What is a High Volume Oxygen (HVO) system?
The Pro Plus™ High Volume Oxygen (HVO) system is an on-site oxygen generation and storage solution designed for veterinary clinics and animal hospitals. Instead of relying on delivered oxygen cylinders, an HVO system uses medical-grade oxygen concentrators to generate oxygen continuously and store it at low pressure for peak demand. The result is a reliable, scalable oxygen supply that supports anesthesia, oxygen cages, recovery, and treatment areas—while reducing delivery costs, logistical challenges, and dependency on cylinders.
Get a Veterinary Oxygen System Designed for Your Clinic
Ready to reduce your reliance on oxygen cylinders and simplify oxygen management?
Complete HVO’s system sizing questionnaire and speak with a customer advocate to design a High Volume Oxygen system tailored to your clinic’s equipment, workflow, and future growth.
Which oxygen concentrators do you sell?
High Volume Oxygen (HVO) sells DeVilbiss Drive 10 LPM PSA oxygen concentrators, widely used in veterinary clinics and animal hospitals for dependable, on-site oxygen generation.
These medical-grade concentrators use pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology to produce a continuous supply of high-purity oxygen and integrate seamlessly into HVO’s modular, expandable oxygen systems, which are well suited for veterinary applications such as anesthesia support, oxygen cages, recovery areas, and treatment rooms.
Can I use my own oxygen concentrator(s)?
Yes—with a few important considerations.
To achieve optimal performance, any oxygen concentrators used with an HVO system should be tested with a handheld oxygen analyzer to confirm proper oxygen purity. The oxygen concentration delivered by the HVO System will equal the average purity of all connected concentrators.
When using multiple concentrators, it’s important that their rated output pressures match. If pressures differ, lower-pressure units may have their flow suppressed. For best results, HVO recommends using identical concentrators whenever possible.
Some concentrators with electronic power switches are not compatible. To test compatibility:
- Plug in the concentrator and turn it on using the power switch.
- Leave the switch on and unplug the unit.
- Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
If the concentrator powers on automatically, it will work with the HVO system.
An HVO customer advocate can help evaluate the compatibility of your existing equipment.
How do you size an HVO system for a veterinary clinic?
HVO sizes each system based on the specific oxygen needs of your veterinary clinic or hospital.
Veterinarians complete a brief system sizing questionnaire that covers:
- Oxygen-using equipment (anesthesia machines, oxygen cages, treatment areas)
- Estimated flow rates and usage patterns
- Surgery and business hours
- Whether medical gas lines are present
- Clinic location and contact information
This allows HVO to design a system that supports daily usage and peak demand, while leaving room for future growth. An HVO customer advocate then recommends a configuration tailored to your clinic’s workflow.
How much oxygen fits in a tank?
The HVO system is available with 30-, 60-, and 80-gallon oxygen storage tanks, and storage capacity can be increased by connecting multiple tanks together.
At a storage pressure of 160 psi, approximate oxygen capacity is:
- 30-gallon tank: ~1,350 liters
- 60-gallon tank: ~2,700 liters
- 80-gallon tank: ~3,600 liters
The total amount of usable oxygen depends on tank size, tank pressure, and the number of tanks connected. Storage supports peak demand while the system continues generating oxygen on site.
How long will a tank last?
Tank duration depends on how much oxygen your clinic uses and when it’s used.
The HVO System continues generating oxygen while the tank is in use, meaning the tank depletes more slowly once the low-pressure set point is reached and the system turns on to refill. Rather than acting as a fixed “runtime,” the tank serves as a buffer for peak demand.
Smaller clinics with intermittent oxygen use may see fewer refill cycles, while emergency or specialty hospitals will see more frequent refill cycles.
HVO can estimate expected performance based on your equipment and usage patterns. Clinics using HVO’s Seeing Eye™ monitoring application can also view real-time oxygen usage, tank levels, and concentrator run time.
Does the HVO system replace oxygen cylinders?
Yes—the HVO system significantly reduces or eliminates the need for routine oxygen cylinder deliveries.
By generating oxygen on site, clinics avoid delivery delays, emergency refill costs, regulator changes, and cylinder handling. HVO does recommend keeping a small compressed oxygen cylinder on hand as an emergency backup, such as in the event of a power outage during surgery. With proper sizing and backup planning, most clinics rely on the HVO system as their primary oxygen supply.
Do I need a blast room or special oxygen storage room?
No—with the low pressure HVO System, a dedicated blast room is not required.
Traditional compressed or liquid oxygen systems often require blast rooms due to high storage pressure (2200 psi or more). HVO Systems store oxygen at lower pressure (up to 160 psi), which typically places them outside those requirements. Building codes and enforcement vary by jurisdiction, and final determinations are made by your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). HVO Systems have been installed in veterinary clinics without blast rooms, and an HVO customer advocate can provide system details to support conversations with fire marshals or inspectors.
What are the power requirements?
Power requirements vary based on system configuration and compressor model. A power surge protector is recommended for the Main unit. Electrical requirements should be reviewed with your electrician during installation planning. (See our Technical Data page to view each HVO System’s specifications.)
System power options
120VAC systems
- 15-amp dedicated circuits for the Main and Drone
- Plug type NEMA 5-15P (Standard U.S. 3-prong plugs)
- Each relay box also requires a dedicated circuit
240VAC systems
- 3-amp dedicated circuits for Main and Drone
- Plug type NEMA L6-15P
- Each relay box also requires a dedicated circuit
Relay box requirements
- 3-outlet relay box: dedicated 20 amp circuit, 120VAC, NEMA 5-20P
- 5-outlet relay box: dedicated 30 amp circuit, 120VAC, NEMA L5-30P
Stop Managing Oxygen Cylinders
On-site oxygen generation can reduce delivery costs, eliminate emergency refills, and simplify daily operations. See how a High Volume Oxygen system can support anesthesia, recovery, and treatment areas in your clinic.
