CAIRE NewLife Elite, Technical Manual

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MN240-1 Rev C
17
2.0 Operational Check and Oxygen Concentration Test
2.1 Description of Operation
Air is drawn into the NewLife Oxygen Concentrator through an external air intake gross
particulate filter. Before this air enters the compressor, it passes through the unit’s suction
resonator which, quiets the compressor’s suction sound. Pressurized air then exits the
compressor and passes through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger reduces the
temperature of the compressed air. Next, a two-way solenoid feed valve directs the air into
one of two sieve beds that contain molecular sieve. The unique property of molecular
sieve enables it to physically attract (adsorb) nitrogen when air passes through this
material, thus producing high concentrated oxygen.
There are two sieve beds: while one produces high concentration oxygen, the other is
purged of the nitrogen it adsorbed (collected) during this pressure swing adsorption (PSA)
cycle. Each adsorber produces oxygen and delivers it to the product tank. Oxygen exits
the product tank through a pressure regulator, flow control valve, and flowmeter.
2.2 Operation Check
CAIRE tests every NewLife Oxygen Concentrator thoroughly after
manufacture. You must perform the following test to ensure that no damage occurred in
shipping or handling.
Do not use extension cords with this unit or connect too many plugs
into the same electrical outlet. The use of extension cords could
adversely affect the performance of the device. Too many plugs into
one outlet can result in an overload to the electrical panel, causing the
breaker/fuse to activate or fire if the breaker or fuse fails to operate.
1. Open and inspect all cartons (that contain units) upon delivery. Unpack the unit
and remove it from the carton. Inspect the unit itself for damage. If the exterior of
a unit’s carton is damaged, or the unit itself is damaged, note it on the freight bill
signed by the driver.
2. Connect unit to power and set the ON/OFF power switch to the ON position. Check
to see that the following occurs:
a. An alarm that sounds for approximately one second with all display
lights illuminated. See the troubleshooting chart in Section 6.3 of
this manual if the unit’s alarm does not sound or display illuminates.
b. The compressor runs and flow is indicated in flowmeter.
c.
The Oxygen Monitor’s amber light remains on until the oxygen
concentration reaches 82% (+ 3%) (approximately two minutes).
Perform an oxygen concentration test, as described in Section 2.3.5.