CAIRE Hi Flow Stroller

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications (Nominal Values)
Usage Features
Maintenance Features
Safety Precautions

The CAIRE Hi Flow Stroller is a portable liquid oxygen (LOX) delivery system designed to provide supplementary oxygen to patients. It is a component of the Liberator/Portable supplementary oxygen system, housed in a durable simulated leather case. The device incorporates a stainless steel cryogenic container, along with the necessary valves, plumbing, and hardware to deliver gaseous oxygen at near ambient temperature.

Function Description:

The Hi Flow Stroller operates by storing liquid oxygen at approximately -180°C (-300°F) within its double-walled, vacuum-insulated dewar. The breathing circuit, consisting of a manifold assembly, a fixed orifice rotary flow control valve (FCV), and a vaporizing coil, withdraws LOX from the container. This LOX then absorbs heat, vaporizes into gaseous oxygen, and warms to near ambient temperature before being dispensed to the patient via the FCV. Any water that condenses on the cold coils is collected and absorbed by a condensate pad. The device also features a liquid level meter with a capacitance probe and an electronic LED readout, allowing users to check the LOX level by pressing an operate button. Filling can be done either via a side-fill rotary quick disconnect valve or a top-fill push quick disconnect valve, depending on the model.

Important Technical Specifications (Nominal Values):

Capacity:
- LOX: 3.0 lbs (1.36 kg)
- Liquid Liters: 1.25 L
- Gaseous Liters: 1026 L
Selectable Flow Rates: Off, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 15.0 LPM
Flow Rate Accuracy: ± 0.1 liter per minute or ±10% of flow setting, whichever is greater
Normal Evaporation Rate: 1.2 lbs/day (0.54 kg/day)
Operating Pressure: 20 PSIG (1.4 bar)
Primary Relief Valve Setting: 19.7 - 21.5 PSIG (1.35 - 1.48 bar)
Secondary Relief Valve Setting: 27 - 33 PSIG (1.86 - 2.27 bar)
Filling Time:
- Warm: 2 minutes
- Cold: 1 minute
Dimensions:
- Height: 13.5 in (34.3 cm)
- Width: 7.25 in (18.4 cm)
Weight:
- Empty: 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg)
- Full: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Fill Connector Types: Male side-mounted rotary coupling, female bottom-mounted push-on coupling, or female bottom-mounted rotary coupling.

Usage Features:

The Hi Flow Stroller is designed for ease of use and portability. The flow control knob can be adjusted to prevent exceeding a maximum prescribed flow rate, offering a safety feature for patients. The liquid level meter provides a clear LED display of the LOX level, and a low battery indicator signals when the internal CR2032 coin cell battery needs replacement. The meter's integrated design simplifies removal and replacement, and it includes error reporting codes for calibration issues. The device is intended to be filled by the patient from a Liberator, Low Loss Reservoir, or other compatible unit.

Maintenance Features:

The device has two routine maintenance schedules: Schedule A (30 Month) and Schedule B (Continuous).

Schedule A (30 Month): This comprehensive schedule includes visual inspection for damage, checking for leaks in the quick disconnect valve (QDV) and vent valve, verifying the liquid level meter reads full after filling, checking the unit's efficiency (e.g., for cold sweaty conditions or excessive venting), and performing a flow test across all settings. Units failing any test should be referred to the troubleshooting section or returned for repair. CAIRE, Inc. recommends returning the unit to a service facility every 10 years for vacuum checks and re-evacuation.
Schedule B (Continuous): This schedule involves periodic checks performed by drivers or other personnel, especially when transferring equipment between patients. It includes visual inspection of the case, flow control knob, condensation pad, and QDV pin. It also requires verifying the liquid level meter reads correctly, checking the flow rate, and inspecting the unit's interior for dirt or contaminants. Before use, the unit should be emptied, warmed to room temperature, and the case cleaned.

Safety Precautions:

The manual emphasizes critical safety warnings related to oxygen's flammability-supporting properties, the extreme cold of liquid oxygen, and the risks associated with dropping or mishandling the unit. It warns against contact with combustible substances, open flames, and electrical appliances. Personnel are instructed to wear goggles, face shields, and insulated gloves when handling LOX. The device must be empty and vented before any component replacement, except for case assembly components or lip seals. Only oxygen-compatible replacement equipment and cleaning agents approved by CAIRE should be used. EMC information is provided to ensure safe operation in various electromagnetic environments, with recommendations for separation distances from RF communications equipment.