초록 ▼

An acoustic oxygen sensor is provided which can be used in the output lines leading from the sieve beds. This sensor can be used in communication with a microprocessor to control the production and evacuation cycles of the sieve beds, i.e., for example to determine the period for which a bed is supp

An acoustic oxygen sensor is provided which can be used in the output lines leading from the sieve beds. This sensor can be used in communication with a microprocessor to control the production and evacuation cycles of the sieve beds, i.e., for example to determine the period for which a bed is supplied with compressed air and communicates with the reservoir as well as to determine the pressure of the compressed air and to determine the amount of time that the product gas is fed through the flow equalization path to supply an aliquot of purging gas to a used bed. In the feedback loop, the microprocessor utilizes the measured oxygen concentration and flow rate to optimize the settings necessary to achieve maximum oxygen concentration and flow rate efficiency. Since the microprocessor has the ability to make incremental changes and compare relative values, the optimum values can be determined empirically eliminating the need to perform complex theoretical calculations.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of controlling a pressure swing adsorption cycle in an oxygen concentrator having at least one fractionation bed with an inlet end in selective fluid communication with a source of pressurized air and depressurization means, said inlet end being separated by an a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of controlling a pressure swing adsorption cycle in an oxygen concentrator having at least one fractionation bed with an inlet end in selective fluid communication with a source of pressurized air and depressurization means, said inlet end being separated by an area of fractionation medium from an output end, said output end being in fluid communication with a product tank, an oxygen sensor sensing the oxygen output from said bed, and having electronic control means capable of actuating said source of pressurized air and said depressurization means; the method comprising using said oxygen sensor to determine a value for said oxygen output of said fractionation bed; and communicating said value to said electronic control means, said electronic control means subsequently using said value to selectively initiate the fluid communication with the source of pressurized air and the depressurization means.