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Questions and Answers
The pressure gauge measures the volume of gas in the cylinder or pipeline.
False
The pressure gauge for oxygen is mounted on the back panel of the anesthetic machine.
False
The tube in the pressure gauge is sealed at its outer end and connected to a needle pointer.
False
Oxygen is stored as a liquid in a cylinder.
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A pressure gauge designed for pipelines can be used to measure cylinder pressure.
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If the coiled tube ruptures, the gas vents from the front of the pressure gauge casing.
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The pressure regulator reduces the variable cylinder pressure to a constant safer operating pressure of about 300 kPa.
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The inlet of the pressure regulator has a filter to prevent gas leaks.
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The diaphragm in the pressure regulator is attached to a piston.
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The pressure regulator protects the components of the anesthetic machine against temperature surges.
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The use of pressure regulators allows high-pressure piping and connectors to be used in the machine.
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The pressure regulator is positioned between the rest of the anesthetic machine and the patient.
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Study Notes
Pressure Gauge and Regulator Overview
- The pressure gauge is made of heavy glass, enhancing safety against potential breakage.
- A pressure regulator, also known as a reducing valve, lowers the cylinder's variable pressure to a safer, consistent operating pressure of approximately 400 kPa, close to pipeline pressure.
Functionality of Pressure Regulators
- High-pressure gases and vapors are stored in cylinders and require regulation to maintain a steady flow as temperature and pressure decrease with usage.
- Regulators prevent pressure surges, protecting anesthetic machine components and enabling the use of low-pressure piping, reducing severity of gas leaks.
- Positioning is critical; regulators are located between the cylinders and the anesthetic machine.
Components of a Pressure Regulator
- Inlet with a filter directs high-pressure gas to a valve in a high-pressure chamber.
- This valve releases gas to a low-pressure chamber and outlet.
- A diaphragm linked to a spring is located in the low-pressure chamber.
Mechanism of Pressure Regulation
- Gas enters the high-pressure chamber, flows to the low-pressure area through the valve.
- High-pressure gas exerts force to close the valve, while the diaphragm-spring setup applies opposing force to maintain balance, ensuring constant gas flow at 400 kPa.
Pressure Gauge Mechanism and Features
- A pressure gauge measures the pressure in cylinders or pipelines, with oxygen, nitrous oxide, and medical air gauges typically mounted on the anesthetic machine.
- Some modern machines feature digital displays for gas supply pressures.
- A robust, flexible, coiled tube of oval cross-section can endure sudden high pressure when the cylinder activates.
Operation of the Pressure Gauge
- The internal tube is sealed at one end, connected to a needle pointer that moves over a dial; the opposite end is exposed to gas supply.
- High-pressure gas expands the coiled tube (Bourdon gauge), causing the needle to indicate pressure on a calibrated dial.
Pressure Gauge Safety and Calibration
- Each gauge is color-coded and calibrated for specific gases, ensuring accurate readings—oxygen is stored as gas (following Boyle’s law), while nitrous oxide exists as a liquid and vapor.
- Misuse of gauges, such as using pipeline gauges for cylinder pressures, leads to inaccuracies and potential damage.
- In case of tube rupture, gas vents from the back of the pressure gauge casing, ensuring safety.
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Description
Learn about the components of an anesthesia machine, specifically the pressure gauge that measures the pressure in the cylinder or pipeline. Understand its importance and how it's displayed in modern anesthetic machine designs.
