Low Cost Medical Oxygen Plant: Watch the Working Animation

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Medical Oxygen Production in Hospitals
   • 2.1 Air Composition
   • 2.2 Air Compression Block
   • 2.3 Air Refrigerant Dryer
   • 2.4 Oil Coalescing Filter
   • 2.5 Oxygen Generator (Principle of Pressure Swing Adsorption)
   • 2.6 Buffer Tank
   • 2.7 Bacterial Filter
   • 2.8 Oxygen Analyzer
   • 2.9 Oxygen Booster
3. Advantages of PSA Oxygen Generator over Cryogenic Oxygen Plant
4. Conclusion

How Medical Oxygen is Produced in Hospitals at Low Cost

Medical oxygen is a crucial resource in hospitals, especially for patients who require supplemental oxygen to breathe properly. In this article, we will delve into the process of how medical oxygen is produced in hospitals at a low cost. We will explore the various stages and equipment involved in generating medical-grade oxygen efficiently and economically.

1. Introduction

The availability of high-quality medical oxygen is essential to ensure the well-being of patients in hospital settings. Oxygen is used in various medical procedures and treatments, including respiratory support, surgical procedures, and emergency situations. Producing medical oxygen on-site allows hospitals to have a reliable and cost-effective supply readily available.

2. Medical Oxygen Production in Hospitals

2.1 Air Composition

The air we breathe consists of 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, 0.9% argon, and 0.1% trace gases. To produce medical oxygen, the air's oxygen content must be concentrated to a higher percentage.

2.2 Air Compression Block

The first step in the medical oxygen production process is the air compression block. This block filters the incoming air through a dust filter to remove any dust particles. The compressed air is then forced out through a pipe.

2.3 Air Refrigerant Dryer

Moisture in the compressor air used in oxygen plants can cause operational issues and affect the overall process. To address this problem, an air refrigerant dryer is used. This dryer cools the warm, moist compressed air rapidly, causing the water vapor in the air to condense into pure water. The resulting dry air is then reheated to room temperature and fed through an outlet.

2.4 Oil Coalescing Filter

To ensure the highest quality of oxygen, the compressed air passes through an oil coalescing filter. This filter efficiently removes oil aerosols and wet dust that may come from the lubrication of compressor elements, the intake air, or the compressor installation itself.

2.5 Oxygen Generator (Principle of Pressure Swing Adsorption)

The heart of the medical oxygen production process is the oxygen generator. This generator operates on the principle of pressure swing adsorption (PSA). Using a synthetic material called zeolite molecular sieve, the pressure swing adsorption technology absorbs nitrogen molecules from the air at high pressure and releases them when the pressure decreases.

The PSA oxygen generator consists of two separate adsorption tanks, each containing zeolite molecular sieve as an adsorber. Dry compressed air from the air receiver is blown through Valve V1 to the first tank, where the pressure builds to reach the operating pressure. As the air passes through the zeolite in the first adsorption tank, nitrogen molecules get trapped in the zeolite's pores, while oxygen passes through as the product gas. This adsorption process continues until the zeolite becomes saturated with nitrogen.

While the first tank is being saturated, the second tank is depressurized to atmospheric pressure. Once the atmospheric pressure is reached, the valve controlling the second tank is closed. Before the zeolite in the first tank becomes fully saturated, the process switches the oxygen generation to the second adsorption tank.

To avoid time delays during the pressurization of the second tank, a pressure equalization valve (Valve V6) is opened. This equalizes the pressure in both tanks, allowing the second tank to reach the operating pressure and begin producing oxygen. A small portion of the generated oxygen from the second tank flows from top to bottom of the first tank to push out the trapped nitrogen. As the pressure in the first tank reduces, the zeolite loses its ability to adsorb nitrogen and starts releasing the remaining nitrogen that was adsorbed earlier. This released nitrogen is vented out through Valve V3, and the zeolite becomes regenerated for the next adsorption phase. This alternating process continues, resulting in a continuous supply of high-purity oxygen.

2.6 Buffer Tank

The oxygen produced by the PSA generator is stored in a buffer tank. This tank ensures a continuous supply of oxygen, even during peak demand periods or when the generator is temporarily turned off.

2.7 Bacterial Filter

To ensure the purity of the produced oxygen, it passes through a bacterial filter before being distributed to the end-users. This filter eliminates any microbial contaminants, ensuring that the oxygen is safe for medical applications.

2.8 Oxygen Analyzer

To monitor the quality and purity of the produced oxygen, an oxygen analyzer is used. This device measures the oxygen concentration and ensures it meets the required medical standards.

2.9 Oxygen Booster

In certain cases, the pressure of the oxygen produced needs to be increased to meet specific requirements at the terminal user's end. An oxygen booster is used for this purpose. It is connected to a cylinder refilling station where oxygen cylinders can be refilled.

3. Advantages of PSA Oxygen Generator over Cryogenic Oxygen Plant

PSA oxygen generators offer several advantages over traditional cryogenic oxygen plants:

• Lower Investment Cost: The investment cost of a PSA generator is less than half that of an equivalent cryogenic oxygen plant, making it a more cost-effective option for hospitals.

• Quick Start-Up Time: PSA generators have a start-up time of only five minutes, allowing hospitals to turn them on and off conveniently based on oxygen demand. In contrast, cryogenic oxygen plants require around 12 to 16 hours to start up, making frequent switching on/off impractical.

• Compact Size and Low Maintenance: PSA generators are compact in size and do not require dedicated manpower for operation. They can work round the clock without supervision. Cryogenic oxygen plants, on the other hand, are large equipment with sophisticated controls and higher maintenance costs, requiring dedicated personnel for operation.

• Ease of Storage: Oxygen produced by PSA generators can be stored in standard economical tanks. In contrast, cryogenic oxygen needs to be stored in vacuum-insulated double-walled tanks, which come at a higher cost.

Considering these advantages, PSA oxygen generators are the preferred choice for medical oxygen generation in hospitals.

4. Conclusion

The production of medical oxygen in hospitals at a low cost is made possible through the use of efficient and reliable equipment, such as air compression blocks, air refrigerant dryers, oil coalescing filters, and oxygen generators based on the principle of pressure swing adsorption (PSA). These systems allow hospitals to produce their own medical-grade oxygen, ensuring a continuous and cost-effective supply for patient care. PSA oxygen generators offer significant advantages over cryogenic oxygen plants in terms of investment cost, start-up time, size, maintenance, and storage. With the ability to produce oxygen on-site, hospitals can ensure the availability of high-quality oxygen whenever needed, improving patient outcomes and reducing dependence on external suppliers.

Highlights

• Medical oxygen production in hospitals is crucial for patient care.
• Oxygen generators based on pressure swing adsorption (PSA) efficiently produce medical-grade oxygen.
• PSA oxygen generators offer advantages over cryogenic oxygen plants, including lower investment costs, quick start-up time, compact size, and ease of storage.
• On-site production of medical oxygen ensures a continuous and cost-effective supply in hospitals.

FAQ

Q: Can PSA oxygen generators meet the oxygen demand of hospitals? A: Yes, PSA oxygen generators can effectively meet the oxygen demand of hospitals. They can be turned on and off conveniently based on the need for oxygen.

Q: What is the purity of medical oxygen produced by PSA oxygen generators? A: The purity of medical oxygen produced by PSA oxygen generators is typically 93% or higher, meeting the required medical standards.

Q: Can PSA oxygen generators be used in emergency situations? A: Yes, PSA oxygen generators are designed to provide a continuous supply of oxygen, making them suitable for emergency situations where a reliable oxygen source is crucial.

Q: How often does the zeolite in the PSA oxygen generator need to be regenerated? A: The zeolite in the PSA oxygen generator needs to be regenerated when it becomes saturated with nitrogen. The regeneration process occurs alternately between two adsorption tanks.

Q: Is it necessary to have a dedicated manpower for operating a PSA oxygen generator? A: No, PSA oxygen generators are designed for automatic operation and do not require dedicated manpower. They can work round the clock without supervision.