LIQUID OXYGEN UNIT

Product information and teaching guide

A liquid oxygen unit is used to deliver medical grade oxygen. It is only to be used as prescribed by your physician. The information contained in this guide is provided to assist you in operating the equipment safely and to insure that maximum benefit from its use is achieved.

If you have any questions about the equipment or its use at any time, ask your representative.

The liquid oxygen portable unit, which is filled from the stationary unit, provides a portable supply of oxygen. For example, when the flow controller is set at 2 liters per minute, the supply will last about 8 hours.

The stationary unit is for use in the home and will be refilled by a representative. The frequency of refill is dependent upon the rate of use.

 

 

Your stationary unit may be equipped with one of two types of content level indicators.

Contents Indicator - This indicator is visible through the top of the stationary unit. The indicator is graduated into 4 segments. When the indicator drops below the ¼ full graduation, your representative should be notified and asked to refill the unit. Do not attempt to fill the portable unit if the indicator is near the empty mark.

OR

Contents Scale - A color-coded window reveals an indicator which shows the contents of the unit. As the oxygen is used, the indicator will move from right to left. When the contents indicator reaches the yellow area, your representative should be notified and asked to refill the unit. The red area indicates that the unit is empty. Do not attempt to fill the portable unit if the indicator is in or near the red area. The numbers above the color band do not indicate a specific amount of oxygen, but rather serve as helpful reference points.

Caution: Never place anything on or attach anything to the stationary unit as this would result in false readings on the Contents Scale. Do not tamper with or attempt to adjust the scale. If a problem is suspected, notify your representative.

 

WARNING: Never depress the plastic tip of the filing connector on the stationary unit. Doing so would allow cold gaseous and liquid oxygen to escape.

Using the stationary Liquid Oxygen Unit:

1. Fill the humidifier with distilled water to the level indicated on the humidifier instruction.

2. Attach the humidifier to the humidifier adapter.

3. Attach the oxygen tube to the humidifier outlet.

  1. Adjust the cannula or other breathing device to the face to receive oxygen comfortably.
  2. Turn the flow controller to the rate prescribed.

NOTE: No oxygen will flow if dial is between settings.

6. Check the humidifier to insure that there is a steady flow of bubbles. This indicates that oxygen is flowing.

7. The contents indicator will show how much liquid is remaining. It should be checked periodically to insure that #9; the supply is adequate.
  1. Moisture will condense on the internal operating parts of the units. A drain is provided to which a moisture collection container can be attached.

 

Filling the Portable Unit

CAUTION: The fill connectors must be clean and dry in order to avoid malfunction due to freezing.

1. Check the content indicator to be sure the stationary unit has ample supply of liquid for filing purposes. Note: Do not attempt to fill the portable if the content indicator is near the empty area.

 

 

2. Hold the portable unit with both hands and position the contoured case over the matching recessed area in the stationary cover.

3. Lower the portable unit carefully into place taking care to assure proper engagement of quick connectors.

4. Place one hand on top of the portable unit directly over the quick connector and press straight down. This will lower the portable unit approximately 3/8", and assure proper engagement of the fill connectors.
  1. While holding the unit in the fill position, move the vent valve lever straight out to the open position. (90 from normal off position) This will result in a rather loud hissing noise. (Note the time at start of fill)

 

 

 

NOTE: One hand should maintain slight down pressure on the unit during filling to assure stability and proper filing position. Approximately 30-40 seconds into the filling procedure it is advisable to close and reopen the vent valve one or more times. This will break up any ice that may have begun to form around the valve stem and serve to avoid any problems with the vent valve freezing open.

6. After 1 ½ minutes have elapsed since starting the filling process, close the vent valve. (Fill time may vary according to the temperature of the container being filled.)

It is also possible to detect the full condition by a noticeable change in sound of the venting gas, or by the presence of dense white vapor around the cover of the stationary unit.

NOTE: Should for any reason the vent valve fail to close and the hissng continue, remove the portable unit by depressing the portable release button. The portable unit will stop venting in a few minutes.

7. Disengage the portable unit from the stationary unit by holding the carrying strap above the unit and depressing the release button. Always hold the portable unit with one hand when attempting to disengage it. Should the units not disengage easily, they may have become frozen. DO NOT USE FORCE. Simply allow a few moments for the frozen parts to warm and remove when the ice has melted.

WARNING: Should liquid oxygen leakage occur when the portable is removed from the stationary unit proceed to re-engage and disengage the unit. This will help dislodge any ice or other obstruction. If liquid leakage is still present, engage the unit again and notify your representative.

  1. Check the liquid oxygen contents indicator. The amount of liquid contained in the portable unit is measured by a scale which is built into the top of the unit. The scale is read by simply lifting

the portable unit by the strap nearest the indicator. The liquid contents is indicated on the color-coded gauge.

NOTE: For shorter planned use time, you can partial fill the Portable unit by closing the "vent to fill valve" sooner than you normally would. In this way, your portable unit will be even lighter and you will waste less oxygen.

9. Place the oxygen tube on the "oxygen adapter" and adjust the cannula or other breathing device to the face to receive oxygen comfortably.

10. Turn the flow controller tot he prescribed rate.

 

Carrying the Portable unit

The portable unit may be worn on either side of the body; however, wearing it on the right side will probably be more comfortable. It will also be less obvious to others that the unit is being worn when on the right side.

The unit may be worn over the shoulder or in an across the body fashion. An adjustable shoulder strap and pad are provided for maximum comfort.