oxygen supply is required, relying solely on an oxygen concentrator may pose a risk, necessitating the use of a backup oxygen supply system.
Conclusion to how does a portable oxygen concentrator work
In Conclusion, the oxygen concentrator has been found to be the most sought-after device for oxygen therapy. However, you have to make sure that this device is used by people with very mild breathing issues. This cannot be used by people with oxygen saturation levels lower than 85%. You can call us at 1800-212-6868 or visit our website https://sagarhealthseva.com/.
