(2) Oxygen cylinder truck, if applicable. A transport designed for gas
cylinders must be used when moving a large ("M") oxygen cylinder.
(3) Cylinder regulator. The cylinder regulator (figure 3-4) is used to control
the flow of oxygen from the cylinder. The oxygen in the cylinder is under great
pressure. By controlling the rate at which oxygen leaves the cylinder, the oxygen
pressure is lowered to a pressure that is safe for the patient. The regulator ensures a
steady, even flow of oxygen and provides a means for adjusting the rate of flow. The
cylinder regulator has two gauges.
(a) The cylinder contents gauge shows the amount of oxygen in the
cylinder and is calibrated in pounds of pressure per square inch (p.s.i.). When the tank
is almost depleted (a pressure of 500 p.s.i. is considered to be "on empty"), the needle
points to a red warning that the tank needs to be replaced.
(b) The second gauge, called a flow meter (or flow indicator gauge)
shows the amount of oxygen being delivered and is calibrated in liters per minute.
There are two main types of flow meters. One is the Bourdon gauge (round type)
shown in figure 3-4. The other is the pressure compensated flow meter that works on
gravity and must be kept upright. A pressure compensated flow meter is shown in
figure 3-10.
Figure 3-4. Cylinder regulator.
MD0542
3-6