The IDT (Independent Development Trust) is pleased that the National Department of Health has shown confidence in the IDT by appointing the entity to implement a highly specialised and the first of its kind Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants in 55 public hospitals across the country. The programme is funded by Global Fund through the National Department of Health, the PSA Oxygen Plants has been implemented in other African countries also funded by the Global Fund, this will be the first time the programme is implemented in South Africa and the IDT is proud to be associated with the programme. The advent of COVID-19 which required Oxygen necessitated the implementation of this programme to best respond to future health emergencies. The implementation of the programme will improve provision of health services across most rural and township hospitals, this will ensure that hospitals have adequate oxygen to allow them to provide improved health services. The project is highly specialised which also requires a certificate with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAPHRA).
The project is expected to run for a total of 44 months. The first eight (8) months is for the construction of the plant, while the maintenance period is for 36 months. Through a competitive bidding process, the IDT appointed two contractors 1) Maziya/On Site Gas Systems JV and 2) Bulkeng (Pty) Ltd to implement the programme. The programme is awarded as follows:
Appointment of the service providers was undertaken based on the concurrence and budget confirmation received from the Client, NDOH and the funder of the project Global Fund. A phased approach which includes the maintenance period was approved by the client and funder. Furthermore, the Funder, Global Fund Country team, after satisfying themselves with the processes undertaken, granted approval in a form of “No Objection Letter” giving IDT the green light to commence with implementation of the PSA programme.
The PSA oxygen plant operates on a straightforward yet highly efficient principle. Here’s a simplified explanation of how it works:
Air Intake: The process begins by taking in ambient air from the surrounding environment.
Compression: The incoming air is then compressed to increase its pressure, typically using a compressor.
Air Filtration: The compressed air passes through a series of filters to remove impurities, such as dust and moisture, ensuring that the oxygen produced is of high purity.
Adsorption Towers: The purified, high-pressure air is directed into one of two adsorption towers filled with a specialized adsorbent material, usually a zeolite-based molecular sieve. This material selectively adsorbs nitrogen molecules from the compressed air while allowing oxygen to pass through.
Desorption: As the nitrogen is adsorbed by the molecular sieve, the oxygen-rich gas flows through the tower and is collected as the product gas.
Switching Towers: While one tower is in the adsorption phase, the other undergoes desorption. To maintain a continuous supply of oxygen, the system periodically switches between the two towers.
Nitrogen Venting: The nitrogen adsorbed in the first tower during the previous cycle is released into the atmosphere or collected for other uses, depending on the specific design.
Oxygen Collection: The oxygen collected from the second tower is stored and distributed for various applications, meeting the required purity levels.
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Media enquiries: Phasha Makgolane, Senior Manager: Communications (Acting)
072 231 1564 or phasham@idt.org.za
Issued by: Independent Development Trust