Oxygen is essential for a variety of applications. Finding a reliable source has become a growing necessity, and it’s important to know how to obtain the best for you. There isn’t just one system to get the oxygen you need. Whether you are caring for a loved one at home or running a business relying on high-pressure gas, we’ll make sure you understand exactly what is best for you. So, when it comes to oxygen generators vs. oxygen concentrators, what’s the difference?
The terms “oxygen generator” and “oxygen concentrator” are often used interchangeably. However, the different names correspond to different uses. Oxygen generators usually describe industrial oxygen-making machines for ambulatory healthcare facilities and manufacturing needs, while oxygen concentrators are for personal medical use. In this article, we will explore the various uses and features of each, clarifying what it means to get a home oxygen concentrator vs. oxygen generator.
Home Oxygen Concentrators
At home, you may have a personal oxygen concentrator for low-flow oxygen therapy. This is in place of expensive liquid or gas-filled oxygen tanks. Oxygen concentrators are a cost-efficient and convenient alternative to replacing oxygen cylinders at home. These machines simply plug in and are ready to supply oxygen at the lower flow rate required for medical use, often with tubing to a cannula that leads into the nose, typically 1 to 5 liters per minute (L/min). They are also highly portable and compact.
Oxygen concentrators are rapidly becoming the new choice for many patients who need medical oxygen for home use. However, it is easy to confuse these machines with the larger and more powerful industrial oxygen generators. Therefore, it is important to know the distinction between the two systems that are essential to getting you the correct oxygen supply.
NOVAIR PSA Oxygen Generators for Industrial & Healthcare Applications
NOVAIR’s manufactures oxygen generators for industrial use. They serve a variety of industries, from aquaculture to veterinary clinics to disaster response. NOVAIR’s oxygen generators are onsite systems. There is no need for oxygen cylinder backup, since industrial oxygen generators supply O2 gas whenever, wherever it is needed. The continuous supply allows the facility to simply plug in the machine and let it generate oxygen at the desired rate and pressure.
A NOVAIR standard oxygen generators (OG) or oxygen generating system (OGS) can help a large fish farm oxygenate the water for healthier fish. A MOGS unit, often mounted in a trailer, is useful for disaster relief at the heart of any emergency.
NOVAIR oxygen generators can provide O2 directly or fill cylinders for all of these applications and more, for only an initial payment, the cost of electricity, and slight maintenance over time. PSA technology is used to separate the oxygen molecules from the ambient air that passes through the machine, providing a continuous gas supply as needed by the facility.
Comparing At-Home Concentrators to Industrial Generators
There are quite a few features that are key to clearly differentiating an at-home oxygen concentrator and industrial oxygen generator.
The flow and pressure of oxygen is a major distinction between the two systems. Industrial oxygen generators can handle higher pressures and flow rates needed by larger facilities such as hospitals, veterinary clinics, and biogas plants. Designed for individual use, home oxygen concentrators don’t need as much pressure or flow. Too much oxygen flow may be unsafe for patients.
Another significant difference when it comes to oxygen generators vs. oxygen concentrators is the size of the system. Home oxygen concentrators are very small and compact, while industrial oxygen generators can vary widely in size. Oxygen concentrators only have one function: to provide individuals with oxygen for medical use. Industrial oxygen generators need to supply large amounts of gas to accommodate businesses and more complex facilities. Because of the range of applications oxygen generators serve, they are highly customizable and are far less portable. While there are options of compact generators–and NOVAIR manufactures a few like the COMPACT-20–those are still significantly larger than at-home concentrators and are less common. Smaller businesses, such as artisan glass jewelry makers or individual welders, often seek out these machines.
What’s the Difference and Which is Right for You?
Q: What’s the difference between oxygen generators and oxygen concentrators?
A: Oxygen generators are larger-scale oxygen suppliers for industries and healthcare facilities for continuous oxygen adjusted to the desired flow and pressure of the business. Oxygen concentrators are designed to be portable for individual medical use at home. They deliver low-flow oxygen.
Q: Which oxygen system is used for personal medical purposes?
A: Oxygen concentrators are used for individual medical purposes, supporting those with COPD, sleep apnea, etc. Oxygen generators are used in ambulatory healthcare settings or veterinary clinics, often installed in a special utility area that is able to support a larger facility rather than one individual.
Q: If I have a small business, can I use an oxygen concentrator?
A: Depending on the application and size of your operations, an oxygen concentrator might be sufficient to run your business, but it is unusual. Oxygen generators are specifically designed to accommodate business facilities, and can be tailored to meet specific oxygen output needs. NOVAIR offers a range of smaller COMPACT Plug-and-Play Oxygen Generators that are perfect for anyone seeking a steady oxygen supply for their required flow-rate and pressure.
Don’t make the mistake of investing in the wrong oxygen supply!
Now that the features of each of these oxygen suppliers have been explored, it is easy to make the right decision for your own needs. It matters! Oxygen is crucial in many ways for various applications. You don’t have to go through the trouble of trying to decide which supplier to go with when you follow these steps of understanding what you need.
If you have a business in one of the many fields that require oxygen, check out the various types of industrial oxygen generators we offer here at NOVAIR. Explore our website for more details on which oxygen generator fits your needs best!
Or, contact NOVAIR USA with your needs to get in touch with an expert to help you directly.
About NOVAIR USA Corporation
NOVAIR USA, a member of NOVAIR Groupe, is headquartered in North Tonawanda, New York, USA, in-between Niagara Falls and Buffalo. The company is the leading global manufacturer of quality American-made systems. These include oxygen generators, nitrogen generators, gas separation systems, and med gas solutions. NOVAIR USA equipment produces 93% +/-3% oxygen concentration, as well as 90% to 99.999% nitrogen concentration. It helps fill cylinders for first responders and others that save lives. For those companies seeking to boost industrial output with economical, eco-friendly solutions, these gases are imperative.
