Everything you need to understand, specify, and procure a PSA oxygen generation system for your healthcare facility — from a manufacturer with 45 years of global experience.
Ambient air compressed by oil-free compressor. 21% O₂, 78% N₂.
Zeolite molecular sieve captures nitrogen. Oxygen passes through.
Oxygen stored in buffer tank, delivered to hospital pipeline 24/7.
Pressure Swing Adsorption is a proven process that produces medical-grade oxygen continuously from ambient air — with no external supply chain required.
An oil-free compressor draws in ambient air and compresses it to the operating pressure required for the adsorption process. Oil-free operation is a non-negotiable requirement — any oil contamination of the medical oxygen stream is a serious clinical hazard.
Compressed air passes through twin vessels filled with zeolite molecular sieve — a highly porous material that selectively adsorbs nitrogen while allowing oxygen to pass through. As one vessel adsorbs, the other regenerates simultaneously, creating continuous uninterrupted flow.
The oxygen-enriched gas — at up to 95% purity — is collected in a buffer tank before delivery to the hospital pipeline at the required pressure (typically 4 bar). Continuous monitoring detects any deviation from specification and triggers automatic failover.
Modern PSA systems like ULTRAOX® operate entirely automatically via PLC control. No operator required for normal function. The system monitors itself, manages the swing cycle, logs alarms, and can be monitored remotely.
Every hospital dependent on cylinder or liquid oxygen delivery is exposed to supplier delays and transport disruptions. During COVID-19, hospitals in dozens of countries ran out of oxygen — not because oxygen didn't exist, but because supply chains couldn't scale. Facilities with on-site PSA generators continued operating without interruption.
PSA systems operate 24/7/365, matched to real-time demand. No end-of-cycle shortfalls, no weekend gaps, no emergency orders.
Capital investment is typically recovered within 12–36 months. Over a 10-year lifespan, savings frequently exceed 70% of equivalent cylinder supply cost.
The WHO recognises PSA generation as an appropriate method for producing medical oxygen. Certified PSA systems satisfy most international procurement frameworks including UN agency tenders.
No single method suits every facility. Here is an objective comparison across the factors that matter most to procurement and clinical teams.
| Factor | Cylinder Oxygen | Liquid Oxygen (LOX) | PSA On-Site Generation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital investment | Low | Medium | Medium–High |
| Running cost | High | Medium | Low (electricity only) |
| Supply chain dependency | High | High | None |
| Remote / rural suitability | Moderate | Poor | Excellent |
| 5-year total cost of ownership | Highest | Medium | Lowest |
| Payback period | N/A | N/A | 12–36 months |
| WHO recommended | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best suited for | Small clinics, backup supply | Large urban hospitals with reliable logistics | Medium–large hospitals, remote facilities, national programmes |
Correct sizing is critical. A system sized only for average demand will fail during peak events. These are the factors that determine the right system for your facility.
Size for peak simultaneous demand: ICU, theatres, and emergency running concurrently. Undersizing will leave you short when it matters most.
ICU and surgical beds consume significantly more oxygen per hour than general ward beds. Provide the total bed count and clinical mix for an accurate spec.
Hospital medical gas pipelines typically operate at 4 bar. Verify your facility's pressure specification before sizing the output stage.
Regulatory requirements often mandate a backup oxygen source. Duplexed systems or a cylinder manifold backup should be included in the specification.
A system sized only for current demand may be insufficient within 3–5 years. Modular PSA systems — where capacity can be added as demand grows — are preferable for expanding facilities.
Not all PSA oxygen generators are equivalent. These are the non-negotiable criteria that every procurement team should verify before awarding a contract.
A PSA medical oxygen generator must be certified as a medical device under the applicable EU directive. Systems without this certification are not legally compliant for hospital use in most jurisdictions. ULTRAOX® was the first PSA system certified as a medical device under the European Directive.
This standard governs the quality management system of the manufacturer — not just the product. ISO 13485 means the design, production, and post-market surveillance processes meet international medical device standards.
Both the European Pharmacopoeia and the US Pharmacopeia specify a minimum purity of 93% (±3%) for PSA-produced medical oxygen. Verify that the system's specification explicitly cites pharmacopoeia compliance.
The compressor feeding the PSA process must be oil-free. This is not optional. Any oil contamination of the medical oxygen stream presents a direct clinical hazard to patients.
The system should continuously monitor O₂ concentration, CO, CO₂, water vapour, and trace gases. Any deviation should trigger automatic alarm and failover to the backup supply.
A PSA generator is a 15–20 year investment. Verify that the supplier has a defined maintenance programme, genuine spare parts availability, and a technical support commitment — not just a warranty card.
ULTRAOX® is Ultra Controlo's flagship PSA medical oxygen generator — designed and manufactured in Portugal, deployed in hospitals and health facilities across more than 80 countries since 1981.
Yes. PSA-generated oxygen meeting pharmacopoeia purity standards (minimum 93% O₂) is clinically equivalent to cylinder or liquid oxygen and is appropriate for all hospital applications, including mechanical ventilation, anaesthesia, neonatal care, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This position is supported by the WHO and major international health authorities.
A straightforward indoor installation can typically be commissioned within 2 to 4 weeks of equipment arrival on site. Containerised systems (ULTRAOX CO) can be operational faster, as they arrive pre-assembled and require only utility connections. Ultra Controlo's team manages the complete installation and commissioning process, including staff training.
Power consumption depends on the system's production capacity. A system producing 20 Nm³/hour of oxygen typically consumes approximately 7 to 10 kW. Ultra Controlo's engineering team will provide a precise power specification during the site assessment phase.
A well-designed PSA system requires periodic preventive maintenance — typically every 6 to 12 months — covering filter replacement, zeolite sieve inspection, compressor servicing, and monitoring system calibration. Ultra Controlo's UltraCare programme provides scheduled maintenance with 24/7 emergency support.
Yes. The WHO specifically recommends on-site PSA oxygen generation as an appropriate method for producing medical oxygen in healthcare facilities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. PSA-generated oxygen is listed in the WHO Essential Medicines framework.
Yes. The containerised ULTRAOX CO system is engineered for extreme environments — including desert, tropical, high-altitude, and island locations. Systems are currently operational in the Sahara, the Amazon, islands in the Pacific, and high-altitude sites in the Andes.
Our engineering team provides free project assessments, system sizing, and technical support throughout the procurement process.
