Oxygen delivery systems come in different terminology for home use and industrial applications. The two main types of oxygen supply devices are oxygen generator and oxygen concentrator.
“Oxygen generator” and “oxygen concentrator” are sometimes used interchangeably in conversation when referring to oxygen delivery systems. Notably, when people refer to a “portable oxygen generator” or “home use oxygen generator”, in most cases they are actually referring to an oxygen concentrator.
In fact, they actually are two different devices.
Oxygen Generators
Oxygen generators are industrial-scale systems that produce oxygen through various methods including pressure swing adsorption (PSA), membrane separation, and cryogenic distillation.
Typical applications of oxygen generators include:
- Manufacturing processes requiring high-purity oxygen
- Mining and welding operations
- Oxygenation in aquaculture
- Ozone production
- Boosting combustion processes
Oxygen generators are also commonly used to supply oxygen in hospitals from a centralized location. However, their large size and complex maintenance requirements make them unsuitable for regular home use.
Oxygen Concentrators
Oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, are small medical devices designed specifically to provide oxygen therapy at home. Oxygen concentrators use pressure swing adsorption (PSA) with molecular sieve beds to filter nitrogen out of ambient air, concentrating the oxygen for delivery to a patient through a nasal cannula.
Key attributes of oxygen concentrators include:
- Provide a continuous source of high-concentration oxygen
- Compact, affordably-priced units for home use
- Flow rates from 1-10+ liters per minute
- Stationary and portable versions available
Compared to traditional compressed oxygen tanks, oxygen concentrators allow respiratory patients greater freedom and accessibility, without the need to refill heavy, cumbersome tanks.
Key Differences
The major differences between oxygen generators and oxygen concentrators come down to:
Scale & Environment
- Oxygen generators – Large-scale industrial systems used in manufacturing, mining, hospital central oxygen supply system, etc.
- Oxygen concentrators – Small medical devices designed for in-home patient use
Choosing Between Oxygen Systems
When determining what type of oxygen delivery system is most appropriate, key factors include:
- Purity & Portability Needs – Industrial processes typically require very pure oxygen delivered in bulk, while home medical use prioritizes continuous-flow portable systems.
- Operating Environment – Oxygen generators suit manufacturing plants and mines, versus in-home use for oxygen concentrators.
- Budget & Maintenance – Concentrators are more affordable upfront for home use, but generators can provide cost savings long-term at industrial scales.
In many instances, identifying whether the primary application is medical or industrial will dictate which oxygen device is most suitable. Though functionality overlaps in some areas, oxygen concentrators primarily serve home and portable respiratory therapy needs, while centralized oxygen generators satisfy large-scale industrial production demands.
