Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) released a Central Alerting System (CAS) notice about the risk of a sudden pressure drop in oxygen supply pipes if demand through multiple wall outlets exceeds the maximum capacity of the Vacuum Insulated Evaporator (VIE).

The alert was triggered following reports of oxygen supply failures due to the increased use of oxygen during the COVID-19 crisis (e.g. use of ventilators, CPAP, NIV, face mask).

Pipeline dimension, regulator size and flow-panel control determine the maximum flow rate possible from any system. Most systems deliver oxygen at 3000 l.min-1.

Adiabatic cooling at times of rapid vaporization leads to icing of the VIE which further reduces output.

This alert contains important information about the use of high flow Oxygen therapy devices (including wall CPAP and high flow face mask or nasal oxygen) during the Coronavirus epidemic, which requires immediate attention.

Update
A second CAS notice was released on 6 April 2020 reminding of the potential consequence of increased oxygen demands when using CPAP and high flow nasal oxygenation devices and the risk of supply failure.

Read More