A portable oxygen tank is a highly pressurized cylinder designed to provide supplemental oxygen, allowing for mobility outside the home. This medical equipment is necessary for individuals who cannot get enough oxygen from the surrounding air alone. Because oxygen is classified as a medication, its use is strictly regulated; a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is always required. The prescription specifies the exact flow rate, measured in liters per minute (LPM), which is the precise amount of gas the patient must receive for safe therapy.
Preparing and Activating the Tank
Before connecting the regulator, inspect the tank valve outlet for debris and momentarily crack the tank valve open to clear the opening. This brief release of gas, called “cracking,” ensures a clean connection for the regulator, which controls the oxygen release. Next, carefully align the pins on the regulator with the corresponding holes on the tank valve, ensuring the sealing washer is properly seated to prevent leaks. Secure the regulator to the tank by hand-tightening the T-handle or yoke screw until the connection is firm.
Once the regulator is attached, use the tank wrench, if necessary, to slowly open the main cylinder valve by turning it counter-clockwise, typically one full turn. Opening the valve too rapidly can cause a sudden surge of pressure that may damage the regulator or create a hazardous reaction with contaminants. The pressure gauge on the regulator will then display the internal pressure of the tank; a full cylinder usually reads around 2,000 pounds per square inch (PSI).
With the tank valve open, the next step is to set the prescribed flow rate by adjusting the regulator’s flow selector knob or dial. It is important to set the rate exactly as instructed by your doctor, as using too much or too little oxygen can be dangerous to your health. Finally, attach the oxygen tubing from your nasal cannula or mask to the nipple adaptor on the regulator, and place the delivery device comfortably on your face or in your nostrils.
Safe Handling and Storage
Handling pressurized oxygen requires extreme caution due to the significant risk of fire, as oxygen vigorously supports combustion. Keep the oxygen tank and all related equipment at least 15 feet away from open flames, sparks, or heat sources, including stoves and space heaters. Avoid the use of petroleum-based products, such as lotions, ointments, or aerosol sprays, near the equipment because these substances can react violently with concentrated oxygen.
When the tank is in use, it must always be secured in a stand, cart, or carrier to prevent it from falling over. A sudden impact, like dropping the cylinder, can potentially damage the valve and cause a rapid, uncontrolled release of gas, which can be hazardous. When storing extra tanks that are not secured in a cart, they should be placed flat on the floor or blocked so they cannot roll, and never left standing upright unsecured.
Always store oxygen cylinders in a well-ventilated area, avoiding confined spaces like closets or cabinets, where small amounts of naturally leaking oxygen could accumulate. If you need to transport the tank in a vehicle, secure it so it cannot move or tip over, and ensure the vehicle is well-ventilated by opening the windows slightly. For travel on commercial airlines or other forms of public transportation, you must contact the carrier beforehand to learn about their specific regulations and to coordinate the appropriate oxygen services.
Monitoring Duration and Logistics
A fundamental aspect of safe portable oxygen use is knowing how to read the pressure gauge accurately to determine the remaining duration. The gauge indicates the pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI), which is directly proportional to the amount of gas remaining. A full tank is generally around 2,000 PSI. The tank should be replaced when the needle falls below 200 PSI, which is considered the safe residual pressure.
To estimate the time remaining, you can use a formula that incorporates the tank’s pressure, your prescribed flow rate in liters per minute (LPM), and a specific conversion factor for your tank size. This conversion factor accounts for the total volume of oxygen a particular cylinder size holds when full. The calculation follows the general structure of multiplying the remaining PSI by the tank’s conversion factor, and then dividing that result by the flow rate.
For example, an E-cylinder has a conversion factor of approximately 0.28. A tank with 1,000 PSI remaining and a flow rate of 2 LPM would last about 140 minutes. This calculation helps you plan your time away from home and prevents you from running out of oxygen unexpectedly. When the gauge indicates the tank is low, contact your supplier immediately to arrange for a replacement or swap the empty cylinder for a full one.