Invacare Perfecto2

Sieve Bed, Valve, Or Pressure System Fault

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Asset Type

Oxygen Concentrator

Manufacturer

Invacare

Model

Perfecto2

What This Guide Helps With

Troubleshooting low oxygen concentration, pressure alarms, abnormal cycling, or suspected sieve bed, valve, compressor, or pressure system problems.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

Remove the patient from the Invacare Perfecto2 if oxygen delivery is questionable, alarms are active, or flow cannot be verified.

Place the patient on another approved oxygen source according to facility or clinical procedure.

Expected outcome: Patient oxygen therapy is maintained on a known-good source.

Why it matters: A concentrator with pressure or sieve bed issues may produce inadequate oxygen concentration even if flow appears present.

Confirm the Reported Symptom

Power the concentrator on in a controlled area and observe the complaint.

Look for:

Expected outcome: The reported issue is confirmed before deeper troubleshooting begins.

If the device operates normally during observation, document the conditions tested and return only if performance checks are acceptable.

Check the Power Source and Startup Behavior

Verify the unit is connected to a known-good outlet.

Inspect the power cord for damage, loose strain relief, overheating, or intermittent connection.

Power the unit on and listen for compressor startup.

Expected outcome: The concentrator powers on normally, the compressor runs, and alarms clear after the normal startup period.

If the unit does not power on or the compressor does not start, troubleshoot as a power or compressor startup issue instead.

Inspect the Cabinet, Air Intake, and Filters

Check that the concentrator has adequate clearance around the cabinet.

Inspect the external cabinet filter, intake area, and vents for lint, dust, blockage, or signs of restricted airflow.

Clean or replace external filters per facility procedure.

Expected outcome: Airflow paths are clear and the unit is not overheating or starving the compressor for intake air.

If cleaning the filter restores normal pressure and oxygen concentration, verify operation and stop.

Verify Flowmeter Setting and Outlet Flow

Connect a known-good flow test device or flowmeter as appropriate.

Set the Invacare Perfecto2 to the prescribed or test flow range.

Confirm that the flowmeter ball is stable and that flow is present at the outlet.

Expected outcome: Outlet flow is stable and matches the selected setting.

If flow is weak, unstable, or absent, continue checking tubing, humidifier components, and internal pressure behavior.

Check for External Restrictions or Leaks

Remove any patient tubing, cannula, humidifier bottle, or accessory connected to the outlet.

Test the concentrator output directly with known-good test tubing.

Inspect the humidifier bottle, outlet fitting, oxygen tubing, and connector for cracks, loose fit, cross-threading, or blockage.

Expected outcome: External accessories do not restrict flow or leak oxygen.

If removing an accessory restores normal operation, replace the faulty accessory, verify output, and stop.

Listen for Normal Pressure Cycling

With the unit running, listen for the compressor and sieve bed valve cycling.

Normal operation should include repeating pressure/purge cycling sounds.

Watch for:

Expected outcome: The concentrator cycles consistently without abnormal pressure buildup or loss.

Why it matters: Sieve bed and valve faults often show up as abnormal cycling, pressure imbalance, or poor purge behavior.

Check for Obvious Tubing or Fitting Problems

Remove the unit from service before opening any access panels allowed by facility policy.

Inspect accessible tubing, fittings, and connections for:

Expected outcome: Accessible pneumatic connections are secure and unobstructed.

If a loose external or accessible connection is corrected, perform a full operational check before returning the device to service.

Verify Oxygen Concentration With a Calibrated Analyzer

Allow the concentrator to warm up according to facility test practice.

Measure oxygen concentration using a calibrated oxygen analyzer at the outlet.

Test at the normal clinical flow range used by the facility.

Expected outcome: Oxygen concentration remains within acceptable performance limits for the device and facility standard.

If oxygen concentration is low despite proper flow, clear filters, and no external restrictions, suspect sieve bed, valve, compressor, or pressure regulator/system fault.

Evaluate Pressure System Behavior Without Performing Deep Repair

If facility procedure and test equipment allow, perform non-invasive pressure verification at approved test points only.

Look for:

Expected outcome: Pressure system behavior supports normal sieve bed cycling and oxygen production.

If pressure readings are abnormal, do not continue clinical use.

Check for Heat, Odor, or Mechanical Stress

While the unit is running, observe for unusual heat, burning smell, vibration, rattling, or compressor strain.

Expected outcome: The concentrator runs without overheating, odor, or abnormal mechanical noise.

If overheating, burning smell, or severe compressor noise is present, power the unit down, remove it from service, and escalate for repair.

Determine Whether the Fault Is External or Internal

If the following have been ruled out:

and the concentrator still has low oxygen concentration, pressure alarms, abnormal cycling, or unstable output, the likely issue is internal.

Possible internal causes include sieve bed degradation, valve failure, compressor weakness, pressure regulator issue, leaking pneumatic component, or pressure sensor/control fault.

Expected outcome: The device is not returned to service until repaired and performance verified.

If the Problem Persists

If the Invacare Perfecto2 continues to show pressure alarms, low oxygen concentration, abnormal cycling, weak output, or unstable pressure after external causes are ruled out, remove it from service.

The device should be:

Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting. Sieve bed, valve, compressor, and pressure system faults can directly affect oxygen concentration and should not be bypassed or guessed at during patient care.

Clinical Use Tip

Do not troubleshoot a suspected oxygen concentration or pressure system fault while the patient is dependent on the concentrator. Move the patient to another verified oxygen source first, then evaluate the Invacare Perfecto2 in a controlled Biomed setting.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Clinical staff reported the Invacare Perfecto2 alarmed during use and appeared to deliver weak oxygen flow."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"External tubing and humidifier bottle tested good, filters were clear, but the unit produced low oxygen concentration with abnormal pressure cycling during bench evaluation."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed the concentrator from service, labeled it Out of Service, and sent it for repair due to suspected sieve bed, valve, or internal pressure system fault."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

Final Thought

Oxygen concentrator troubleshooting should always begin with patient safety and simple external checks before suspecting internal failure. Once filters, accessories, flow settings, and obvious leaks are ruled out, persistent pressure or oxygen concentration problems should be escalated for proper repair and verification. Clear CCR documentation protects both the patient and the repair process.

That is successful troubleshooting.

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