<span style="color: #222222;">The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has come up with a creative and ingenious solution to addressing the shortage of medical oxygen for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the country. The pilot project which has been tested successfully relies on a simple technological hack: conversion of PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) Nitrogen Unit to PSA Oxygen Unit.</span><br />” <br />” <span style="color: #222222;">Initial tests done at IIT Bombay have shown promising results. Oxygen production could be achieved at 3.5 atm pressure, with a purity level of 93% – 96 %. This gaseous oxygen can be utilised for COVID-related needs across existing hospitals and upcoming COVID-19 specific facilities by providing a continuous supply of oxygen.</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;">&nbsp;</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;">Speaking on the conversion of Nitrogen into Oxygen, Prof. Milind Atrey, Dean (R&amp;D), IIT Bombay said, ‘It has been done by fine-tuning the existing Nitrogen Plant set up and changing the molecular sieves from carbon to Zeolite.</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;">&nbsp;</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;">The pilot project is a collaborative effort between IIT Bombay, Tata Consulting Engineers and Spantech Engineers, Mumbai, who deal with PSA Nitrogen &amp; Oxygen plant production.</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;">&nbsp;</span><br />” <span style="color: #222222;">A PSA Nitrogen plant in the Refrigeration and Cryogenics Laboratory of IIT was identified for conversion, to validate the proof of concept. To undertake this study on an urgent basis, a MoU was signed between IIT Bombay, Tata Consulting Engineers and Spantech Engineers to finalise a SOP that may be leveraged across the country.</span><br />” &nbsp;<br />