Medical Gas Supply Systems
Medical Gas Supply Systems - answer There are several different medical gas systems
utilized in the various healthcare settings
•All are regulated by agencies for the safe handling and delivery of medical gases
•Usually compressed and filtered atmospheric air (compressed to 50 psi)
•Large healthcare facilities usually use several compressors filters and dehumidifiers
connected to a reservoir
Most large facilities rely on the use of liquid oxygen systems: - answer•Liquid occupies
less space than gas
•Liquid oxygen expands 860x into its gas form
•Cheaper in the long run
•Regulated by an agency called the NFPA
Bulk Systems: - answer•Defined by the NFPA as any system with > 20, 000 cubic ft. of
gas
•Usually liquid O2 systems
•Involves an insulated reservoir, vaporizer and tubing (warms liquid O2 to room
temperature), pressure reducing valve, and a pressure relief valve
Portable Systems: - answer•Portable liquid systems are usually filled by docking them
on a larger liquid oxygen reservoir
•Will continuously leak or vent as liquid O2 turns to gas even if not in use
•Must keep upright
•Duration of oxygen calculated by weight, usually has built in scale but it's somewhat
imprecise
Central Supply Systems - answerMost large hospitals have two supply systems
•Primary source usually a liquid system
•Reserve is only used in case of emergency (must contain one day's supply of O2)
Smaller hospitals use what's alternating supply system
•Consists of primary and secondary sources that alternate function
Medical Gas Supply Systems - answer There are several different medical gas systems
utilized in the various healthcare settings
•All are regulated by agencies for the safe handling and delivery of medical gases
•Usually compressed and filtered atmospheric air (compressed to 50 psi)
•Large healthcare facilities usually use several compressors filters and dehumidifiers
connected to a reservoir
Most large facilities rely on the use of liquid oxygen systems: - answer•Liquid occupies
less space than gas
•Liquid oxygen expands 860x into its gas form
•Cheaper in the long run
•Regulated by an agency called the NFPA
Bulk Systems: - answer•Defined by the NFPA as any system with > 20, 000 cubic ft. of
gas
•Usually liquid O2 systems
•Involves an insulated reservoir, vaporizer and tubing (warms liquid O2 to room
temperature), pressure reducing valve, and a pressure relief valve
Portable Systems: - answer•Portable liquid systems are usually filled by docking them
on a larger liquid oxygen reservoir
•Will continuously leak or vent as liquid O2 turns to gas even if not in use
•Must keep upright
•Duration of oxygen calculated by weight, usually has built in scale but it's somewhat
imprecise
Central Supply Systems - answerMost large hospitals have two supply systems
•Primary source usually a liquid system
•Reserve is only used in case of emergency (must contain one day's supply of O2)
Smaller hospitals use what's alternating supply system
•Consists of primary and secondary sources that alternate function
