Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health & GS – III – Sci & tech
In news
Considering the requirement of medical oxygen amidst the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Government of India explored the feasibility of conversion of existing nitrogen plants to produce oxygen.
Key takeaways
Potential industries, wherein existing nitrogen plants may be converted for production of oxygen, were identified.
In the nitrogen plants Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) is used whereas Zeolite Molecular Sieve (ZMS) is required for producing oxygen.
Therefore, by replacing CMS with ZMS and carrying out few other changes such as oxygen analyzer, control panel system, flow valves etc. existing nitrogen plants can be modified to produce oxygen.
A nitrogen plant modified for the production of oxygen can be either shifted to a nearby hospital.
In case it is not feasible to shift the plant, it can be used for on-site production of oxygen, which can then be transported to hospital through specialized vessels/cylinders.
