DRDO develops Supplemental Oxygen Delivery System

April 20, 2021

The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently developed a Supplemental Oxygen Delivery System. It is to be used for soldiers posted at extreme high-altitude areas.

About the System

The system was developed by the Defence Bio-Engineering and Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL) located in Bengaluru. It operates under DRDO.

The system delivers supplementary oxygen based on the Blood Saturation levels. This will help soldiers from sinking into a state of Hypoxia. Hypoxia is fatal in many cases.

Supplemental Oxygen Delivery System in COVID-19

The system shall also be used to provide medical oxygen to COVID-19 patients. India is now on high demand of medical oxygen with COVID-19 cases increasing at great level. The Government of India is to establish 162 oxygen manufacturing plants that will provide medical oxygen, especially to hospitals in rural. Of these, 100 are to be funded by the PM-CARES fund. Also, India is to import 50,000 tonnes of Oxygen.

What is Hypoxia?

Hypoxia is the state where oxygen reaching the tissues is inadequate. The same condition occurs in COVID-19.

About Supplementary Oxygen Delivery System

The electronics hardware of the system has been designed to work at extremely low temperature, low humidity and low barometric pressures.
It reads the SpO2 levels of the person through a wrist worn pulse oximeter. The levels are read through wireless interface.
Based on the levels of SpO2, the solenoid valve is adjusted to supply oxygen to the person.
The system supplies oxygen through nasal nares.
The system is available in different sizes from one litre and one kilogram weight supplying 150 litres of Oxygen to ten litres and ten kilogram weight supplying 1,500 litres of oxygen.
It supplies oxygen for 750 minutes at a flow rate of two litres per minute.
It is of low weight.
The design has been sent for bulk production.