What is an Oxygen Concentrator and How Does It Work?

What is an Oxygen Concentrator and How Does It Work?

What is an Oxygen Concentrator and How Does It Work?

In layman’s terms, an oxygen concentrator is the scientifically and technologically advanced form of oxygen tanks. An oxygen concentrator is an apparatus that is used to supply oxygen therapy to a patient. This oxygen therapy has significantly higher concentrations of oxygen than ambient air, or the surrounding air that is commonly breathed. In comparison to tanks of compressed oxygen, oxygen concentrators are safer, cheaper, and more convenient. These devices are also used to provide a cost-effective source of oxygen for industrial processes as well.

How Does an Oxygen Concentrator Work?

A typical oxygen concentrator provides a continual supply of oxygen. It generally has two cylinders filled with zeolite material. The zeolite material, a hydrous aluminum silicate mineral, selectively absorbs the nitrogen from the air. The air cycles through one cylinder, which is where the nitrogen molecules are apprehended by the zeolite material. The other cylinder allows the captured nitrogen to dissipate as it is vented off to ambient atmospheric pressure.

Most units provide a continuous supply of oxygen of up to five liters per minute, or LPM. The concentration is usually between 50 and 95 percent. This process is referred to as PSA, or pressure swing absorption. Oxygen concentrators that provide up to 10 LPM are available for high flow patients.

 These oxygen concentrators are a great alternative to the traditional oxygen tanks that many patients use. It provides the necessary oxygen without the high cost or safety hazards associated with traditional oxygen tanks. It also provides significant cost savings when used in various industrial processes. Even patients that require high flow units can obtain devices that are not much larger or heavier than the typical 5 LPM units. These units also provide patients with much more mobility and freedom.