The most common size cylinder or tank for patient home use is the E-tank.  The E-tanks are cylinders that are the largest size that are suitable for​r travel or portability.  These tanks are usually transported via a small cart that can be pulled by the patient or caregiver and provide about 5 hours of oxygen.  (This would be a full tank with 2000 psi at a flow rate of 2 liters per minute.)  The E-tanks are also suitable for emergency backup due to the amount of oxygen available in them.  Generally, the volume in them lasts long enough to provide oxygen during a short period of time such as a power outage caused by a storm when a concentrator may not function.

No matter what the size of the tank, it still requires a regulator to allow the oxygen to flow from the tank at the prescribed rate.  The regulator must be attached to the tank at the top.  The representative from Duke Medical will demonstrate how to attach these regulators to the tanks.

Attaching the Regulator: 

1. There is a space in the regulator that can be slipped over the top of the tank.

2. The regulator has two “pins” that fit in the two holes in the side of the tank at the top. 

3. When the two “pins” fit into the holes on the tank, the regulator should be tightened on the tank to a snug fit. 

4. The regulator tightens down on the tank by screwing down the set screw. (Sort of like an “old fashioned” nutcracker) 

5. When the regulator is tightened down tight enough, you should not hear any loud leaking sound when you open the tank. 

To open the tank (some tanks have a toggle on top of the tank) take the tool (tank key) provided and fit the tool on the very top of the tank and turn the key counter clockwise at least one quarter of a turn.  You will know that the tank is opened because the gauge on the regulator will move into a different position indicating the quantity of oxygen remaining in the tank.  

For example, if the tank is full, then the needle on the regulator gauge will move into the full position (2000 psi).  If the tank is only partially full, then the needle on the gauge will move to the position on the gauge to show the contents at that time.  (It is a good idea to keep the tank key to open the tanks close at hand at all times.  Some will tie a string around it and tie it to the E-tank cart.)

Safety Issues

• Never use any petroleum-based oils or grease on or around the oxygen tanks.

• Never store the tanks near a flame.

• Never use or store the tanks in a small-enclosed area.

• Never allow anyone to operate this equipment that has not been trained to operate the tank and regulator.

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS STORE TANK IN A SECURED AREA WHERE THEY CANNOT FALL OR BE KNOCKED OVER.