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<p>The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for scalable, equitable oxygen delivery systems, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated eleven Brazilian hospital oxygen pipelines (cryogenic tanks) to assess expansion capacity and efficiency. A custom-built apparatus measured differential oxygen pressure (DOP) across flows (0–60 L/min). Results showed that evaporator (EP) and pipeline pressures (PP) exceeded flowmeter requirements by 229% and 86%, respectively. Most systems failed to maintain DOP &lt;10%, risking oxygen waste. Only one network performed optimally, while two exceeded 30% DOP, limiting scalability. High DOP indicates pressure losses that impede pipeline expansion. Without adjustments (e.g., using evaporator reserves to offset losses), hospitals cannot add outlets to serve more patients. Excessive pressure escalates operational costs and oxygen waste — critical during shortages. Optimizing pressure reduces costs and redirects savings to expand access, promoting equity in underserved regions. This study demonstrates a method to identify obstructions and recalibrate pressures, enhancing adaptability. By integrating pressure regulation, hospitals achieve scalable networks to accommodate fluctuating demand. Beyond sustainability, safety, and efficiency, these adjustments foster equity through broader oxygen availability. The findings advocate for clinical engineering frameworks prioritizing evaluations, cost-effective upgrades, and equitable resource allocation that are key to resilient healthcare systems.</p>

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Assessment of expansion capacity in medical oxygen pipeline during the COVID-19 in Brazil

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月10日

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  • Lucio Flavio de Magalhães Brito,
  • Ricardo Leal dos Reis,
  • Bruno Martins Ribeiro,
  • Rafael da Silva Andrade

摘要

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for scalable, equitable oxygen delivery systems, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated eleven Brazilian hospital oxygen pipelines (cryogenic tanks) to assess expansion capacity and efficiency. A custom-built apparatus measured differential oxygen pressure (DOP) across flows (0–60 L/min). Results showed that evaporator (EP) and pipeline pressures (PP) exceeded flowmeter requirements by 229% and 86%, respectively. Most systems failed to maintain DOP <10%, risking oxygen waste. Only one network performed optimally, while two exceeded 30% DOP, limiting scalability. High DOP indicates pressure losses that impede pipeline expansion. Without adjustments (e.g., using evaporator reserves to offset losses), hospitals cannot add outlets to serve more patients. Excessive pressure escalates operational costs and oxygen waste — critical during shortages. Optimizing pressure reduces costs and redirects savings to expand access, promoting equity in underserved regions. This study demonstrates a method to identify obstructions and recalibrate pressures, enhancing adaptability. By integrating pressure regulation, hospitals achieve scalable networks to accommodate fluctuating demand. Beyond sustainability, safety, and efficiency, these adjustments foster equity through broader oxygen availability. The findings advocate for clinical engineering frameworks prioritizing evaluations, cost-effective upgrades, and equitable resource allocation that are key to resilient healthcare systems.