The delivery of medical-grade oxygen in a home setting relies on two distinct technologies: compressed gas cylinders, commonly called oxygen tanks, and electronic oxygen concentrators. Compressed gas tanks store oxygen under immense pressure, while oxygen concentrators actively filter and purify ambient air. The need for electricity depends entirely on which delivery system is being used.
How Compressed Gas Tanks Function
Compressed gas oxygen tanks function as storage vessels that do not require any external power source for operation. The oxygen within these metal cylinders is stored at a very high pressure, often exceeding 2,000 pounds per square inch (psi). This high pressure allows a large volume of gas to be condensed into a relatively small container.
The high-pressure oxygen is released and regulated through a mechanical component called a regulator, which is attached to the top of the tank. This regulator reduces the pressure to a safe and therapeutic level before the oxygen travels to the patient. A flow meter, which is part of the regulator assembly, allows the user to set the precise flow rate in liters per minute (LPM) as prescribed by a doctor. These tanks are completely functional and power-failure proof, making them inherently portable and reliable in an emergency.
The Role of Oxygen Concentrators
Oxygen concentrators are complex electronic devices that require a continuous supply of electricity to operate. These machines do not store oxygen; instead, they generate a high concentration of oxygen by drawing in ambient air. Room air is approximately 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen.
The concentrator’s internal compressor must run continuously to draw air in and pressurize it, forcing it through a series of filters. The core of this system is a pair of molecular sieve beds, which contain a material called zeolite. This material works on the principle of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), physically trapping the nitrogen molecules under pressure while allowing the smaller oxygen molecules to pass through into a holding tank. The process requires a motor, valves, and a microprocessor to manage the timing and compression. This continuous electromechanical action is why the oxygen concentrator must be plugged into a wall outlet or powered by an internal battery pack.
Planning for Electrical Dependency
Having a comprehensive backup plan is a safety necessity for users of oxygen concentrators. The most common and reliable safety measure is to maintain a dedicated, small compressed gas tank in the home. This backup tank should be kept full and easily accessible, providing a non-electric oxygen source to use immediately when a power interruption occurs.
For users who rely on portable oxygen concentrators, keeping multiple spare batteries fully charged is the standard procedure for short-term outages. For extended power loss, a home generator or large external battery power station provides a way to run the concentrator until utility power is restored. Users should also notify their local utility company that life-sustaining medical equipment is in use at their address, as some providers offer a medical priority status for power restoration.