Indian Railways and the Indian Air Force are rushing to help in the supply of Oxygen
Bengaluru: At a time when India is fighting the second wave of the pandemic on a war- footing, trying to increase its oxygen production, the Indian Railways and the Indian Air Force are rushing to help in its supply.
“The IAF transport fleet is supporting the fight against Covid-19. Airlift of medical personnel, critical equipment, and medicines is underway for Covid Hospitals and facilities across the country,” a statement from the IA F said.
The Indian Railways has started what’s called Oxygen Express to help ferry it.
Ramps were built at Vizag, Angul and Bhilai, and the existing ramp at Kalamboli was strengthened.
To facilitate easy and smooth transport of oxygen across the country, a Green Corridor is being created. This will ensure fast movement of Oxygen Express trains and secure supply of medical oxygen in bulk and rapidly to patients.
On Sunday (April 18), Western Railway held a trial at Boisar, where a loaded tanker was placed on a flat wagon, and all the required measurements were taken.
Road tanker T1618 with a height of 3320 mm has been found to be feasible to be placed on flat wagons with a height of 1290 mm, taking into account the size of Road Over Bridges and Over Head Equipment at specific locations.
DRDO builds hospitals:
Even as the railways and IAF are doing their best, the DRDO has jumped in to build hospitals.
The organisation is also doing its bit in supplying oxygen. Recently, it used a technology called ‘On board oxygen generation system' (OBOGS).
More on OBOGS technology:
It is an indigenously built technology (specifically for India-manufactured aircraft) used to supply oxygen to the aircrew by supplying oxygen using bleed air from the engine and separating oxygen from other components, using a process called Pressure Swing Adsorption Technology.
With this technology the pilot can remain airborne for a long time. Till this time, the pilots had to get to the ground, maybe an hour or so after they were airborne to refill oxygen.
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