An oxygen concentrator designed and developed by an Indian startup togenerate high-purity oxygen supply, is now out in the market. The complete mould design, development of all electronics, control system, sieve tower, and all related parts and accessories has been done in India. It is currently being supplied to various government and military hospitals in the country and is also being made available for the general public through the company’s distribution network across India, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Mohali-based Walnut Medical has developed the 5L and 10L portable medical grade oxygen concentrators based on Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology in India with an oxygen purity of above 96% at a pressure of 55-75 kpa. Pressure swing adsorption technology separates single gases from a gas mixture. PSA is a non-cryogenic air separation (near ambient temperature separation processes) process that is commonly used in commercial practice. These two parameters are most critical for patients suffering from COVID or other respiratory problems, the official statement explained.

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The company was supported by CAWACH 2020 grant of the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and they developed the world-class oxygen concentrator in a year to reduce dependence on imports.

Walnut Medical Oxygen Concentrator is tested for patient safety, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and as per International Safety Standards for Oxygen Concentrators.

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DST’s support helped them push their endeavour forward with 5Ltr and 10Ltr models and invest in quality moulds to compete against products from Japan, USA, and China. IIT Delhi incubation team worked with them to help the technology see the light of the day.

Oxygen saturation levels of patients have been a major challenge in the treatment of COVID 19, especially in the second wave. Indian medical devices manufacturers and indigenous automation companies took up this challenge and came up with innovative designs of ventilators, portable respiratory aids, and related devices.