How Long Does an Oxygen Concentrator Tank Last?

How Long Does an Oxygen Concentrator Tank Last?

Oxygen Tank duration is based off of many variables. How large is your tank? How many Liters Per Minute do you need? Are you on Pulse or Continuous flow? For arguments sake, we will use the most common settings of 2 Liters Per Minute, constant flow.

"H" Cylinders are the largest, at a diameter of 9" and a height of 52". With an empty weight of 114 pounds, they are a behemoth and generally not found in a patients home. They will offer the longest duration at about 52.5 hours of constant flow oxygen.

"E" Cylinders are the most common size provided to patients by their homecare providers. With a diameter of 4.3 inches, a height of 25.5 inches, and an empty weight of 8 pounds, these tanks are easily manageable to be carried in a bag. They typically offer about 4.5 hours of constant flow.

"D" Cylinders are the next size down. They are a little more portable. The diameter is still 4.3 inches, but the hight is only 16.5 inches. When empty, the tanks weight about 5.3 pounds. When pressurized, they will deliver about 2.5 hours of Constant Flow. These tanks are mostly used when going out to run errands, and it is common for the patient to carry extra tanks in their car.

Please keep in mind that high purity Oxygen is highly flammable. Pressurized high purity oxygen can be even more dangerous. As always, keep away from all open flames!