MN240-1 Rev C
26
5.3
Compressor
The compressor is the “pump” within the oxygen concentrator that pushes the room air
into the bottom of the sieve beds. This allows oxygen to flow out of the top of the sieve
beds in the NewLife unit.
Two different aspects of the compressor cause concern: the output and the sound level.
Output
Compressor output refers to how much compressed air the compressor can produce. This
depends upon the model of the compressor, stroke size, bore size, and cup seal condition.
The cup seals form the seal between the piston and the cylinder wall. As the cup seals
wear, the compressor’s output begins to gradually decrease. This reduction in compressor
output results in less air for the sieve beds. Therefore, the production of oxygen decreases.
Since this drop in oxygen production occurs over a long period of time, preventative
maintenance on the compressor is not required. You can continue a patient’s therapy on
the NewLife unit as long as that unit’s oxygen concentration level at the prescribed liter
flow rate is within CAIRE’s specifications.
Sound Level
The condition of the compressor’s cup seals, bearings, and other components can result in
an increased sound level. If the compressor’s cup seals or bearings wear to the point that
they become noisy, the concentrator may become noticeably louder; therefore, compressor
service or exchange may be required.
The total acoustical energy emitted by a source per unit time is the sound power.
Sound pressure is the atmospheric pressure disturbance depending on the distance from the
source, strength of the source, and the environment.
Sound power is the cause of the unit emitting sound pressure waves (and does not change
with the distance from the unit), whereas sound pressure is the effect of the unit emitting
sound on the surrounding air as sound pressure waves (and does vary with distance).
The sound power level for the Elite is 60.2 dB(A) and approximately 69 dB(A) for the
Intensity 10.
The sound pressure level for the Elite is approximately 53 dB(A) and 60 dB(A) for the
Intensity 10.
Summary of Contents for NewLife Elite
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