Let us begin with one basic premise: You, or someone near you, needs supplemental oxygen and you either have or will shortly need a portable oxygen system.
In this article I will deal with portable oxygen cylinders (for compressed oxygen) or portable oxygen tanks (liquid oxygen). The other oxygen delivery system, oxygen concentrators, do not apply here.
Travel Guide
The first thing is to decide which type of oxygen delivery system you will use. This is a decision that you have to make together with your doctor as it will depend on the diagnosis and degree of activity your lifestyle demands. There are many different options of oxygen supply units and the choice will depend on many factors including dosage and degree of activity and mobility. It is sometimes difficult to change systems down the line as you become familiar with your units. Having said that most times you will have a combination of systems.
Liquid Oxygen Tanks:
Liquid oxygen containers are an efficient means of storing oxygen as the liquid stage contains much more oxygen, than when stored as compressed oxygen. To note one liter of liquid oxygen is the equivalent of 860 liters of oxygen as gas. It is stored in the tank at -170 degrees Celsius. The amount of oxygen you have is for about two weeks when used as the primary source and depending on the flow rate you have been prescribed.
Portable liquid oxygen tanks will normally be refilled from the main container and should last for approximately 9 to 10 hours at a flow setting of 2.
You don't need a power source to operate and they are therefore reasonably silent (apart from the psst when oxygen is expelled).
They have no major moving parts.
You can use conserving devices.
Light weight units are available.
You should always check the amount of oxygen in the tank, specially if it has been stored for a time, as it can lose some oxygen due to condensation.
Basic Safety Precautions:
Keep away from fire.
Keep an emergency back up nearby.
Note refilling requirements (for both the main and the portable tanks).
Make a list of emergency phone numbers, including your liquid oxygen provider, and have it always in one visible place.
Keep the unit upright to prevent leakage.
Always turn the valve off when not in use.
Always check your settings and make sure the oxygen is flowing properly.
Most people hate instructions, but you should read the instruction booklet, specially the safety section.
Compressed Oxygen Cylinders:
Oxygen cylinders holding compressed gas were for a long time the only alternative available. The cylinder is filled with pressurized oxygen, and to do this you have two ways of doing it: a. Through your oxygen provider and b. From a stationary oxygen concentrator (with the appropriate adapter).
With the increased range of oxygen systems available, the number of patients that receive all their oxygen from compressed oxygen cylinders is less and one of the reasons is that the home cylinders are very large, bulky and heavy, making it very difficult to maneuver. Also the amount of oxygen that is stored is lees, which means you need to refill to or three times a week.
Portable Oxygen Cylinders:
For moderate mobility however they are a very good choice as there is a whole new range of light weight cylinders which are easier to carry, store and maneuver. If used with a conserving device (pulse or demand), duration is increased.
As most people today have a combination of oxygen systems (home and portable), there is an added advantage in portable oxygen cylinders - when used for moderate and short term oxygen supply. Aside from the benefits of being lightweight, they can be refilled directly from the home oxygen concentrator.
Safety precautions are very similar in both types of oxygen storage systems and the actual usage is also similar.
A Simple Guide For Portable Oxygen TanksTags : You Can Buy All Men Women Kids Brands Watches For You Can Buy Boot Sandal Shoes Buy Rs232 lg stereo headset casio divers watch