How the OB-30 and NB-45 Help FBOs and MROs Access All PSI Out of Gas Bottles
A gas booster, also known as a gas pump, only delivers usable gas until the pressure inside the bottle equalises with the system being filled. For aviation oxygen and nitrogen servicing, this means a large amount of gas (sometimes up to 1,000 psi) remains trapped in the bottle, even though the cylinder looks “empty.” Booster pumps recover this otherwise wasted gas by raising outlet pressure above the donor bottle’s pressure.
Aviation Spares & Repairs supplies two specialist units:
- OB-30 Oxygen Booster Pump – for aircraft oxygen system servicing
- NB-45 Nitrogen Booster Pump – for strut, tyre and accumulator servicing
Both are air-driven, safe, and designed to operate in demanding FBO and MRO environments.
Why Oxygen Boosters Are Needed in Aviation Servicing
When servicing is done directly from a donor bottle, the transfer stops the moment the bottle pressure matches the aircraft system pressure. If the aircraft system needs around 1,800–2,200 psi, and the donor bottle has fallen to this level, refilling slows to a stop even though far more gas is still inside.
Boosters solve this by increasing outlet pressure, letting technicians draw the donor bottle down to far lower pressures than would otherwise be possible. This improves efficiency, reduces gas waste, and keeps servicing consistent even when bottle stocks are running low.
The NB-45 Nitrogen Booster Pump
The NB-45 is designed for high-pressure nitrogen work such as landing gear struts, tyres and hydraulic accumulator charge systems. It is driven by shop air or nitrogen and can output pressures up to 4,500 psi.
Key characteristics:
- 45:1 pressure ratio
- Capable of pumping nitrogen bottles down to 200 psi
- Designed for mounting on a wall, bench, or bottle cart
- Supplied with a mounting fitting kit for inlet filters and outlet connections
This flexibility is particularly valuable on busy ramps, where servicing often needs to be done at the aircraft rather than in a workshop.
The OB-30 Oxygen Booster Pump
The OB-30 is built specifically for aircraft oxygen servicing. It boosts oxygen pressure efficiently while maintaining strict oxygen-clean standards.
Key characteristics:
- 30:1 pressure ratio
- Pumps oxygen bottles down to 250 psi
- Typical outlet pressure around 2,200 psi
- Automatically stops if outlet pressure rises above approximately 2,400 psi
- Oxygen-wetted parts primarily brass and cleaned to ARP 1176 standards
- Can be mounted to a wall, bench or oxygen cart
The OB-30 is suitable for corporate, commercial and defence operations where oxygen servicing must be handled with care.
How Oxygen Boosters Recover “Unused” Gas
Both boosters increase outlet pressure so the aircraft or service system receives the required fill even when the donor bottle is nearly depleted. Without a booster, a bottle may become unusable when still holding 900–1,000 psi. With a booster:
- The NB-45 continues delivering nitrogen until the bottle pressure falls to around 200 psi.
- The OB-30 continues delivering oxygen until the bottle pressure falls to around 250 psi.
This means each bottle yields significantly more usable gas, improving both cost efficiency and operational flexibility.
Operational Benefits for FBOs and MROs
For ground service teams, the main advantages are straightforward:
- Lower gas costs because bottles are emptied more completely
- More predictable servicing, even during high-demand periods
- Better turnaround times, especially when oxygen or nitrogen cylinders are running low
- Mobility, as both boosters can be installed on portable bottle carts
The ability to use nearly the entire contents of each bottle also reduces the number of cylinders that need to be stored, transported or exchanged.
Safety and Best Practice
Working with high-pressure gases always requires attention to detail. The OB-30 and NB-45 are designed to support safe operation, but correct handling is still essential.
For oxygen servicing, the key risks involve contamination. Oxygen equipment must remain free from oil, grease and hydrocarbons, and components should always be oxygen-cleaned. The OB-30 includes dual filtration and uses brass oxygen-wetted parts to reduce ignition risk.
For nitrogen servicing, the main considerations relate to pressure. Hoses, fittings and regulators must be rated for pressures up to 4,500 psi when used with the NB-45.
A simple routine – checking for leaks, verifying pressures, and confirming secure mounting – keeps both systems reliable.
Where These Boosters Fit Into Ground Operations
- NB-45: Landing gear strut inflation, tyre inflation, accumulator pre-charge
- OB-30: Aircraft oxygen system recharging, portable oxygen cart servicing
Both models integrate cleanly into existing support equipment and can be adapted for fixed installations or mobile ramp operations.
NB-45 vs. OB-30: Quick Comparison
| Feature | NB-45 Nitrogen Booster | OB-30 Oxygen Booster |
| Gas type | Nitrogen | Oxygen |
| Pressure ratio | 45:1 | 30:1 |
| Minimum donor pressure | ~200 psi | ~250 psi |
| Typical output | Up to 4,500 psi | ~2,200 psig |
| Mounting | Wall, bench, cart | Wall, bench, cart |
| Applications | Struts, tyres, accumulators | Aircraft oxygen systems |
FAQs
Why can’t you use all the gas in a bottle without a pump?
Because flow stops when the bottle and the system being filled reach the same pressure.
Do the boosters require electrical power?
No. Both the OB-30 and NB-45 models are fully air-driven using shop air or nitrogen.
Can aviation gas pumps be used on mobile servicing carts?
Yes. Both the OB-30 and NB-45 are designed for bench, wall or cart installation.
How do oxygen pumps reduce operating costs?
By allowing bottles to be pumped much lower before being returned or replaced, resulting in fewer bottle changes and less wasted gas.