Reliability evaluation of a medical oxygen supply system by FTA based on intuitionistic fuzzy sets

The main objective of healthcare centers is to ensure a consistent and high-purity oxygen supply for the safety of patients. Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) is a commonly used technique for supplying medical oxygen by eliminating nitrogen from the ambient air. Due to the increased fire risk associated with oxygen, any malfunctions in the oxygen supply system can lead to serious hospital fires. This study aimed to assess the reliability of the oxygen supply system using Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) based on both the traditional method and Intuitionistic Fuzzy Analysis. FTA is a logical analysis method used to identify events that could result in an undesirable top event and calculate the probability of its occurrence. The FTA of the PSA system outlined the logical sequence of events that could lead to the release of oxygen as a top event. The study revealed that the failure of the pressure switch in the concentrator, inadequate sealing, and the use of inappropriate materials for the seals were the primary basic events that led to the release of oxygen. Additionally, this study utilized the Intuitionistic Fuzzy System to quantify experts' opinions, providing more flexibility in handling ambiguous situations and considering both membership and non-membership functions simultaneously.