When oxygen is in a cold state ( -183ºC), it turns to liquid. More oxygen molecules fit into the same space when in liquid form compared to when it is a gas and so liquid gas only takes up 10% of the space that compressed oxygen does. Therefore this liquid allows for a greater amount of oxygen to be placed in a tank and it weighs less than a compressed oxygen tank.
Liquid oxygen is stored in an insulated stainless steel low pressure container that works in a similar way to a Thermos flask. These base units store and hold the liquid oxygen at an extremely low temperature. As with the compressed oxygen, it can be filled into smaller units from the base unit so that it can be used portably.
Liquid oxygen doesn’t require power via electricity like oxygen concentrators do and also they make no noise.
There are some disadvantages in that liquid oxygen is more expensive than compressed oxygen and does not have as long of a shelf life as it will evaporate over time. Also, you will not be able to take liquid oxygen on a plane.
References: http://www.uk.airliquide.com and http://www.inogen.com
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I use liquid oxygen and love it but unless you are grandfathered in (like I am since I’ve used LOX for 15+ years), DME companies are starting to phase it out around here due to the cost factor. Have you noticed this?
Yes this is already happening for a few years now. Worldwide more and more companies now try to replace LOX with portable oxygen concentrators (POC’s). This way they only have to go and see the client/patient if the POC breaks down and replace it. It is a proven cost saving matter for them…
I worry about this because I use 6LPM which is currently higher than what these Portable Oxygen Concentrator can put out.