Portable System Concentrates Oxygen

A lightweight, portable oxygen concentrator frees patients from reliance on constant oxygen balloon supplies.

The OxyTec 900, manufactured by OxyTec Medical (Anaheim Hills, CA, USA), is a highly efficient portable oxygen concentrator that can operate for as long as eight hours before the patient must recharge the unit's internal batteries or connect it to a conventional power source. The concentrator outputs 900 ml of oxygen per minute, weighs less than 5 kg, and is intended to serve as an alternative to traditional portable oxygen tanks and liquid reservoirs.

The oxygen is separated from the air using pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology. The process uses a molecular sieve known as Zeolite, which at high pressures adsorbs nitrogen and at low pressures desorbs or releases nitrogen. The oxygen generator consists of two tanks filled with Zeolite. As high pressure air (about 70 psi) is introduced into the first tank, it passes through the sieve, and nitrogen is adsorbed. The remaining oxygen and argon are piped to a buffer or storage tank.

Just before the first tank becomes completely saturated with nitrogen, feed air is redirected to the second tank which then repeats the above process. The first tank is then vented to atmosphere, which allows the nitrogen to desorb or release from the sieve. To complete the regeneration of the first tank, a small amount of the oxygen is used to purge it. This process is completed over and over again, generating a high-pressure oxygen product stream and low-pressure nitrogen-enriched waste stream.

Other features include a large, intuitive touch-screen display, enabling simpler use for people suffering from arthritic conditions; six oxygen-delivery settings, ranging from 10 to 60 cc of oxygen for each breath; pulse-breath detection technology, allowing the use of a single lumen oxygen cannula; and a two-year warranty. The system has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

OxyTec Medical Corporation joined the sleep and home respiratory care group of Respironics (Murrysville, PA, USA) in May 2006.



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