During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of PSA oxygen generators were installed across hospitals worldwide to meet the sudden surge in oxygen demand. These systems, capable of generating oxygen onsite, proved to be a game-changer during the crisis. However, in the post-COVID world, many hospitals have reverted to traditional oxygen sources such as liquid tanks and high-pressure cylinders. Why? The primary reason isn’t technical failure, but poor or neglected PSA oxygen system maintenance.
In this blog, we will address common misconceptions around the maintenance of PSA oxygen plants and provide factual insights into the preventive and breakdown maintenance required to keep them fully operational.
When we talk about maintenance, let’s first analyse the different sources of oxygen supply.
Why Choose PSA Oxygen Generators Over Traditional Sources?
While hospitals might assume traditional oxygen sources are more convenient, the true benefit lies in long-term cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions with PSA systems. Here’s a comparison:
| Source of Oxygen | Cost (₹ per Nm³) |
| Liquid Oxygen | 15-25 |
| High Pressure Cylinders | 30-60 |
| PSA Oxygen Generator | 8.80 |
Oxygen Source Comparison Table
| # | Parameter | Liquid Oxygen | High Pressure Cylinders | PSA Oxygen Generator |
| 1 | Cost per Nm³ | High | Very High | Low |
| 2 | Risk Involved | High (Expansion) | Very High (150 Barg) | Low (5.5 Barg) |
| 3 | Third-party Dependence | Yes | Yes | No |
| 4 | Carbon Emissions | High (Logistics) | High (Logistics) | Very Low (Onsite) |
Citing the data of the above table, we can easily say that PSA oxygen systems have numerous benefits over traditional sources of oxygen supply, like liquid oxygen and high-pressure cylinders.
Let’s get into more detail about the PSA oxygen systems and understand the basic components of a PSA Generator.
Basic Components of a PSA Oxygen Generator
Understanding maintenance starts with understanding what needs maintaining. A typical PSA oxygen plant includes:
- Air Compressor
- Air Dryers
- Compressed Air Filters
- Air Receiver
- PSA Oxygen Module
- Oxygen Storage Tank
- Oxygen Analyzer
The Air compressor, air dryer and PSA oxygen generator require regular maintenance as they consist of moving parts like motors or valves, etc. Below is the table for the basic maintenance schedule for a PSA oxygen plant:
Basic Maintenance Schedule of a PSA Oxygen System
| Sr. No. | Component | Service Schedule | Preventive Maintenance |
| 1 | Air Compressor | Replace consumables every 2000–3000 hours | Clean the suction filter regularly |
| 2 | Air Dryer | No consumables required | Clean the heat exchanger regularly |
| 3 | Air Receiver | No consumables required | Drain water regularly from the bottom |
| 4 | Compressed Air Filters | Replace elements every 4000–6000 hours | Monitor pressure drop regularly |
| 5 | PSA Module | No consumables required | Inspect valves and gauges regularly |
| 6 | Oxygen Analyzer | Replace the sensor every 6000–8000 hours | Annual calibration recommended |
AMC vs CMC – Which Maintenance Contract to Choose?
Now we come to the most asked question: how can the maintenance of these oxygen plants be performed? The answer is to go for maintenance contracts with the OEMS or good manufacturers of PSA oxygen gas plants. To get into more details, there are two types of maintenance contracts: AMC, called annual maintenance contract and CMC or CAMC, called comprehensive maintenance contracts. Below is the table to explain the basic difference between the two:
AMC vs CMC Comparison Table
| # | Parameter | AMC (Annual Maintenance) | CMC (Comprehensive Maintenance) |
| 1 | Service Visits | Fixed | Unlimited |
| 2 | Consumables Included | No | Yes |
| 3 | Free Replacement of Parts | No | Yes |
| 4 | Cost | Low (variable) | Higher but fixed |
| 5 | Extended Warranty | No | Yes – all parts covered |
Recommendation: Always opt for a CMC, which acts like an extended warranty and ensures complete peace of mind by covering all plant components and servicing.
We would suggest that every hospital should go for CMC as this option gives you peace of mind, as each part of the system, including the air compressor, air dryer, molecular sieves, and filters, is covered under this contract. It is like an extended warranty
As we are aware that the cost of oxygen production from a PSA medical oxygen generator is almost 30% of the cost of oxygen production from liquid oxygen tanks or oxygen cylinders, and the ROI of these systems lies between 12 to 18 months. Refer to our blog titled (How to Calculate the ROI (Return on Investment) of a PSA Medical Oxygen Generator compared to Liquid Oxygen or Medical Oxygen Cylinders)
Due to various misconceptions, like the high cost of maintenance and high electricity consumption, these PSA oxygen plants are not used. We have already answered a lot of these myths in our blog titled Myth Vs Reality- Repair and Maintenance of PSA Oxygen Plants
Is PSA Oxygen Plant Maintenance Expensive?
Not at all. Despite popular belief, maintaining a PSA oxygen plant is economical. Absstem Technologies has maintained 200+ PSA plants across India, including remote locations like Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Aizawl, and Ziro.
What’s included in the cost?
- Air compressor spares: Suction filters, oil separators, compressor oil
- PSA Module: Oxygen sensors, mufflers, and airline filters
- Routine service & emergency breakdowns
CMC Costs (Approximate)
| Oxygen Plant Capacity | CMC Cost (% of Plant Cost) |
| Up to 250 LPM | 8% – 10% |
| Up to 2000 LPM | 7% – 8% |
AMC Cost Range: ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on hospital location. In general, the CMC cost of a PSA oxygen plant varies between 8-10 % of the plant cost for smaller models (oxygen capacity up to 250 LPM) and between 7 to 8 % for models with oxygen capacity up to 2000 LPM.
Conclusion
PSA oxygen generators are cost-efficient, environmentally friendly, and reliable when maintained properly. Instead of letting these valuable assets gather dust, hospitals must invest in scheduled maintenance and CMCs. With an ROI of just 12–18 months, PSA plants are more than worth the effort.
If you’re facing issues with your PSA oxygen plant, let us help. Our expert engineers will inspect, repair, and restore your system to full functionality. Post-repair, you can enroll in a CMC for long-term performance.
Consult Us
For tailored solutions and expert consultation on maintenance contracts for your PSA Oxygen plants, contact:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1800 3010 3394
- Website: www.absstem.com
References
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- Absstem Technologies. (2024). How to Calculate the ROI (Return on Investment) of a PSA Medical Oxygen Generator compared to Liquid Oxygen or Medical Oxygen Cylinders
- Absstem Technologies. (2024). Myth Vs Reality- Repair and Maintenance of PSA Oxygen Plants
