Dealing with the challenges of COVID-19, everyone has understood the value of oxygen cylinders. The mass unavailability of oxygen cylinders globally, especially on the African continent, has left deep scars. The dire need for oxygen for sick people and the shortage of oxygen cylinders have increased the awareness about medical oxygen and various components associated with it.
Many small and large pharmaceutical entities and medical centres have started the initiative to offer medical oxygen cylinders for sale to the general public. Prior to the COVID scenario, there was a lack of awareness among the people of how to use and store the cylinders properly, along with the associated safety precautions to follow. There are many components to an oxygen cylinder, which are also very important to using a cylinder properly. Through this article, let’s discuss medical oxygen cylinders in detail.
Types of Oxygen Cylinders
Oxygen cylinders or tanks come in different types, which are:
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Compressed oxygen:
This oxygen is 99.5% pure oxygen and is used by hospitals and clinics. They come in cylinders and canisters for easy handling and use.
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Liquid oxygen:
This is 100% pure oxygen and highly compressed to turn it into liquid. When the valve is opened, liquid oxygen turns into gas. Accidental exposure can burn you or cause frostbite.
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Oxygen concentrators:
These are machines that pull in air from your surroundings and purify it to release oxygen. It runs on electricity and does not involve cylinders.
Availability of oxygen cylinders according to quantity in South Africa
In South Africa, oxygen cylinder size is determined by the quantity of oxygen it handles. The quantities of oxygen cylinders for sale in South Africa are measured in litres, with commonly available sizes of 3L, 5L, 9L, and 10L. The different sizes available in the market cater to the needs of different people in either the medical or industrial sectors. The oxygen cylinders come in different types according to their needs and size; they are
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D-type, 3L: These cylinders are lightweight and suitable as portable oxygen cylinders. Commonly used by patients during travelling, by ambulances to transport patients, and in home setups. These are relatively easy to use and can be operated easily.
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5L: Such cylinders are comparatively heavy but still could be moved around easily. They are used commonly at small medical centres and clinics. Medical stores and clinics carry portable oxygen cylinders for sale in similar quantities to help the public.
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E-Type, 9L: This is a rather big size of cylinder with good capacity and portability. These are often used in hospitals and clinics.
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10L: These are big cylinders with the capacity to handle many patients or for long-term use. These are common types of cylinders used in hospitals and clinics.
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L-Types or 50L cylinders: These are large cylinders used as an oxygen supply for multiple patients at once and are preferred by large medical facilities with the provision of treating critical patients. These kinds of cylinders are also used in industrial sectors.
Some medical suppliers also supply oxygen cylinders in 2L, 8L, and 40L quantities to meet specific requirements.
How to use oxygen cylinders?
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Oxygen cylinders come with carriers that help them stay in a stable and secure position.
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There is a regulator to fit on the valve of the cylinder that will help you control the oxygen flow and alert you when the oxygen supply is low.
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Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider on when and how much oxygen to use. Set the regulator on the prescribed amount of oxygen.
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Always use the winch on the top of your cylinder to open or close the valve.
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The nasal cannula or mask is to be attached to the outlet.
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Always turn off the airflow when not in use.
How do you store oxygen cylinders and related safety precautions?
Oxygen cylinders can be a safety hazard if not stored properly. Oxygen is combustible and can catch fire with even the slightest of sparks. If you are looking for oxygen cylinders for sale, you must follow the given instructions by your care provider, which include
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Oxygen cylinders should always be stored in dry, clean, and undercover places to protect them from direct sunlight and heat.
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The area of storage must be well-ventilated and equipped with fire extinguishers, and fire-resistant walls and floors are advised.
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Store them in places away from the crowd for easy handling, such as delivery and removal if needed.
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Store the cylinders away from combustible material and away from other flammable or toxic gases.
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Cylinders should always be placed upright and never laid down.
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Always ensure the valves are well-sealed and covered with protective covers.
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Inspect them regularly and implement a system to rotate the stock over time.
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When in transit, never store your oxygen cylinders in enclosed spaces such as the trunks of cars. This can damage the cylinders and expose them to heat.
Conclusion
If you or your family or friends have certain conditions that require the use of oxygen tanks, it is a good idea to be aware of the important details about the oxygen cylinders, their types, quantities, storage, and necessary precautions. Oxygen cylinders are always to be used with guidance from your care provider. They can help you find reliable sources to buy oxygen cylinders and help you understand how to use them. You can also look for oxygen cylinders in South Africa online to view places that supply them.
