| What does it do? |
Flowmeter measures and controls the flow of medical gases such as oxygen, air and nitrous oxide. |
| Physiology |
Medical gases such as oxygen, breathing air and nitrous oxide
are used in anaesthetic machines, ventilators, or directly to
the patient by means of a breathing mask. Oxygen is used for
patients with breathing problems to increase the level of oxygen
into their blood. A mixture of nitrous oxide with oxygen (entonox)
is used for pain relief or relaxing muscles. Medical air and
oxygen are used on ventilators. Oxygen, nitrous oxide and medical
air are used on anaesthetic machines. Flow meters are used in
all of these applications |
| How it works |
Flow meter valves |
| Units of measurement |
Flow : l/min |
| Typical values |
0-15 l/min |
| Picture of equipment |
|
 |
Flowmeters
consist of a tapered glass tube containing a ball which floats
on the stream of moving gas. As the gas flow rate increases,
the ball is carried further up the tube, indicating the flow
rate. Flowmeters are specifically constructed for each gas,
since the flow rate depends on both the viscosity and density
of the gas. Only the correct tube and ball can be used to
repair flowmeters Some Flow Meters have a dial type gauge
to measure flow. Again only the correct gauge can be used
to repair the flowmeter. 
Oxygen (White) and Air (Black & White) Flowmeters, Additional “Safety AIR Guard” has been fitted to the Air flowmeter