Historically, regulating pressure and flow meant connecting a pressure regulator to the gas source and connecting a flow meter to the pressure regulator. This option increases complexity for ordering, inventory, training, cleaning and increased risk of leaks due to multiplicity of connections.
For facilities that want to streamline all these activities, especially in situations where a device may be used for different applications throughout its life, a combination regulator with flow selector device is the best choice.
The device such as that shown in the image illustrates the broad utilization of a single-stage regulator fitted with a flow selector. First, notice it has two outlet connections. The pressure outlet quick connector beneath the cylinder contents gauge supplies oxygen at a fixed 50 psi to medical devices such as a ventilator, CPAP or incubator.
The hose nipple outlet by the flow rate selector knob delivers oxygen flow to the patient devices such as a canula. The nipple can rotate 360 degrees to better position the tube in relation to the patient, and the outlet can be changed to allow for easy connection to a humidification device such as a nebulizer, as oxygen can dry the respiratory system.
The selector knob connects to a disc inside the regulator with 11 very small holes (e.g., 0.02 mm) around its perimeter. The size of the hole corresponds to a specific flow rate.
Depending on the model, flow ranges can be 0-2, 0-3, 0-6 or 0-25 l/m. Flow setting options vary by model. For example, the highest flow rate model has settings for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 15 or 25 l/m (the flow setting of 15 l/m allows for nebulization and 25 l/m rate allows for use with resuscitation).
For fine control, such as for neonatal care, a low flow rate model has settings for 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 l/m). This device uses a self-centering click system, avoiding settings in between two positions, and it provides a continuous flow between settings. In the unlikely event of indent mechanism failure, the patient will still be supplied with oxygen.
