Oxygen Tanks vs. Oxygen Concentrators
Oxygen Tanks vs. Oxygen Concentrators
Many people inquire about using an oxygen concentrator instead of an oxygen tank. Oxygen concentrators will take room air and turn it into 85 - 95% oxygen, which makes it a logical alternative to oxygen tanks since it never has to be refilled. However, there are some important factors that most people don’t consider.
We do not recommend oxygen concentrators for the following reasons.
Bulky
Not much to explain here. Typically they are large. There are smaller versions but these are wildly impure, accomplishing perhaps 70% oxygen at best. An oxygen tank is rated for 99.9% oxygen.
Expensive and doesn't save money
An oxygen concentrator of value will cost between $600-$1,000.
An oxygen tank cost about $120 and needs to be refilled 4 months - 1 year. Each refill cost only $20 or so. It would take over ten years for an oxygen concentrator to be more valuable. And even at that it would be marginal. Not to mention it would probably need maintenance.
Impurities
A really good oxygen concentrator will produce about 85-95% oxygen. Oxygen tanks are 99.9% pure. Impurities in oxygen produce non-pure oxygen/ozone mixtures and potentially toxic byproducts.
Inaccurate
It is more difficult to dial an oxygen concentrator to flow rates like 1/8LPM because they are usually not made to go this slow. Even if they do go this slow, they generally fluctuate much more than an oxygen tank. This will create unreliable strengths of ozone.
If you are determined to use an oxygen concentrator
Make sure you get one that goes to slow flow rates, at least 1/4LPM. If it does not, regulators for oxygen concentrators are common and can be found online. They are useful for ozone saunas and making ozone oils, but not much else.
- Micah Lowe