Oxygen Systems- Looking for Feedback

[smccray]

Not on whether or not one should have a system, but whether or not they're understandable.  When I was looking to add oxygen to my Mooney last year, I was struck by two things.  1) Information is somewhat difficult to come by as every retailer seems to have their own system, and 2) prices seem way too expensive for a basic compressed gas system.

 

With that said- do you understand what oxygen retailers are selling?  What about the differences between systems from different retailers?  I'm not talking about the oxygen conservation systems like the Mountain High O2D2 (great product btw- I have one), but a basic constant flow system.  Would you buy medical supply components repurposed for aviation use?

 

Perhaps it's just my own obsessive nature, but when I'm making a large purchase I like to know what I'm buying.  After doing a little research (not available directly from the retailers btw) it became pretty clear that everyone is using standard parts.  I suspect pricing is due to the named brands selling their systems through catalogs, but there's no reason we can't work around that and go direct .

 

To give you an idea where I'm going, I can sell a cylinder with a 425 liter capacity that is compatible with with an Aviation regulator for ~$120.  The named brands are selling the same capacity for $185-$210.

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts-

Scott

[Seth]

Scott-

 

I have experienced similar issues when researching and getting my own portable oxygen system. 

 

From what I can tell, basic constant flow systems are indeed overpriced.  Also, many doctors or medically knowledgable folk are building their own perfactly acceptable systems for the price range you mentioned.

 

Take care,

 

-Seth

[larryb]

 Would you buy medical supply components repurposed for aviation use?

 

YES!

 

http://www.cramerdeckermedical.com/product.php?product_id=224

with a low profile CGA-540 valve + guage option

 

Works perfectly with my SkyOx regulator.

[N201MKTurbo]

I bought a 22cf medical bottle on EBAY for 10 dollars, took it to the local cylinder shop for hydro, showed him the valve I wanted on the cylinder, he went in to his back room and came out with the valve. He said he would trade me valve for valve. The hydro was $20.00. For 30 bucks I had a perfectly legal cylinder.

[DrBill]

The regulating valves is where the money is.  Plus the ox saver cannula are not cheap at $80 ea.  Sure you can use regular medical cannula but the o2 consumption is 4-6x the saver varieties.  On a recent trip to Fla, I used standard cannula and a full 22cu ft tank. With just me using it, it lasted about 4.5 hrs.  I have not measured it yet with the saver cannula but I know it will last a LOT longer. The saver cannula and a pulse oximeter (ALDI STORES) lets you dial in the O2 just as needed.  At 11K ft, my O2 dropped from 93 to 83 in 20 mins.  With supplemental O2, it was back up to 90 in 10 mins.   It is highly recommended for night flight over 5K !

If you have a 2place of 4pace valve, then getting a good size medical tank is the way to go.

BILL

[smccray]

Thanks for your thoughts guys.  I thought there was a reasonable market there. 

 

N201MKTurbo- that's a fantastic price on that cylinder.  I wish I could sell that cylinder for $30!  If you check out some of the brand name websites that 22cf cylinder runs ~$250.

[N201MKTurbo]

Here is one...

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oxygen-Bottle-Medical-Oxygen-welding-cutting-with-a-transfill-/171029394635?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d22574cb

[John jolly]

Is it possible to have the tank in the back and have a hose to the regulator up front?

[N201MKTurbo]

its possible, but high pressure hoses are expensive and not very flexible.

[smccray]

Is it possible to have the tank in the back and have a hose to the regulator up front?

 

What are you trying to achieve by putting the regulator up front?  If it's just air flow control, look for a system with an inline needle valve.  Turn on the at departure and the needle valve will allow you to control the O2 flow.

[carusoam]

It's better to keep the high pressure in the tank, from a safety point of view. Machined parts are better at holding high pressure than flexible tubes.

Best regards,

-a-