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16 Covetrus | ph: 855.724.3461 | fx: 888.329.3861 | cvet.co/shop Anesthesia Systems Oxygen Concentrators 101 By Michelle McConnell, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia) Oxygen concentrators have been on the veterinary market for more than 20 years and have been gaining popularity over the years as an alternative to oxygen tanks. Oxygen tanks can be costly and hazardous if not stored properly. The average cost of use ranges from between $80 and $125 for every half hour of oxygen used. One oxygen H tank will give 55 hours of oxygen at a 2 LPM flowrate. Oxygen concentrators can surpass this number if functioning correctly. Overall, oxygen concentrators can be more cost effective in the long run. How do oxygen concentrators work? The oxygen concentrators used in veterinary medicine are normally of the pressure swing absorption (PSA) type. These oxygen concentrators utilize molecular sieve beds; most have two which is the minimum required but may have more. Pressurized air passes through these beds using an adsorption-desorption process. As pressurized room air passes through the sieve beds, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water vapors and hydrocarbons are trapped. This allows the oxygen to pass through and become concentrated to create a continuous output of 90% or higher. The oxygen that is produced is known as oxygen-enriched air. Most manufacturers recommend an oxygen concentrator to have a continuous output of 93% or higher. What are the disadvantages of oxygen concentrators? All oxygen concentrators require air intake filter changes. These filters can range anywhere from $12 to $300 depending on the make and model. Most manufacturers recommend an oxygen output test once a year. This ensures a continuous oxygen output of 93% or higher. Keep in mind that concentrators are not capable of producing 100% pure oxygen. What are the hazards of using an oxygen concentrator? Oxygen concentrators do not perform well in high humidity. In high humidity areas, water will become absorbed in the sieve and decrease the oxygen output. The air intake can also be contaminated and cause sieve bed exhaustion. Another hazard is device malfunction. This can be caused by caking of the sieve bed material, electrical, or mechanical problems. It is recommended to run concentrators at least thirty minutes once a week (twice a week in areas of high humidity) to purge nitrogen and moisture to help prevent caking. For these reasons, most manufacturers recommend to always have a backup source of oxygen. Overall Summary Oxygen concentrators are a great option to provide veterinary patients with oxygen. Oxygen concentrators give clinics cost savings, reliability, and simplicity. They are a highly recommended choice in today's veterinary industry. Oxygen concentrators give clinics cost savings, reliability, and simplicity.