CAIRE NewLife Elite, Technical Manual, Page: 30 / 49

MN240-1 Rev C
30
5.5 Sieve Beds
The NewLife unit utilizes two sieve beds, each containing molecular sieve. The unique
property of molecular sieve enables it to physically attract nitrogen when air passes
through this material, thus producing highly concentrated oxygen.
While one sieve bed produces high concentration oxygen, the other is purged of the
nitrogen it adsorbed (collected) while it concentrates oxygen. Each adsorber (sieve bed)
produces oxygen and delivers it to the product tank
5.5.1 Sieve Bed Replacement
Leaks can be so small in air loss that oxygen concentration is not
affected immediately. The sieve material can become contaminated
gradually. Careful leak testing is important as the sieve material can
become contaminated gradually with very small leaks.
If replacement is necessary, you must replace both sieve beds at the
same time.
Sieve Bed Removal
To remove sieve beds, follow the steps below:
1.
Set the unit’s ON/OFF switch to the OFF position and disconnect the power
cord.
2. Remove the side and back panels.
3. Cut the tie-wrap and disconnect green tubing at each elbow fitting located
on the top of the sieve beds.
4. Remove the 9/16-inch compression fitting from the bottom of each sieve
bed.
5. Cut the tie-wraps securing the sieve beds to the superstructure and remove
the sieve beds.
Sieve Bed Installation
To install the sieve beds, follow the sieve bed removal procedure in reverse order.
Do not over tighten fittings.
To check for leaks, take the following steps:
1. Connect the unit to power and set the unit’s ON/OFF switch to the ON
position.
2. Allow unit to run for three minutes.
3. Apply soapy water solution around tubing connections on both sieve beds
and check for leaks.
Temporarily seal sieve bed openings with tape to prevent the sieve
material from being exposed to the moisture in room air. Prolonged
exposure to room air results in contamination and permanent damage
to the sieve material.