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PCI Gases on Gasworld: VSA Medical Oxygen Generation
PCI Gases Highlights the Role of its VSA Technology in Improving Medical Oxygen Access
Speaking on the Gasworld webinar The (Un)reliable World of Medical Oxygen, held on 9 October 2026, PCI Gases’ Chief Commercial Officer, Sören Schmitz, discussed how on-site oxygen generation can help address medical oxygen supply challenges in low-and-middle income countries (LMIC). During the discussion, Sören shared insights on PCI Gases’ patented Vacuum Swing Adsorption (VSA) technology.
PCI has installed its Deployable Oxygen Concentrator Systems (DOCS) at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in The Gambia and F. J. Grante Memorial Hospital in Liberia in 2025. Both projects demonstrate how on-site oxygen generation can reduce reliance on external cylinder supplies and improve access to medical oxygen where reliable supply is critical.
How PCI’s VSA Technology Supports Reliable Medical Oxygen Supply
PCI’s Vacuum Swing Adsorption (VSA) technology offers energy savings of 50%+ compared to conventional technologies (i.e.: PSA). Its oil-free design and operation along with low-pressure process prevents water condensation, an important issue in warm and humid environments.
Improving Medical Oxygen Access in The Gambia and Liberia Through On-Site Oxygen Generation
The installations have delivered tangible benefits. In The Gambia, on-site oxygen generation has significantly reduced the hospital’s need to purchase oxygen cylinders, thereby creating significant savings, while enabling oxygen to be supplied directly to clinical areas and cylinders to be refilled on-site.
In Liberia, reliable access to medical oxygen is supported by a solar powered MDOCS 80 VSA Oxygen Generating System, which has replaced diesel generators used to produce local power. The solar system now provides 24/7 electricity, and this has enabled more life-saving procedures and increased patient admissions. The hospital is also serving as a regional oxygen supplier to smaller clinics.
Supporting Long-Term Reliability Through Local Service and Maintenance
Sören also highlighted that long-term reliability depends on more than the technology itself. Local service support, trained hospital personnel, remote monitoring and ongoing maintenance are essential to keeping oxygen systems operational and ensuring sustainable access.
These projects reinforce PCI Gases’ commitment to delivering energy efficient, reliable on-site oxygen generation solutions that help healthcare facilities strengthen supply resilience and improve access to this essential medical oxygen therapy on a global basis.
Read more about these projects in Gasworld’s webinar VSA Technology article: https://www.gasworld.com/story/on-site-oxygen-generation-offers-alternative-supply-models-for-african-hospitals/
VSA Technology
To produce oxygen from air, PCI uses a proprietary Vacuum Swing Adsorption (VSA) process that eliminates many of the design problems associated with traditional on-site gas separation systems (PSA). Our innovative VSA system eliminates the need for process valves, feed air compressors, associated dryers and feed air filtering systems. Our robust VSA oxygen process extracts maximum sieve and power efficiencies = low cost (both CapX and OpX) high purity oxygen generation. Oxygen produced is 93% purity. Additional product/systems features include load following, remote monitoring and diagnostics along with an industry only 10-year warranty on the adsorber bed vessel. Average life span of our systems is 10-15+ years.
About PCI Gases
PCI Gases, headquartered in Riverside, California, is a global leader in advanced on-site gas generation systems. Specializing in VSA technology for oxygen production, the company has been delivering innovative gas separation solutions since 1984. PCI Gases serves a wide range of industries, including medical, industrial, aquaculture, biogas, water treatment, and military applications.With a mission to empower industries by providing autonomy in oxygen and nitrogen supply, PCI Gases helps clients reduce costs and improve sustainability. Their vision is to decentralize gas supply, offering economical and environmentally responsible solutions worldwide. Through a commitment to innovation and operational efficiency, PCI Gases continues to reshape industries and enhance the total cost of ownership for their customers.
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Posted October 19, 2026
