Oxygen Production For Hospitals: The Process Explained

Oxygen is a critical resource in hospitals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it was used to treat patients with respiratory symptoms. Hospitals employ various methods to ensure a steady supply of oxygen for their patients. One common method is the use of large tanks produced by factories that supercool air into liquid form, separate the oxygen layer, and store it under high pressure. This process is expensive and requires adequate safety measures to prevent accidents. Alternatively, hospitals may use concentrators and generators, which filter nitrogen from the air to produce oxygen. These devices can be bedside-sized or large enough to supply pipelines or fill cylinders. While they provide a cheaper and continuous oxygen supply, they rely on a stable power source to function.

Oxygen tanks: factories supercool air, decant oxygen, and store it under high pressure

Oxygen tanks are large metal cylinders that store oxygen under high pressure. They are used to treat patients with lung conditions or breathing difficulties. Tanks can be portable or stationary, with the latter being large and difficult to move, making them suitable only for a hospital or home setting.

Oxygen tanks are filled by manufacturers who super-cool air into liquid form, decant the oxygen layer, and store it under high pressure. This process is expensive and energy-intensive, and it can be dangerous if adequate storage systems are not in place. The oxygen is stored in aluminium tanks at about 2,200 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure. This is considerably higher than the air pressure in a standard car tire, which is about 40-44 PSI.

When oxygen is released from a portable tank, the high pressure inside forces the oxygen outward, creating a flow that travels to the delivery device, such as a nasal cannula or oxygen mask. Nasal cannulas are commonly used to deliver a low to moderate concentration of oxygen and are suitable for patients who can eat, talk, and cough while wearing them. The small tubes should be soft and pliable, and petroleum-based creams should be avoided as they can react with oxygen and cause soreness.

Oxygen tanks can pose a fire hazard, as compressed oxygen can cause materials that would not usually burn to catch fire more easily. Therefore, it is crucial to keep oxygen tanks away from any sources of sparks, heat, or flame. Additionally, leaks can occur in oxygen tanks, and regular checks of the contents gauge are necessary. Leaks often happen at connection points, and it is important never to attempt to repair a cylinder or use sealing compounds or sticky tape to fix a suspected leak.

Concentrators and generators: devices that filter nitrogen from air to produce oxygen

Oxygen concentrators and generators are devices that produce oxygen by filtering nitrogen from the air. They are used in hospitals, at home, and in portable clinics to provide oxygen to patients with low oxygen levels in their blood. They are also used to provide supplemental oxygen at high altitudes.

Oxygen concentrators are electric or battery-powered devices that pull air from the room, separate nitrogen from the air, and compress the remaining oxygen. The atmospheric air that most people breathe is about 20% oxygen, with the rest being nitrogen and trace amounts of other gases. The process of separating nitrogen from oxygen in an oxygen concentrator involves sucking in air through an air filter and forcing it through an air compressor, which pressurizes the air. As the pressure increases, the air travels into special filters that trap the nitrogen molecules and allow the smaller oxygen molecules to pass through into a collection tank. The oxygen then travels to an oxygen outlet and through a mask or nasal cannula to the patient.

Oxygen concentrators are common, with more than 1.5 million people in the United States using some form of oxygen tank, including oxygen concentrators, as part of their supplemental oxygen therapy. They are particularly useful where liquid or pressurized oxygen is too dangerous or inconvenient, such as in homes or remote areas. They also provide an economical source of oxygen in industrial processes, where they are known as oxygen gas generators or oxygen generation plants.

Oxygen concentrators come in different sizes, with some being small enough to sit at bedsides and treat one or more people, while others are large enough to supply pipelines or fill cylinders. They are generally safe to use and do not need to be refilled, but they do require a reliable power source to function.

Oxygen shortages: the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a lack of oxygen supply in hospitals

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a critical shortage of medical oxygen in hospitals, particularly in developing countries. The surge in demand for oxygen to treat COVID-19 patients has exacerbated pre-existing gaps in oxygen supplies, leading to substantial shortages. This issue has resulted in preventable deaths and forced families to pay extra to ensure their loved ones receive oxygen treatment in hospital.

Even before the pandemic, large population groups, especially in developing countries, did not have access to adequate oxygen supplies. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has consistently raised alerts about ongoing shortages in Africa, the Middle East, and other developing regions. The shortage is most critical in neonatal care, with an estimated half a million newborns dying annually from oxygen shortages.

The pandemic has further highlighted the vulnerability of health infrastructure in these countries, with hospitals struggling to meet the increased demand for oxygen. In countries with less-developed medical-oxygen infrastructure, the pandemic has exacerbated an already strained supply. An estimated half a million COVID-19 patients in low- and middle-income countries need 1.1 million cylinders of oxygen every day. This has led to long queues to refill oxygen cylinders and multiple SOS calls by hospitals for oxygen supplies.

To address the oxygen shortage crisis, short-term solutions include the deployment of oxygen concentrators. These devices filter medical-grade oxygen from ambient air and are not subject to the same supply chain constraints as traditional oxygen supplies. Collective intent and a roadmap for implementation are also necessary to solve the oxygen challenge and ensure those who need oxygen receive it.

Power outages: hospitals must prepare for power outages to ensure oxygen supply

Power outages can happen unexpectedly, and hospitals must prepare for them to ensure an uninterrupted oxygen supply. While power outages typically last a few hours to a few days, they can sometimes extend longer, severely impacting oxygen-dependent patients. Hospitals should implement the following measures to safeguard oxygen supply during power outages:

First, hospitals should invest in backup power sources, such as generators, to maintain oxygen production and supply during outages. These generators can supply pipelines or fill cylinders, ensuring oxygen is accessible for patients. Additionally, hospitals can consider solar power as a sustainable and reliable alternative energy source to mitigate the impact of power outages.

Second, hospitals should maintain adequate reserves of oxygen cylinders and tanks. These cylinders can be life-saving during power outages, providing oxygen directly to patients without relying on electrical equipment. It is crucial to regularly inspect and refill these cylinders to ensure they are ready for use when needed.

Third, hospitals should establish partnerships with oxygen suppliers to prioritize emergency oxygen delivery during power outages. Effective communication and coordination with suppliers can help ensure a steady supply of oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen to the hospital. Additionally, hospitals can collaborate with local emergency services, police, and fire departments to access alternative power sources or transportation to functioning medical facilities.

Fourth, hospitals should develop comprehensive emergency plans that include procedures for oxygen supply and patient management during power outages. These plans should be communicated to staff, patients, and the local community. Drills and simulations can be conducted to familiarize staff and volunteers with the protocols, ensuring a swift and efficient response during an actual power outage.

Lastly, hospitals should encourage patients with oxygen therapy at home to prepare for power outages. This includes recommending backup oxygen tanks, battery-powered concentrators, or alternative power sources like inverters or generators. Providing patients with guidance and resources to manage power outages effectively can reduce the strain on hospitals and ensure patient safety.

Oxygen monitoring: hospitals remind patients to monitor oxygen levels and prepare for shortages

Oxygen is a critical resource in hospitals, and its monitoring is essential to ensure patient safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed the devastating impact of oxygen shortages in hospitals, particularly in heavily affected regions. The crisis highlighted the importance of oxygen monitoring and preparedness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Hospitals typically rely on various methods to produce and store oxygen for medical use. In wealthy countries, hospitals often have large tanks of oxygen produced by factories that supercool air, separate the oxygen layer, and store it under high pressure. This method is expensive and requires adequate safety measures to prevent accidents. Alternatively, medical oxygen can be generated on-site using concentrators and generators that filter nitrogen from the air, providing a continuous and cost-effective oxygen supply.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in oxygen supply chains, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). According to a report, only around 58% of general hospitals in LMICs have adequate oxygen supplies, and many lack the necessary equipment and expertise to monitor and administer oxygen effectively. This shortage led to tragic situations where patients struggled to breathe while waiting to return borrowed oxygen cylinders.

To address oxygen shortages and improve patient care, hospitals must take proactive measures. They should remind patients, especially those on home oxygen therapy, to regularly monitor their oxygen levels using devices like pulse oximeters. Hospitals should also conduct risk assessments and ensure proper maintenance and usage of oxygen equipment, including cylinders, nasal cannulas, and tubing. Additionally, hospitals should work with healthcare providers and insurance companies to facilitate seamless oxygen supply and coverage for patients requiring long-term oxygen therapy.

Furthermore, hospitals should develop contingency plans to manage oxygen shortages effectively. This includes optimizing oxygen usage, prioritizing patients with the most critical needs, and exploring alternative oxygen sources. Hospitals can also collaborate with local communities and organizations to ensure a collective effort in addressing oxygen supply challenges. By taking these proactive measures, hospitals can better prepare for oxygen shortages and improve patient outcomes during critical situations.

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