What is an Oxygen Concentrator?

Published: April 26, 2021

The Government of India is to import 10,000 oxygen concentrators.

What is an Oxygen Concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator concentrates oxygen from the atmosphere.

Working of Oxygen Concentrator

  • The atmospheric air has 78% of nitrogen and 21% of oxygen. The Oxygen Concentrator accumulates air, filters through a sieve sending the nitrogen back in to the air and collects oxygen alone.
  • The oxygen in the oxygen concentrator is compressed and dispensed through a cannula.
  • The oxygen is 90% to 95% pure.
  • A pressure valve in the concentrators help to regulate the supply of oxygen from 1 to 10 litres per minute.

How is oxygen from Oxygen Concentrator different from Medical Oxygen?

  • The Oxygen from the concentrators is not as pure as the Liquid Medical Oxygen. However, it is pure enough for mild and moderate COVID-19 patients. It is suitable for patients who require oxygen saturation levels of 85% or above. The Oxygen Concentrators are not advisable for ICU patients.
  • The Oxygen Concentrators will provide only five to ten litres per minute. The critical patients will need 40 to 50 litres of oxygen per minute.
  • The Oxygen Concentrators are portable. On the other hand, the Liquid Medical Oxygen needs to be stored and transported in cryogenic tankers.
  • The Oxygen Concentrators only require a power source to draw in ambient air. On the other hand, the Liquid Medial Oxygen needs refilling.
  • The Oxygen Concentrators are largely one-time investment. They require Rs 40,000 to Rs 90,000. The cylinders costs Rs 8,000 to Rs 20,000.
  • The concentrators require minimal operating cost that includes electricity and routine maintenance. On the other hand, cylinders involve refilling costs and transportation costs.

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