This work elucidates the developmental trajectory of oxygen concentrators within the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by a surge in demand for oxygen cylinders. We were presented with a chance to create a minimum viable product (MVP) for an oxygen concentrator by Dr. Sreeram Dhurjaty from Rochester and several engineers from PSIT. The adventure commenced by delving into the fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry. Initially, a machine with a wooden case was built utilizing readily accessible components, operating at a flow rate of 5 liters per minute (LPM). Following the determination of the precise volume of sodium zeolite granules, a machine was fabricated with an initial output purity of 75%. Various important changes were then subsequently made including improved sieve beds, the heat radiator system to disperse thermal energy, and changes in the chemistry of the primary concentrator. The testing of an improved (preproduction) stainless-steel unit spanned a duration of six months and was conducted at various institutions, including Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital, a government hospital, and a Cardiology institute. During this period, we evaluated our oxygen concentrator with a flow rate of 10 lpm and a purity level of 90%. The cost of our final 5 lpm machine is approximately 25,000 Indian rupees (about $300).
Speaker(s): Dr. Dixit,
Agenda:
October 7, 2023, 12:00 pm EST – Dr. Aparna Dixit begins her talk
Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/369419
This event has passed.
