You may have seen those big metal canisters with valves and tubes attached to them before. They’re oxygen cylinders, and they’re an important piece of medical equipment. What are the different parts that make up an oxygen cylinder and allow it to store and supply oxygen safely and effectively? In this article, we’ll give you a quick rundown of the main parts of an oxygen cylinder and explain the function of each one.
We’ll explore the inner workings and purpose of each part that makes up the oxygen cylinders we depend on in medical emergencies and treatments. Knowing the function of each piece provides insight into how oxygen cylinders operate to store and supply one of the most vital gases for life.
What is an Oxygen Cylinder?
An oxygen cylinder is a metal container filled with compressed oxygen gas. It has a narrow opening with a valve to control the flow of oxygen. When the valve is opened, oxygen flows out through a regulator and gauge that drops the high pressure down to a safe level.
The cylinder itself is made of steel or aluminum and can hold oxygen as a gas or liquid. The larger the cylinder, the more oxygen it contains. Hospitals use large cylinders that can provide oxygen for days, while portable units are smaller and used for at-home patient care.
Oxygen cylinders allow you to have an oxygen supply wherever and whenever it’s needed. The portability and convenience of smaller cylinders mean oxygen can be administered quickly during emergencies or while transporting patients. Essentially, oxygen cylinders are vital for providing life-saving oxygen to those with respiratory conditions or illnesses.
How Does an Oxygen Cylinder Work?
An oxygen cylinder contains pressurized oxygen gas. As the valve on the cylinder opens, the high-pressure oxygen inside travels through a regulator, which adjusts the pressure to a safe level for medical use. The oxygen then flows through a mask or nasal cannula to deliver the oxygen to your lungs.
With the right pressure and flow rate set on the regulator, oxygen cylinders provide a reliable source of supplemental oxygen when and where you need it. Staying mobile and active is easy when you understand the basics of how your oxygen system works.
How to Use an Oxygen Cylinder
The oxygen cylinder contains pressurized oxygen, which needs to be regulated for use. To use the cylinder, first check that the cylinder is upright and chained to a wall to prevent falls. Next, open the valve on the top of the cylinder slowly. Attach the flow meter to the regulator on the top of the cylinder, then the tubing to the flow meter. Place the nasal cannula or mask over your face and turn on the flow meter, adjusting it to the prescribed liter flow. Make sure the cylinder has enough oxygen by checking the pressure gauge. If it’s low, replace the cylinder. Always close the cylinder valve when not in use and store cylinders upright in a secure area away from heat sources.
Parts of Oxygen Cylinder & Functions
The oxygen cylinder has several components that allow it to properly store and dispense oxygen. The main function of an oxygen cylinder is to store and provide oxygen gas for medical use. Each part works together to properly contain, regulate, and deliver oxygen to patients who need respiratory support or assistance. Proper handling and care of oxygen cylinders are important for safety.
Oxygen Tank (Cylinder)
The cylinder itself is a metal tank that holds compressed oxygen gas. Attached to the top is a regulator that controls the flow of oxygen from the tank. The regulator typically has a pressure gauge that shows how much oxygen remains, a flowmeter to measure the oxygen flow rate, and a valve to open and close the oxygen supply.
An oxygen tank usually also has a carrying handle at the top and a base, or footring, at the bottom to make it easier to transport while ensuring it remains upright. The tank will have an oxygen inlet where it is filled and an oxygen outlet where a hose can be attached to deliver oxygen to the patient.
Some cylinders may also have an oxygen-conserving device that helps maximize the amount of oxygen available for the patient. By understanding the function of each part, you can properly handle, fill, transport, and operate an oxygen cylinder to provide life-giving oxygen when needed.
Oxygen Regulator Knob
The oxygen regulator knob controls the flow rate of oxygen exiting the cylinder. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the flow of oxygen and counterclockwise to decrease it. The numbers on the dial indicate the flow rate in liters per minute. For most patients, a setting between 2 to 5 liters per minute is typical. Lower flow rates are used for patients who require only a small amount of supplemental oxygen. Higher settings, up to 10 liters per minute, are used for those with significant breathing difficulties or low blood oxygen levels.
Oxygen Humidifier Bottle
The oxygen humidifier bottle attaches directly to an oxygen cylinder to provide moisture to the oxygen flow. As oxygen travels from the cylinder to the patient, it can dry out nasal passages and the airway. The humidifier bottle contains distilled water that the oxygen bubbles through, picking up moisture before continuing to the patient. The water level must be checked regularly and refilled when low to ensure proper humidification. The bottle typically has minimum and maximum water level markings to guide proper fill levels.
Oxygen BPC Flowmeter
The flowmeter on your oxygen cylinder regulates the flow of oxygen to your mask or nasal cannula. This crucial component allows you to control and monitor the oxygen flow to suit your needs. The flowmeter typically has an adjustable dial that lets you increase or decrease the flow in liters per minute (LPM). Most home oxygen therapy prescriptions will specify a flow rate range for you to stay within.
As oxygen is released from the cylinder, the pressure gauge will show the amount of oxygen remaining. Be sure not to run the cylinder empty, as this can allow atmospheric air to enter the cylinder. Have backup cylinders on hand and call your equipment provider for replacements and servicing to avoid running out of oxygen. Proper use and monitoring of your oxygen cylinder components are essential for safe and effective oxygen therapy at home.
Oxygen Fine Adjustment Valve
The oxygen fine adjustment valve, also known as the regulator, is one of the most important parts of an oxygen cylinder. This valve reduces the high pressure of the oxygen in the cylinder to a safe level that can be used for medical purposes. The regulator typically has two gauges: an inlet gauge that shows the pressure inside the cylinder and an outlet gauge that displays the pressure of the oxygen flowing out. By turning the adjustment knob or dial on the regulator, you can change the outlet pressure to the level prescribed by your doctor.
The oxygen fine adjustment valve allows you to control and monitor the flow of oxygen from the cylinder to ensure a consistent, therapeutic dose. Without this valve, the full force of the pressurized oxygen in the cylinder would be released, making the oxygen therapy unsafe and potentially dangerous. The regulator brings the pressure down to a medically useful range so you can utilize the oxygen in the cylinder for its intended health purpose.
Cannula Tubing
The cannula tubing is the flexible hose that attaches to the regulator on the oxygen tank. It allows oxygen to flow from the pressurized tank to the patient. The cannula tubing typically comes in 7 or 15-foot lengths, so you have enough to move around comfortably.
At one end of the tube is a connector that attaches directly to the regulator on your oxygen cylinder. The other end has a nasal cannula, mask, or other oxygen delivery device that provides the oxygen to the patient. The tubing is made of a durable, crush-resistant plastic to withstand the high-pressure oxygen flowing through it. It’s important to inspect the tubing regularly for any cracks, holes, or damage and replace it as needed to ensure oxygen is delivered safely and properly to the patient.
T-handle
The T-handle on an oxygen cylinder controls the flow of oxygen out of the tank. By turning the T-handle counterclockwise, you open the valve on the cylinder, allowing oxygen to flow out. Turning it clockwise closes the valve and cuts off the oxygen flow.
Nasal Cannula
The nasal cannula is a lightweight tube with two prongs that are inserted into your nostrils to deliver oxygen. The prongs rest below your nose, delivering oxygen flow to keep you comfortable. The nasal cannula allows you to still speak and eat normally while receiving oxygen. To use, simply insert the prongs into your nostrils and secure the tubing around your ears with the attached loops. Make sure the prongs point into your nose and adjust as needed for maximum comfort. Start with a low-liter flow of 1-2 liters per minute and increase slowly as prescribed by your doctor to achieve your target oxygen saturation level.
Nipple Adaptor
The nipple adaptor is the outlet that attaches to the top of your oxygen cylinder and allows you to connect tubing. Its main purpose is to regulate and control the flow of oxygen from the tank. The adaptor typically has a threaded end that screws onto the cylinder valve and an outlet with barbs where the tubing attaches.
Some nipples also have an integrated pressure gauge so you can keep an eye on how much oxygen is left in your cylinder. The nipple needs to match the type of valve on your specific oxygen cylinder. The most common types are CGA-540, which is standard for smaller portable cylinders, and CGA-870, used for larger stationary systems.
Alignment Peg
The alignment peg is a component on the top of the oxygen cylinder that helps secure the regulator in place. It’s a small, hollow metal peg that sticks up vertically from the cylinder collar. The regulator attaches over the top of the cylinder and has a corresponding hole that the alignment peg slides into. This helps align and stabilize the regulator so oxygen flows properly and safely to the patient. Without the alignment peg, the regulator could attach at an incorrect angle, disrupting oxygen flow.
Tank On/Off Valve
The On/Off valve, located at the top of the oxygen cylinder, controls the flow of oxygen out of the tank. To turn on the oxygen flow, simply turn the valve counterclockwise. This will open the valve and allow oxygen to flow from the high-pressure cylinder to the regulator.
Screw Cap
The screw cap is the part on top of the oxygen cylinder that allows it to be filled and the oxygen to be released. Its main purpose is to seal the cylinder to contain the pressurized oxygen gas. The screw cap is made up of several components:
- Valve: The valve controls the flow of oxygen out of the cylinder. It opens and closes to start and stop the oxygen flow. The valve control has an inlet port to allow oxygen into the valve and an outlet port where oxygen flows out to the patient.
- Pressure gauge: The pressure gauge indicates how much oxygen remains in the cylinder so you know when it needs to be refilled. It measures the pressure of the oxygen inside in pounds per square inch (PSI).
- Flowmeter: The flowmeter controls and indicates the flow rate of the oxygen out of the cylinder in liters per minute (LPM). It allows you to set and adjust the oxygen flow to the desired rate.
- Outlet: The outlet is where the oxygen delivery device, like a nasal cannula, connects to provide oxygen to the patient.
The screw cap and its components are critical to properly containing, monitoring, and delivering oxygen from the cylinder. They allow oxygen to be released at a controlled rate and indicate when the cylinder pressure is low and needs to be refilled.
Other Parts of an Oxygen Cylinder
- Pressure Gauge: The pressure gauge indicates how much oxygen remains in the cylinder. The higher the pressure, the more oxygen is left. It measures the pressure inside the cylinder so you know when it’s time for a refill.
- Outlet: The outlet is where you attach tubing to dispense the oxygen.
- Stand: The stand supports the oxygen cylinder in an upright position.
- Regulator: The regulator reduces the high pressure of the oxygen to a safe level for medical use and controls the flow rate.
- Labels: The labels provide important information like the oxygen concentration, precautions, and cylinder specifications.
- Wrench (optional): A special wrench is used to open and close the valve on the oxygen cylinder. Only used when initially opening a cylinder.
- Cart/Dolly (optional): For large cylinders, a cart with wheels allows for easy transport and mobility. Some have basket shelves for smaller cylinders.
- Manifold (optional): Allows multiple cylinders to be used together. Connects 2 or more cylinders so they act as one larger cylinder.
- Collar: Collar attaches the valve to the top of the oxygen cylinder. Provides stability and a pressure seal.
The various parts of an oxygen cylinder each serve an important purpose in storing, regulating, and dispensing medical oxygen. By understanding each component and its function, you can properly handle and operate oxygen cylinders.
Safety Tips for Using Oxygen Cylinders
Always use oxygen cylinders in an upright position and secure them so they cannot fall over. Oxygen cylinders contain gas under high pressure, so any damage could lead to an explosion.
Never carry oxygen cylinders with the valve open or regulator attached. The valve should always be fully closed when moving or transporting cylinders.
Only use oxygen cylinders in well-ventilated areas away from sparks or flames. Oxygen is highly flammable.
Never use grease, oil, or petroleum products on oxygen equipment. Only use oxygen-compatible lubricants to prevent fire hazards.
Never tamper with or modify the oxygen cylinder or regulator in any way. Only trained professionals should handle repairs or adjustments.
Always double-check that the correct regulator is attached to the oxygen cylinder before use. The regulator controls the flow of oxygen, and using the wrong regulator can be dangerous.
Only allow oxygen cylinders to be handled or operated by properly trained individuals. Oxygen therapy requires training to be used safely and effectively.
Always follow the instructions and recommendations provided by your oxygen equipment supplier. Proper use and safety precautions will minimize risks when using oxygen cylinders.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some frequently asked questions about Oxygen Cylinders and answers:
Do I need a prescription for oxygen?
Technically, no! Oxygen itself is not a prescription medication. However, an oxygen cylinder and delivery system are considered medical devices, so you will need an order from your doctor to get one. Your doctor will determine if you need oxygen based on your medical condition and blood oxygen levels.
Once I have an oxygen prescription, how do I get the equipment?
You will need to set up delivery of an oxygen cylinder, regulator, and any other necessary equipment through a medical supply company. They will work with your insurance to provide the equipment specified in your doctor’s order. The equipment is usually rented, but some costs may be covered by insurance.
Do I have to use oxygen all the time?
It depends on your doctor’s recommendation, which will be based on your condition and oxygen needs. Some people only need oxygen at night, during physical activity or exercise, or in emergency situations. Others may need it continuously. Follow your doctor’s guidance on frequency and duration of use.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the main parts of an oxygen cylinder and what each one does. Now that you know the valve controls the flow of oxygen, the pressure gauge lets you monitor how much is left, and the cylinder itself holds the compressed gas, you can feel more confident using and maintaining these important pieces of medical equipment. Understanding the basic components will help ensure oxygen cylinders function properly so patients can receive the vital treatment they need. Whether you’re a medical professional or simply curious about how these devices work, hopefully, this breakdown gave you a helpful overview of oxygen cylinder anatomy.