
BOC Introduces New Luxfer Composite Cylinders
‘to ease the load for emergency services´
February 2010
NOTTINGHAM, England - BOC Healthcare has officially announced the introduction of ultra-lightweight oxygen cylinders featuring Luxfer´s Odyssey-L7X® composite technology, which include liners made from Luxfer´s patented L7X aluminium alloy wrapped with aerospace-grade carbon fibre.
In a recent press announcement, BOC said: “For frontline emergency medical services, BOC Healthcare´s revolutionary new oxygen cylinder offers an ultra-lightweight and easy-to-use source of medical oxygen. Developed in cooperation with Ambulance Trusts, this 1-litre, 300-bar cylinder weighs in at just 1.55 kg at full capacity - the lightest cylinder package available!
“BOC, a member of The Linde Group, worked closely with Luxfer Gas Cylinders to develop the ultra-lightweight product which incorporates Luxfer´s Odyssey-L7X cylinders. Easy to transport and manoeuvre, they are the ideal choice for emergency medical services and pre-hospital care. They can significantly reduce the risk of occupational strains and injuries associated with patient- and equipment-handling to crews working under pressure, particularly in confined or inaccessible spaces.
“As well as having the best gas weight-to-duration ratio available on the market, the new BOC oxygen cylinder has the added benefits of lightweight integral valves, regulators and easy-click settings.”
Gloria Jennings, BOC Healthcare´s Product Manager, added: “We worked very closely with Ambulance Trusts to ensure that this new lightweight cylinder technology enhances their ability to respond rapidly, cost-effectively and above all, safely.”
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is one of the first Trusts in the UK to benefit from this new 1-litre cylinder technology. Eddie Webb, Operational Supervisor from SCAS Kidlington Resource Centre & Motorcycle Response Team, said: “This 1-litre cylinder is proving vital for our bike division. It weighs less, takes up hardly any space, and means that paramedics arriving at the scene of an emergency incident can administer life-saving oxygen immediately.”
Manish Vadher, Marketing Director for Luxfer Gas Cylinders, commented: “Luxfer was delighted to work with BOC in developing a great product using our patented higher-strength, lighter-weight L7X® aluminium alloy technology.”
The success of this collaborative project demonstrates the vision shared by BOC, Ambulance Trusts and Luxfer Gas Cylinders - to harness expertise and technology to the benefit of patients and the professionals who care for them.



