Development of A Cost-Effective Oxygen Concentrator

Project Title

Development of A Cost-Effective Oxygen Concentrator

Project Area of Specialization Biomedical EngineeringProject Summary

We are creating an oxygen concentrator, which is a device that concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply (typically ambient air) by selectively removing nitrogen to supply an oxygen-enriched product gas stream. Our concentrator has a compressor, two cylinders (containing molecular sieves), a surge tank, an oxygen analyzer, and three pneumatic valves. The air goes in through the compressor where it is sent to the tanks. Inside the tanks, the zeolite absorbs the nitrogen, leaving only oxygen in the air stream. The stream of pure oxygen flows forward to the surge tank, from where it is supplied to the patient via a nasal cannula. The two cylinders work simultaneously in cycles, as one cylinder absorbs the nitrogen, the other one exhausts the nitrogen absorbed from the previous cycle. The system is able to work simultaneously due to the pneumatic valves, which are controlled by Arduino and its components.  This is a healthy alternative to oxygen cylinders which deplete quickly. It is also not readily available in Pakistan and you have to spend quite a lot to import it. We aim to create a cost-effective oxygen concentrator that works just as well as imported concentrators from the US and is scalable for production in Pakistan.

We are creating an oxygen concentrator, which is a device that concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply (typically ambient air) by selectively removing nitrogen to supply an oxygen-enriched product gas stream.

Our concentrator has a compressor, two cylinders (containing molecular sieves), a surge tank, an oxygen analyzer, and three pneumatic valves. The air goes in through the compressor where it is sent to the tanks. Inside the tanks, the zeolite absorbs the nitrogen, leaving only oxygen in the air stream. The stream of pure oxygen flows forward to the surge tank, from where it is supplied to the patient via a nasal cannula. The two cylinders work simultaneously in cycles, as one cylinder absorbs the nitrogen, the other one exhausts the nitrogen absorbed from the previous cycle. The system is able to work simultaneously due to the pneumatic valves, which are controlled by Arduino and its components. 

This is a healthy alternative to oxygen cylinders which deplete quickly. It is also not readily available in Pakistan and you have to spend quite a lot to import it. We aim to create a cost-effective oxygen concentrator that works just as well as imported concentrators from the US and is scalable for production in Pakistan.

Project Objectives

Our objectives include: 

• Designing a cost-effective device that separates the oxygen from ambient air by selectively removing nitrogen to supply an oxygen-enriched product gas stream
• Achieving the optimal amount of oxygen concentration and the proper flow rate of oxygen that is required by those with respiratory diseases
• Oxygen concentration greater than 85%
• Variable Flowrate of around 1-15 LPM depending upon the requirement
• Installing a multi-use compressor for increasing versatility of usage (it will be able to work with a battery as well)

Project Implementation Method

We are using the following methodology:

Step 1: Method Selection

Pressure Swing Adsorption selected

Step 2: System Design

• Pneumatics

• Dimensions

• Circuit Design

Step 3: Fabrication

• Components

• Assembly

• Pneumatic Settings

Step 4: Testing

• Concentration Level

• Pressure Measurement

• Flowrate Measurement

• Reliability

Benefits of the Project

Increased availability of affordable and cost-saving accessories and devices

Development of optimal recommendations without sacrificing affordability, quality, and availability

Improved research and knowledge-sharing on life-saving essential health technologies

Provide a helpful alternative to oxygen cylinders

Variable Concentration level of Oxygen

Variable Flowrate of product gas

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

A setup that provides the patient with at least 85% of pure oxygen with a variable flow rate of 1-15 lpm. 

Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry MedicalOther Industries Manufacturing , Health Core Technology OthersOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for PeopleRequired Resources

Elapsed time in (days or weeks or month or quarter) since start of the project	Milestone	Deliverable
Month 1	Literature Review	Knowledge of past works
Month 2	Theoretical Design	Pneumatic circuit
Month 3	Parts Procurement	Costs identified and parts obtained
Month 4	Fabrication	Product completed
Month 5	Testing	Concentration, flow rate, and reliability observed
Month 6	Documentation	Thesis