Design and Development of a Portable Multi-user Medical Grade Oxygen Concentrator

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dc.contributor.advisorSivarasu, Sudesh
dc.contributor.advisorMaswime Salome
dc.contributor.authorLowan, Vongani
dc.date.accessioned2025-03-03T13:20:49Z
dc.date.available2025-03-03T13:20:49Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.date.updated2025-03-03T13:15:49Z
dc.description.abstractIntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for high-flow oxygen concentrators, particularly in resource-limited areas. There is a pressing need for an innovative, high-flow, multi-user oxygen concentrator using local materials to address this healthcare challenge. Methods: The study focused on creating a portable, medical-grade oxygen concentrator using the Skarstrom pressure swing adsorption cycle, incorporating a silica gel drying tank and 13X Zeolite adsorption beds. Critical parameters such as compressor output pressure, heat exchanger efficiency, systemic pressure losses, air separation duration, and peak flow rate of oxygen-enriched air were extensively analysed through experiments and simulations. Results: The concentrator achieved a 21 litres per minute flow rate with over 85% oxygen purity at 100kPa. Cost efficiency was ensured using local components. Enhancements included an orifice in the sieve beds to increase back pressure and equalisation valves to reduce cyclic duration, thus improving efficiency. An internal spacer in the sieve bed was designed to optimise airflow and oxygen production. Discussion: This device addresses the scarcity of oxygen in resource-constrained regions like sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to reduce the cost of oxygen therapy (currently R20.00-R40.00 per patient per day) and should be expanded and implemented in similar settings. Future efforts should focus on integrating advanced functionalities such as remote monitoring for operational efficacy and safety. Conclusion: This multi-user oxygen concentrator represents a significant advancement in medical technology, especially for resource-limited settings. It provides a high oxygen flow rate and concentration at an optimised cost, addressing the oxygen shortage exacerbated by the pandemic. Its innovative design utilises local materials and features that enhance efficiency, offering a cost-effective solution and a model for future healthcare technologies. Future developments should aim to extend this technology's reach, ensure adaptability, and continuously improve its features for enhanced efficacy and safety. This contributes to more equitable medical resource distribution in areas with significant resource constraints.
dc.identifier.apacitationLowan, V. (2024). <i>Design and Development of a Portable Multi-user Medical Grade Oxygen Concentrator</i>. (). University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Human Biology. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41077en_ZA
dc.identifier.chicagocitationLowan, Vongani. <i>"Design and Development of a Portable Multi-user Medical Grade Oxygen Concentrator."</i> ., University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Human Biology, 2024. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41077en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationLowan, V. 2024. Design and Development of a Portable Multi-user Medical Grade Oxygen Concentrator. . University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Human Biology. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41077en_ZA
dc.identifier.ris TY - Thesis / Dissertation AU - Lowan, Vongani AB - Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for high-flow oxygen concentrators, particularly in resource-limited areas. There is a pressing need for an innovative, high-flow, multi-user oxygen concentrator using local materials to address this healthcare challenge. Methods: The study focused on creating a portable, medical-grade oxygen concentrator using the Skarstrom pressure swing adsorption cycle, incorporating a silica gel drying tank and 13X Zeolite adsorption beds. Critical parameters such as compressor output pressure, heat exchanger efficiency, systemic pressure losses, air separation duration, and peak flow rate of oxygen-enriched air were extensively analysed through experiments and simulations. Results: The concentrator achieved a 21 litres per minute flow rate with over 85% oxygen purity at 100kPa. Cost efficiency was ensured using local components. Enhancements included an orifice in the sieve beds to increase back pressure and equalisation valves to reduce cyclic duration, thus improving efficiency. An internal spacer in the sieve bed was designed to optimise airflow and oxygen production. Discussion: This device addresses the scarcity of oxygen in resource-constrained regions like sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to reduce the cost of oxygen therapy (currently R20.00-R40.00 per patient per day) and should be expanded and implemented in similar settings. Future efforts should focus on integrating advanced functionalities such as remote monitoring for operational efficacy and safety. Conclusion: This multi-user oxygen concentrator represents a significant advancement in medical technology, especially for resource-limited settings. It provides a high oxygen flow rate and concentration at an optimised cost, addressing the oxygen shortage exacerbated by the pandemic. Its innovative design utilises local materials and features that enhance efficiency, offering a cost-effective solution and a model for future healthcare technologies. Future developments should aim to extend this technology's reach, ensure adaptability, and continuously improve its features for enhanced efficacy and safety. This contributes to more equitable medical resource distribution in areas with significant resource constraints. DA - 2024 DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town KW - Human Biology LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PB - University of Cape Town PY - 2024 T1 - Design and Development of a Portable Multi-user Medical Grade Oxygen Concentrator TI - Design and Development of a Portable Multi-user Medical Grade Oxygen Concentrator UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41077 ER - en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11427/41077
dc.identifier.vancouvercitationLowan V. Design and Development of a Portable Multi-user Medical Grade Oxygen Concentrator. []. University of Cape Town ,Faculty of Health Sciences ,Department of Human Biology, 2024 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/41077en_ZA
dc.language.rfc3066Eng
dc.publisher.departmentDepartment of Human Biology
dc.publisher.facultyFaculty of Health Sciences
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Cape Town
dc.subjectHuman Biology
dc.titleDesign and Development of a Portable Multi-user Medical Grade Oxygen Concentrator
dc.typeThesis / Dissertation
dc.type.qualificationlevelMasters
dc.type.qualificationlevelMasters
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