2023-12-25 14:38:00
In a groundbreaking achievement for Thailand, the Faculty of Engineering research team at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) has invented a ‘High-power medical oxygen generator…portable’ (Mobile High-Flow Oxygen Concentrator). The project has received research funding support from the National Research Agency (NRCT), and has garnered international recognition, winning the world gold medal from the Geneva 2023 International Invention Fair and the 2024 National Research Award in Medical Science from the National Research Council of Thailand.
This innovative prototype is designed to connect directly to the oxygen supply to patients, including high flow rate and positive pressure ventilator types in hospitals. As a result, it meets the needs of medium and small hospitals with a limited number of beds and budget, thereby raising the quality of medical services and contributing to sustainable development in Thailand’s integrated medical industry.
In terms of medical application, the portable oxygen generator has proven to be crucial in treating various respiratory diseases such as whooping cough, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is particularly important for patients in remote areas, where access to well-equipped hospitals may be limited. The invention has the potential to greatly increase the survival rate of Thai people from respiratory diseases and reduce inequality in access to treatment technology.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Natthaphon Rerkkasemsan, the project leader and head of the research team, emphasized the growing demand for medical oxygen due to the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus and the increase in respiratory diseases caused by lifestyle behaviors and air pollution. The shortage of medical oxygen in hospitals has posed a significant challenge to caring for critically ill patients, particularly for medium and small hospitals that are unable to invest in installing liquid oxygen systems.
The ‘Mobile High-Flow Oxygen Concentrator’ has been hailed as a game changer, with an internal oxygen storage system capable of continuously producing pure oxygen for patients. This innovative technology has been proven in actual use at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, producing oxygen with a purity of more than 85 percent by volume at a flow rate of 40 liters per minute and a pressure of not less than 3.7 atmospheres.
Associate Professor Dr. Somyot Kiatwanichwilai, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at KMITL, has highlighted the benefits of this innovation in strengthening public health security and good health throughout Thailand. By enabling medium and small hospitals to be self-reliant in producing medical oxygen, the portable oxygen generator is set to improve the quality of life for Thai people and reduce the import of expensive equipment, ultimately contributing to a healthier nation.
The groundbreaking innovation from KMITL’s Faculty of Engineering research team is a testament to Thailand’s scientific and biomedical achievements on the world stage, and offers hope for reducing the impact of respiratory diseases and improving healthcare access for all.]
#Cool #KMITL #invents #high #power #medical #oxygen #generator #Mobile #type