Compressor Systems that generate 02?

[Jont]

I was recently told a shop on Long Island, NY has a compressor system that generates 02? So the need and risks associated with storing 02 are eliminated.

Do these systems exist? How does it affect the cost per fill? Can they be used with a try-mix "stick"?

Some insight would be helpful.

Thank you.

[chrpai]

I think the term you are looking for is "oxygen concentrator". They use them in the medical field and you can usually find them on Craigslist. Some simply deliver 5-10lpm to the patient and some pressurize it into a small bottle.


The problem is the 1% argon in the atmosphere also gets concentrated. I've seen a couple people say they do it anyways and it doesn't bother them. I don't think I would.

[victorzamora]

I think the term you are looking for is "oxygen concentrator". They use them in the medical field and you can usually find them on Craigslist. Some simply deliver 5-10lpm to the patient and some pressurize it into a small bottle.


The problem is the 1% argon in the atmosphere also gets concentrated. I've seen a couple people say they do it anyways and it doesn't bother them. I don't think I would.

A guy I talked to actually has done a few CCR dives with oxygen out of a concentrator. The trick, according to him, is to loop flush every so often. That way, the Argon (and other crap) doesn't build up in the loop. It seems like it should be more often the more oxygen you add to the loop.

[chrpai]

I can think of a half dozen concerns here and probably more I don't know what I don't know. I'm not willing to try it myself. I just pay my $40 for a t-bottle of aviators.

[FW]

They also concentrate CO, and CO2.

[patpicos]

Jon, are you referring to a membrane system? Ie takes nitrogen out of the air and keeps the oxygen only? it typically can produce up to 40% nitrox...dont they they output pure O2

[Jont]

Can a membrane system be used to a greater efficiency the 40% as Brownies suggests? I don't think a dive shop thats been around for over 30 years would assume the associated risks noted above with "concentrators" but I'll get more info directly from the dive shop and post it. The feedback here will be interesting.

[rddvet]

As said above, the only thing that would work is an oxygen concentrator for medical use. They aren't that awesome unless you're spending really serious bucks (like large hospital bucks). I looked at a few for my office to save on oxygen costs and one big negative is they don't produce 100%. They usually produce about 97% in most cases. Not a huge deal, but made it not worth the cost in my opinion. On top of that they're not really made for banking oxygen as much as producing for immediate use.

[Jont]

As said above, the only thing that would work is an oxygen concentrator for medical use. They aren't that awesome unless you're spending really serious bucks (like large hospital bucks). I looked at a few for my office to save on oxygen costs and one big negative is they don't produce 100%. They usually produce about 97% in most cases. Not a huge deal, but made it not worth the cost in my opinion. On top of that they're not really made for banking oxygen as much as producing for immediate use.

Thanks Dude. The shop that has this system is closed today, so for me and maybe 6-7 others T bottles and a booster sounds like its the most cost effective.

Cheers.

[rddvet]

Thanks Dude. The shop that has this system is closed today, so for me and maybe 6-7 others T bottles and a booster sounds like its the most cost effective.

Cheers.

The one that I looked at was in the neighborhood of $8000 and could supply up to 3 anesthesia units up to 3L/min. Sounds like alot of oxygen but to get the same system to work in a dive shop capacity would be more expensive.