A notable shift is underway across Europe as more medical providers transition to using Type 3 carbon composite cylinders.
James Cooper of AMS Composite Cylinders highlights the reasons behind this growing trend, emphasising the advantages these advanced cylinders offer to patients, healthcare providers and the environment.
Embracing Modern Medical Technology
Despite being available on the market for some time, Type 3 cylinders have only recently gained traction in the European medical oxygen market, which has traditionally relied on older Type 1 and 2 cylinders. However, a change is occurring.
Mid-sized medical oxygen providers are increasingly recognising the enhanced safety, value, capacity, sustainability and portability that Type 3 cylinders bring.
Embracing modern medical technology not only improves patient care but also gives companies an advantage, says Christoph Ottensmeyer, Medical Oxygen Product Manager at Critical Care. Critical Care, a medical oxygen provider in Northern Germany, was one of the first companies to introduce Type 3 cylinders to the market, with lighter weights being the primary driving factor.
“Most providers in Germany only offer Type 1 cylinders to customers. By having exclusive access to the lightest weight Type 3 cylinders from AMS, we’ve created a unique selling point to differentiate our service and product offering from competitors.”
Lightweight Design
One of the most significant benefits of Type 3 cylinders is their lightweight design which greatly improves patient mobility. This is especially useful for home oxygen therapy patients, many of whom are elderly or frail. The lighter weight of these cylinders allows patients greater freedom to move and perform daily activities without relying on others.
For emergency and rescue situations, the lighter weight of these cylinders makes them more portable, helping emergency service professionals to respond faster and carry additional lifesaving equipment. The lightweight design of Type 3 cylinders also makes for easier handling and transportation, reducing the risk of strain or injury for healthcare professionals.
Additionally, Type 3 cylinders can be filled to higher pressures of 300 bar, compared to the 200 bar capacity of most traditional cylinders. This increased pressure means more oxygen per cylinder, reducing the frequency of replacements or refills. This translates to greater independence and a better quality of life for patients, knowing they have a reliable and extended oxygen supply.
For instance, a 3L Type 3 oxygen cylinder from AMS Composite Cylinders weighs under 4.5kg when fully loaded and holds 900 litres of oxygen at 300 bar – often enough to cover a full day’s needs, offering patients more freedom and less worry.
For hospital and medical facility use, it’s these practical benefits that are driving adoption, says Christoph Ottensmeyer:
“Using 300 bar cylinders enables our clinical customers to reduce the number of refills by 33%. Hospitals and healthcare providers also require fewer medical oxygen cylinders on-site, reducing storage requirements. It’s a real benefit to our customers.”
AMS Lightweight Oxygen Cylinders
Versatility for Providers
The shift to Type 3 cylinders is leading medical oxygen providers to adopt a “mixed fleet” approach, incorporating Type 1, 2 and 3 cylinders in various sizes to cater to diverse patient needs and contractual obligations.
AMS Composite Cylinders offers a wide range of customisable oxygen cylinders, from 1 to 10 litres, enabling providers to optimise their services for different customer requirements.
That versatility is helping European providers stand out in an increasingly competitive market. By adopting cutting-edge innovations and offering advanced cylinder options, these providers strengthen their value proposition, attracting discerning customers and distinguishing themselves from the competition. Embracing innovative technologies and sustainable practices enables healthcare providers to improve patient care, minimise environmental impact and position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
Focus on Safety and Sustainability
Beyond being lightweight, Type 3 cylinders are designed with rigorous safety standards. AMS Composite Cylinders ensures each cylinder undergoes extensive testing to withstand heat, flame and ballistic impacts. In case of damage, these cylinders are engineered to leak rather than burst, significantly reducing the risk of fire or injury.
Sustainability is another key factor driving the adoption of Type 3 cylinders across Europe. Their design reduces the need for frequent deliveries, lowering fuel consumption and operational costs. This reduction aligns with the broader environmental goals of many European companies to reduce their carbon footprint.
For companies that deliver large volumes of gas and medical oxygen supplies, this can lead to substantial savings in both operating costs and their carbon footprint. Minimising the environmental impact of deliveries is a crucial part of managing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and with increasing legislation on the way, companies must prioritise sustainable practices to remain compliant and competitive.
Durability and Non-Limited Life (NLL)
A standout feature of AMS Type 3 cylinders is their Non-Limited Life (NLL) capability which means they have an unlimited service life – as compared to the typical 15-year lifespan of most Type 3 cylinders. This extended lifespan not only cuts down on replacement costs but also ensures a consistent supply of oxygen for patients without the need for frequent cylinder changes.
A New Era in Medical Oxygen Supply
The increasing adoption of Type 3 carbon composite cylinders marks a significant shift in the European medical oxygen industry. By embracing this advanced technology, healthcare providers can enhance patient care, reduce environmental impact and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
As the industry continues to evolve, the benefits of Type 3 cylinders are set to become even more evident, making them a crucial component of modern healthcare.
About AMS Composite Cylinders
At AMS Composite Cylinders, we specialise in supplying high-quality gas and oxygen cylinders to a wide variety of industries around the world. Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 cylinders are available in standard and custom sizes for a full range of healthcare and homecare applications.
Supplying clients across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, we produce cylinders to a wide range of recognised global standards, holding accreditations in all major markets worldwide.
AMS Composite Cylinders Manufacturers to ISO and EN Standards (including ISO-11119-2, ISO 11119-1, EN 12245, EN 12257, ISO 7666, and ISO 11118) and the requirements of UN PED/TPED, DOT (USA) and TC (Canada). Cylinders hold Rho ρ marking for the UK.
Please contact us today for additional information about AMS Composite Cylinders or to order.