Home or portable oxygen therapy provides supplemental oxygen to individuals with respiratory conditions. This treatment often involves using a compressed gas cylinder that stores pure oxygen under very high pressure for use at home or while traveling. Understanding the proper assembly and operational procedures is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of the therapy and ensuring safety. This guide provides detailed instructions on the safe operation of a medical oxygen tank, but it must not replace the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or equipment supplier.
Understanding the System Components
A typical compressed oxygen tank setup consists of four parts that work together to deliver the gas safely. The cylinder itself is a robust metal tank containing oxygen compressed to a high pressure, often around 2,000 pounds per square inch (psi) when full. This high-pressure storage requires an immediate control mechanism before the oxygen can be used.
The regulator attaches directly to the tank’s valve and performs a dual function. It reduces the extremely high pressure from the cylinder to a safe, usable level for breathing. The regulator also features a pressure gauge that displays the remaining gas supply and a separate flow meter or dial used to set the prescribed oxygen output.
Oxygen travels from the regulator through clear plastic tubing to the patient. This tubing connects to the delivery device, typically a nasal cannula—a flexible tube with two small prongs that rest inside the nostrils. For individuals needing higher flow rates, an oxygen mask may be used.
Step-by-Step Setup and Initiation
Connecting the regulator to a new cylinder requires careful attention to detail for a secure, leak-free seal. First, ensure the oxygen tank is secured upright in a stand or cart to prevent tipping during assembly. Inspect the tank’s connection port to confirm it is clean and free of dust or debris. This is accomplished by briefly opening and closing the tank valve, a process known as “cracking” the valve.
After confirming the tank port is clean, align the regulator’s yoke assembly with the tank valve. Alignment pins on the regulator must fit precisely into the corresponding holes on the tank valve. Use the T-handle or yoke screw on the regulator to hand-tighten the assembly securely against the tank valve.
Once the regulator is firmly attached, the tank valve can be opened to pressurize the system. Using the cylinder wrench, slowly turn the tank valve counter-clockwise (typically one to two full turns) to initiate the flow of high-pressure oxygen into the regulator. Check the pressure gauge immediately; it should display a reading near the full capacity of the tank (e.g., 2,000 psi), confirming the cylinder is functional.
Safe Usage and Flow Management
The next step involves setting the oxygen output, which must strictly adhere to the flow rate prescribed by a physician, measured in liters per minute (LPM). Adjust the flow rate using the control knob or dial on the regulator; this directs the oxygen through a separate flow meter, not the main pressure gauge. Setting the flow to any rate other than the one determined by your doctor can lead to inadequate or excessive oxygen delivery.
After setting the flow rate, attach the oxygen tubing and delivery device (such as the nasal cannula) to the regulator’s outlet port. Check the cannula or mask to confirm that the gas is flowing as expected before placing the device on the patient. The prescribed flow rate should be maintained for the duration of the therapy session.
Operational safety is paramount because pure oxygen gas supports combustion, causing materials to ignite more easily and burn more intensely. A distance of at least six feet must be maintained between the oxygen equipment and all heat sources or potential ignition points, including stoves, heaters, matches, and lit candles. It is strictly prohibited to smoke while oxygen is in use or stored nearby. Never use petroleum-based products like certain lotions or ointments on the face or near the equipment, as they can react violently with concentrated oxygen.
Monitoring and When to Seek Help
Continuous monitoring of the oxygen supply is necessary to ensure an uninterrupted therapy schedule. The pressure gauge on the regulator indicates the remaining volume of gas in the cylinder, not the flow rate being delivered. A full tank typically reads near 2,000 psi. The cylinder must be replaced or refilled well before the pressure drops into the red zone, generally below 200 psi.
Regularly checking the tubing for kinks or obstructions helps prevent unexpected interruptions in the oxygen flow. A hissing sound near the regulator indicates a leak, which may be caused by a damaged or missing washer seal between the regulator and the tank. If a leak is suspected, immediately close the cylinder valve and contact your equipment supplier for assistance.
In the event of a system malfunction (e.g., inability to open the tank or a regulator that fails to display pressure), contact the equipment supplier immediately for troubleshooting and replacement. If the patient experiences physical distress, such as sudden or worsening shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion, turn off the equipment and immediately seek emergency medical attention. These symptoms may indicate an issue with the patient’s oxygen saturation, not just the equipment.