2 atmosphere hyperbaric chamber: Pressure and Selection

Understand what the concept of “2 atmospheres” is

When we see “2 atmosphere hyperbaric chamber”, our first reaction is: Is this absolute pressure or gauge pressure? Many times we see the word “ATA”, which is absolute atmospheric pressure (atmospheres absolute), which is calculated using absolute vacuum as zero. In other words, 1 ATA is a standard atmospheric pressure in itself, not an additional atmospheric pressure added to the ambient pressure.

If a device’s parameter knot says 2.0 ATA on the ground, that translates to an absolute pressure of 202.65 kPa, which is almost equal to 29.3918 psia. If calculated at standard sea level, the cabin actually increased by approximately 101.325 kPa (about 14.6959 psig) compared to the outside. Of course, real-world environmental pressures are related to your altitude and weather, and must be calculated according to local conditions.

So, whether it’s called “2 atm”, “2.0 ata”, or “2 atmospheres”, we can only be comparable on the same “absolute pressure” channel. If the specification sheet you get simply says “2 atmosphere” or “psi”, but doesn’t specify whether it is absolute pressure, gauge pressure, normal operating pressure, or maximum allowable pressure, then this data is basically a fool’s errand, and it is impossible to determine the actual operating status of the equipment.

Don’t just stare at a pressure number, look at the full set of specifications

When buying an oxygen tank, the normal operating pressure, the maximum allowable operating pressure, and the set pressure of the pressure relief valve must be confirmed one by one. The device is rated to reach 2.0 ATA, which does not mean that you have to constantly withstand this extreme pressure, nor does it mean that everyone’s physical condition can adapt to this pressure.

Also, don’t assume it must be a medical device just because the name is high-sounding. A typical “hyperbaric chamber” is just a chamber that can increase pressure and allow people to enter; if “oxygen” (hyperbaric oxygen chamber 2.0 ata) is added, it means that it has the function of supplying oxygen in a high-pressure environment. As for whether this machine can be used for certain clinical purposes, it also depends on what breathing gas it uses, the manufacturer’s stated intended use, whether it has all the relevant model qualifications, and specific operating instructions. One “2.0 ATA” alone says little.

It is also 2.0 ATA, how to choose the cabin structure?

Taking products under MACY-PAN (Shanghai Baobang) as an example, the models marked as 2.0 ATA are actually hardware cabins, but the difference is huge in how they go in, sit or lie down, and can accommodate several people.

For example, the HP2202 is a horizontal hardware cabin made of medical-grade stainless steel, 220 cm long, and available in three diameters: 75, 85 and 90 cm. Its sibling, the HP2202 DIA, is also designed for lying down, but it has an extra-large transparent viewing window, is also 220 cm long, and has diameters of 90 and 100 cm.

If you want to experience it while sitting, you can check out the HP750. This is a single-seat hardware cabin, 200 cm long, 96 cm wide and 160 cm high, with plenty of space. If you need a single cabin that you can walk right into, the HE5000 Mono with a transparent walk-in hatch is a good fit. As for scenarios with multiple users, you can choose between HE5000 Fort, HE5000 and HE5000 Plus, where you can arrange two seats, three seats, benches or even bed boards according to the number of people. The HE5000 Plus can accommodate up to four people at the same time.

You see, although everyone has the “2.0 ATA” label on their heads, whether it is horizontal, seated or walk-in, single or multi-person, the size of the door and the layout inside directly determine whether the device is easy to use, how much space it takes up, and how to operate it normally.

Buying an oxygen chamber is buying a whole system

A hyperbaric oxygen chamber is not just an iron shell. A complete system consists of the cabin, air compressor and oxygen concentrator working together: the air compressor is responsible for injecting filtered air to increase the pressure, the automatic valve stabilizes the pressure, and the oxygen concentrator then supplies oxygen-enriched gas into it.

Moreover, the different models come with different “three major parts”. For example, the HP2202 is equipped with an all-in-one unit and a regular air conditioner; and the HP2202 DIA not only has an all-in-one unit, but also a special high-efficiency air cooling system. Therefore, when comparing prices, keep your eyes open and make sure to confirm whether the manufacturer’s quotation sheet has rounded the cabin, control console, pressurization pump, oxygen generator, air conditioning equipment and various accessories. If you just stare at the size or pressure of the cabin, you will easily end up dumbed down ——for example, the total weight of the system is too heavy, the area occupied is too large, or the power supply, ventilation and even later maintenance conditions are not taken into account in advance.

Before placing an order, understand the installation site

When looking at the size chart, you must clearly distinguish several data points: how much usable space is inside, how much land is occupied outside, how much total land the entire system occupies, and the packaging and transportation dimensions. Don’t forget to measure the door width, door height, threshold height, which side the door opens to, and the space required to open the door in your venue. Recumbent cabins focus on internal length and diameter; seated or vertical cabins also need to consider whether the seats are wide enough, whether the legs can be extended, whether the top of the head will be suppressed, and whether the movement of people in and out is comfortable and uncomfortable.

Before the equipment enters the area, you have to step on the entire transportation channel. The door width is not wide enough, whether the corner can be turned, whether the floor slab can bear the load, whether there is power supply and grounding, whether the ventilation is good, whether the fire protection cannot be closed, whether there is sufficient maintenance spacing around, whether it is good to evacuate in an emergency… These all need to be implemented item by item.

Especially with the load-bearing floor slabs, the weight span of the hardware compartments is outrageous! For example, the HP2202 is about 150, 160 or 180 kg according to specifications, but once it is replaced with HP750, the weight will directly soar to 1000 kg. Don’t assume that the size can fit through the door. The biggest problem is whether the floor can be pressed down or who can carry it.

Strictly adhere to the safety bottom line corresponding to the model

How to use the cabin after purchase and how much operating pressure to set must be closely monitored in the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific model. The general conversions mentioned above are just to give you a sense of purpose and should never replace the actual calibration, operating procedures, or professional solutions of the equipment. During operation, people must be kept outside to keep an eye on the user as required throughout the entire process to keep the call smooth and respond immediately if there is any abnormality.

There’s also a red line: oxygen-rich environments are extremely flammable! Any electronic products, clothing, care products, or cleaning materials entering the cabin must be confirmed to be safe for use in a high-pressure, oxygen-enriched environment. As long as the manufacturer does not specify permission, you must never add oxygen sources, change pipelines or dynamic and electrical devices yourself. When using it, if you encounter an alarm going off, cabin damage, air leakage, smell an odor, hear unusual noises, or control failure, don’t think about anything. Immediately stop the machine according to the instructions and contact the manufacturer or qualified service provider.

Final verification before paying

To summarize, when you’re in the eye for a device marketed as a “hyperbaric chamber 2.0 atmospheres”, at least match these numbers on your checklist: specific model, what caliber the pressure standard is, normal operating pressure and maximum permissible pressure, cabin structure type, number of people, and posture. In addition, it is necessary to find out the internal and external dimensions, what the complete system includes, whether the installation conditions are sufficient, whether there is an instruction manual, and whose responsibility is the after-sales service.

Only when these details are fully implemented in black and white in the specific model and written documents will “2 atmosphere hyperbaric chamber” cease to be a broad name and truly become a set of equipment solutions that can be compared horizontally, installed on the ground, and managed reliably.