anaesthetic equipment

Question 1

Describe the components of a medical cylinder

Answer 1

There are 5 key components
1. They are usually made from molybdenum steel which can sustain high temperatures and high pressures. Lightweight cylinders are made from aluminium alloy and fiberglass.
2. Top has a tapered screwed end into which a valve can be fitted. The thread is sealed with a material that will melt if exposed to intense heat.
3. There is a plastic disc round the neck that displays the last date it was examined and tested.
4. Manufactured in sizes A to J. Anaesthetic machines usually have size E and size J are used in manifolds.
5. There is a pin index associated with each gas type

Question 2

What are the three common cylinder sizes and what are their capacities for O2, N2O and medical air?

Answer 2

• E (mainly anaesthetic machines) : O2 680L // N2O 1800 L // med air 640 L
• J (manifolds): O2 6,800 L // N2O 18,000 L // Med air 6400 L
• CD 460 L (23,000 kPa)

Question 3

Define a vapour

Answer 3

A substance in its gaseous state below its critical temperature.

Question 4

Define critical temperature

Answer 4

The temperature above which a substance will remain in its gaseous phase no matter how much pressure is applied.