The oxygen cylinder and flow rotameter

By Alex Yartsev - 13/07/2015
Last updated 27/08/2015 - 04:14
 Topic: Equipment and Procedures

This appeared in Question 18.1 from the first paper of 2008.

Safety features of the gas cylinder:

  • Safety outlet is fitted between the block and the cylinder neck which melts at low temperatures - allowing the escape of gas in case of a fire
  • Pin index safety system
  • Colour coded cylinders
  • Nozzle colour
  • Diameter index safety system
  • Labelled yoke
  • Knob texture
  • Matching wall connectors

The cylinders, according to a reputable source, can withstand a pressure of 24,000 kPa, but normally rest at around 12,000-17,000 (that is the "green zone" on the gauge). The standard (mandatory) wall gas pressure is 415 kPa (about 4 atmospheres). For the gas which powers surgical tools, the pressure is 1400 kPa.

 

References

This excellent lecture from the University of Sydney has a vast amount of obscure information (did you know oxygen tanks are aged at 175°C for 8 hours, and that their walls are only 3mm thick?)

Medical Gas Standard AS 2896-2011 is available online, but you have to pay over $200 to purchase it.

Dorsch and Dorsch have a chapter dedicated to medical gas supply and suction equipment, which can be accessed by Google Books.

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