What is a portable oxygen cylinder, how to choose the right type, how it works, and features to consider. Get the best buying guide and expert tips only from Oxygen4India!
Oxygen4India offers a wide range of oxygen cylinders including B type, D type, portable cylinders for home, travel, emergency, and hospital use. Medical oxygen cylinders are essential respiratory and medical supplies.
Oxygen cylinders are high-pressure containers storing oxygen gas, mainly used by patients with breathing difficulties such as COPD, asthma, emergency care, surgery recovery, or COVID-19. Industrial uses also exist. Cylinders are made of steel or aluminium and come with safety certifications.
Types of Oxygen Cylinders
- Type A: Large volume, mainly for hospitals.
- Type B: Popular for home, ambulance, and travel; water capacity approx. 10.2L; oxygen capacity approx. 1500L; around 15 kg weight.
- Type D (Jumbo): Used in hospitals/clinics for long-term care; water capacity approx. 46.7L; oxygen capacity approx. 7000L; weight 50+ kg.
- Type E: Smallest, for short-term therapy and travel; lightweight aluminium or carbon fibre.
Features & Specifications
- Working pressure usually 150-200 kg/cm².
- Made from mild steel, carbon steel, aluminium, or advanced composites.
- Certifications: ISI, PESO, BIS, ISO for Indian safety compliance.
- Oxygen purity meets Indian Pharmacopoeia standard of approx. 99%.
- Valves: Chrome/brass-plated Bull Nose or IS 3224 valve.
- Flow duration example: B-type ~10 hr at 2 LPM; D-type ~48 hr at 2 LPM.
- Medical cylinders color-coded black body and white neck.
Oxygen Cylinder vs Concentrator
| Feature | Oxygen Cylinder | Oxygen Concentrator |
|---|---|---|
| Refilling | Requires refilling | Extracts oxygen from air continuously |
| Portability | Limited (except small types) | Available in portable models |
| Supply | Finite oxygen per fill | Unlimited supply when powered |
| Purity | ~99% medical grade | 87-95% medical grade |
| Use | Emergency, backup, hospital | Continuous, long-term home care |
Choosing an Oxygen Cylinder
- Check patient’s oxygen flow rate and duration needs (doctor prescribed).
- Decide portability requirements.
- Ensure proper certifications (ISI, PESO, BIS).
- Purchase original cylinders and accessories from trusted sellers like Oxygen4India.
- Verify included accessories like flowmeter, mask, trolley.
- Consider refill availability and local service.
FAQs
- Difference between B-type and D-type cylinders: B-type is smaller, portable (~10.2 L water, 1500 L oxygen); D-type is larger, hospital grade (~46.7 L water, 7000 L oxygen).
- Are oxygen cylinders usable at home? Yes, B-type cylinders are common for home; D-type mainly for hospitals.
- Is refilling required? Yes, refilling should be done by certified suppliers like Oxygen4India for safety and purity.
