ISRO to share portable medical oxygen concentrator, Shwaas

The Indian space agency has announced its decision to transfer the technology to make portable medical oxygen concentrators, Shwaas, developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The device enhances the oxygen gas content by selectively separating the nitrogen gas from ambient air through Pressure Swing Adsorption. the 600 W device operates at a voltage of 220 V/50 Hz, has a controllable oxygen flow of 0.5-10 LPM.

Chennai:The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said that its rocket center VSSC has developed medical oxygen concentrator 'Shwaas', which can deliver an enriched level (over 95 percent) of oxygen than in air to support patients with respiratory illness or who are on oxygen therapy.

The device enhances the oxygen gas content by selectively separating the nitrogen gas from ambient air through Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), it said.

Shwaas is capable of supplying enriched oxygen continuously at 10 liters per minute (LPM) adequate for two patients at a time.

According to the ISRO, the 600 W device operates at a voltage of 220 V/50 Hz, has a controllable oxygen flow of 0.5-10 LPM, has two oxygen outlets, the oxygen concentration of 82 percent and 95 percent normal at a pressure of 50-80 kPa

Shwaas has an audible alarm for low purity, low & high levels of pressure and flow rate of oxygen. The device, which weighs 42-44 kg, is 600 mm high, 500 mm long and 400 mm wide and has an LCD display showing oxygen concentration, flow rate, and pressure.

(Inputs from IANS)