How to Correctly Select Molecular Sieves for 5L/10L Oxygen Concentrators Based on Original Design
Author: David Zhang (Technical Director)
Suzhou Benoni Technology Co., Ltd., Advanced R&D & Technical Support Department
Foreword
In my 15 years of molecular sieve and PSA oxygen generation system R&D career, I have handled hundreds of failure cases caused by molecular sieve mismatching. Every time I receive such technical support calls, I feel deeply saddened—a seemingly simple “replacement” operation could completely ruin an oxygen concentrator worth thousands of dollars.
Part I: A Costly Common Misconception
Last month, we received an urgent request from a European repair center. They replaced the original molecular sieve in a traditional 5L oxygen concentrator with “high-efficiency lithium sieve,” expecting to improve performance. The result within three days, oxygen concentration plummeted from 95% to 70%, and the molecular sieve showed obvious pulverization. Eventually, the machine was completely damaged due to compressor overload.
This case reveals a core misconception in the repair market: “High material efficiency” ≠ “System compatibility”
In oxygen concentrator repair, choosing the wrong molecular sieve can lead to substandard performance at best, and complete machine damage at worst, jeopardizing the repair service provider’s professional reputation.
Part II: Technical Truth—The “Domain Division” and Design Logic of Sodium vs. Lithium Sieves
Let me clarify the market situation from an engineer’s perspective: stationary oxygen concentrators follow two distinctly different technical pathways.
Traditional/Stationary 5L Machine Design Logic
- Molecular Sieve Choice: Mostly 13X-HP (Sodium sieve)
- System Characteristics: Optimized for high-pressure environment
- Core Advantage: Excellent long-term operational stability and durability
- Application Scenario: Continuous use in medical institutions
Modern Compact 5L/Most 8L-10L Machine Design Logic
- Molecular Sieve Choice: Lithium sieve technology
- System Characteristics: Optimized for low/medium pressure environment
- Core Advantage: High adsorption efficiency, enabling more compact machine structure
- Application Scenario: Home portable and space-limited environments
Critical Technical Mechanism Analysis
Here’s the most easily overlooked core issue: Compressors, valves, and control timing designed for high-pressure sodium sieves will cause rapid failure when driving low-pressure lithium sieves due to “over-adsorption and incomplete desorption.” Conversely, the precise control of lithium sieve systems cannot effectively drive traditional sodium sieves to achieve expected performance.
Part III: Practical Decision Tree and Risk Checklist for Repair Experts
🏆 Golden Rule
Always follow the “Original Factory Same Specification” principle — This is the most reliable method to avoid all problems.
Decision Path (When Original Factory Information Is Unavailable)
Step 1: Machine Model and Era Analysis
- Traditional, heavy 5L machines → High probability 13X-HP (Sodium sieve)
- Modern, ultra-light 5L or 10L machines → High probability Lithium sieve
Step 2: Professional Technical Confirmation
Contact professional oxygen concentrator parts suppliers like BENONI, providing:
- Machine model and serial number
- Original molecular sieve filling capacity
- Machine manufacturing year
- On-site operating parameters
Critical Risk Checklist
Part IV: To Parts Distributors—Become Technical Authorities in the Repair Market
Value Proposition Upgrade
In the highly competitive parts market, upgrading from “supplier” to “technical consultant” is the key differentiating advantage for winning long-term partnerships.
Actionable Recommendations
1. Establish Precise Inventory & Identification System
- Build technical partnerships with professional manufacturers like BENONI
- Confirm precise molecular sieve specifications for each oxygen concentrator model
- Establish clear product identification and classification systems
2. Build Matching Database
This is your most core competitive asset. An accurate “model-molecular sieve” matching database can:
- Firmly bind downstream repair customers
- Reduce returns and technical disputes
- Establish irreplaceable technical barriers
3. Customer Empowerment Program
- Create technical manuals to share with repair partners
- Provide technical support hotline services
- Regular technical training to improve the entire repair ecosystem’s professional level
Part V: The Essence of Professional Repair and Call to Action
Core Philosophy
Professional repair lies in precisely restoring each machine’s original design. Choosing molecular sieves is actually selecting the unique, correct “heart” for a specific machine.
