How to Fill an Oxygen Tank

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Last Updated: December 11, 2019 References

Whether you are using oxygen for healthcare or recreation, an empty tank will not do you any good. If you are on oxygen therapy, use a home refill system to fill your tanks yourself. The most common are a home fill device attached to an oxygen concentrator or a liquid oxygen (LOX) machine. If you have a large compressed gas canister, such as the kind used for diving, you must have a professional refill it for you. Hire a company to refill or replace your tanks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Filling Tanks with a Home Fill System

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1
Replace the oxygen if the pressure gauge is in the red. The pressure gauge is the large gauge at the top of the oxygen tank. This gauge has a dial that indicates how full the oxygen tank is. If the dial points to the red area or just above the red area, it is time to refill your oxygen tank.^{[1]
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2
Turn on both your oxygen concentrator and your fill system. This fill system sits on top of an oxygen concentrator. Make sure that both machines are plugged in and press the power button or switch to turn them on. The lights should be on for each machine. Let the machines run for 15 minutes.^{[2]
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- Make sure that the flow meter on the oxygen concentrator is set correctly. Ask your doctor what setting you should use.
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3
Turn the pressure valve clockwise to close it. To turn off the pressure valve, turn the metal cylinder wrench at the very top of the tank as far as it goes. This will prevent oxygen from escaping from the tank while you refill it. It should be tight and snug when it is closed.^{[3]
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Take off the protective cap from the brass post on the tank. The brass post sticks out perpendicular from the regulator on the top of the tank. Look for a black plastic covering. Take off this cap to refill the cylinder.^{[4]
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Remove the cover from the machine’s adapter. On the refill machine, look for a metal adapter sticking up from the machine. Find the plastic or rubber cap on top of this piece. Remove this cap to access the adapter. ^{[5]
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Press the brass post into the adapter. You should hear a snap, and the metal sleeve on the adapter will pop up. Rest the body of the tank on the machine.^{[6]
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Leave the oxygen tank for 1.5 to 2.5 hours. When it is filled, a green light will appear on the panel. The machine automatically shuts off when the canister is full. Leave the canister there until it is convenient for you to remove it.^{[7]
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Press back down on the metal sleeve to remove the canister. The sleeve is the outer metal covering on the adapter. Lift the tank up to remove it. Replace the caps on the brass and the adapter. Your oxygen is now ready to use.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Refilling a Liquid Oxygen System

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Read the manufacturer’s instructions before operating your system. Liquid oxygen systems vary widely in design and use. While the general steps are similar, the ways in which you operate the system may vary. Always refer to your manufacturer’s guide before filling your tank.
- Only a professional can replace the tanks on the main filling station. Talk to the provider of your liquid oxygen machine to set up a regular maintenance service.
2
Fill the tank if the pressure gauge is in the red. This is the dial on the top of your portable tank. When the dial points to the red area, the tank is nearly empty. It is time to refill it.^{[9]
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Check the system for any dirt or moisture. If there is any moisture or dirt on the machine or tank, use a clean, dry towel or wipe to remove it. Even small particles can interfere with the oxygen.^{[10]
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Attach the portable tank to the main tank. This tank is called the dewar. It is where the liquid oxygen is stored before it is put into portable tanks. For most home tanks, line up the filling connector on the bottom of the portable tank to the port on the top of the machine. Press down until you hear a snap.^{[11]
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- Other devices may attach to a nozzle that sticks out from the side. In this case, look a port sticking out on the portable tank. Insert the nozzle into this port.^{[12]
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Fill the portable tank by pulling the plastic switch on the side or back. Listen for a loud hissing noise as the tank fills up. Pause every 30 seconds to prevent ice crystals from forming in the tank.^{[13]
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- Liquid oxygen usually only takes a few minutes to refill.
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Switch the portable tank off when the tank’s pressure reaches full capacity. The tank is empty when the noise dies down to a soft murmur or a bubbling liquid. When cloudy white vapors emerge from the dewar, snap the plastic switch back into its original position. Remove the tank.^{[14]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Refill Services for Compressed Gas Canisters

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1
Take tanks for recreational activities to a filling station. Do not attempt to refill a compressed canister on your own. Take it to a filling station where a trained professional can fill it for you. Gas canisters can explode or leak if they are filled improperly.^{[15]
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- If you are using a canister for diving, check out your local diving shop or school. These usually keep a technician on hand to refill diving cylinders.
- Look for hiking or nature shops near high altitude mountains if you need tanks for mountaineering.
2
Hire an oxygen company to deliver refills. If you are using oxygen for home therapy, search for a company that delivers refilled oxygen tanks to your home. Schedule these deliveries on a weekly or monthly basis.^{[16]
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University of California San Francisco Health Center
Research hospital associated with UCSF, a leading medical university, providing innovative patient care and public health resources
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- When you first start oxygen therapy, your doctor will likely suggest an oxygen company. If they do not, call them and ask for a referral.
- Some insurance companies may require you to use a certain oxygen provider. Call your insurance agent to learn what your options are.
3
Buy a new gas canister if yours cannot be refilled. Not all compressed gas canisters can be filled more than once. These canisters can leak or explode if refilled. In these cases, buy a new canister of oxygen from an oxygen supplier instead of trying to refill it.^{[17]
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- Look at the label on the top of the canister or in the manufacturer's manual to see if you can refill your canister or not.
- Refillable gas canisters will often be made of steel or aluminum. Their walls will be ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm) thick or thicker.

Warnings

Do not smoke while using an oxygen device. Smoking can undo the effects of oxygen, and smoke is very dangerous around compressed gas.

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