29
May
First Internet

Solenoid Valves and Oxygen Sensors: Why are these critical for the battle against COVID-19?

As the UK continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming months, components like solenoid valves and oxygen sensors play a crucial role in a fight driven not by offensive weapons, but by instruments of science.

Coronavirus attacks the lungs, making it more difficult for the patient to get enough oxygen. As yet, no direct treatments have been found, so the main support that can be provided in healthcare settings is oxygen therapy.

Supplemental oxygen can be delivered directly into the patient’s lungs using a ventilator, but this is reserved only for the most severe COVID-19 cases. Many more patients are given oxygen via positive pressure or just using a face mask if they are able to breathe unaided.

All of these medical devices are cutting-edge technologies and it is critical that patients receive the right amount of oxygen, not only for their own wellbeing, but also to conserve supplies of the gas as far as possible in the busiest hospitals.

Oxygen sensors have an obvious role to play in this, allowing healthcare providers to quickly test oxygen levels in hospitals and on respiratory wards including in COVID-19 ‘red zones’.

Envin Scientific supply a range of fixed, portable and handheld oxygen sensors by Maxtec, who also manufacture a neonatal ‘SuperDome’ for infant oxygen therapy.

Solenoid valves have a less obvious but no less important role, as they allow close control of gas supplies including oxygen.

They work by using an electromagnet to adjust the position of the solenoid valve armature, either opening or closing the seal so that a fluid like oxygen, another gas or a liquid, can flow through.

Many other cutting-edge components are helping in the high-tech fight against COVID-19, as well as in the search for treatments, vaccines and cures, but these two together are very much on the front line.

At Envin Scientific, we are continuing to manufacture and supply solenoid valves, oxygen sensors and other critical components throughout this turbulent time.

By taking appropriate measures to protect the health and safety of our workforce, we are reducing absences due to sickness and self-isolation, allowing us to meet demand for gas sensors, optical filters and other scientific instruments now and in the months to come.