flowmeter
The oxygen in our air is a vital element for breathing and metabolism. Some people need additional oxygen to improve their health and quality of life. There are special devices for this called medical oxygen flow meters. They are often used in hospitals and ambulances where there is a central gas supply (CGS). Their function is to reduce the pressure and regulate the gas flow.
Flowmeter – what is it?
A medical oxygen flowmeter is a device that can read and adjust the flow of oxygen from a central supply line. It is used to provide O2 therapy to patients who require a specific amount of oxygen per minute. The oxygen is delivered to the patient via a tube and a mask or nasal cannula.
What types are there?
There are different types of flowmeters for medical O2, which differ in their design, measuring principle and area of application. Some examples are:
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Variable area flow meters have a transparent tube containing a float that moves up or down depending on the flow rate. The float can be a sphere, cylinder, or other shape. The tube is fitted with a scale that shows the flow in liters per minute (l/min). These flow meters are easy to read and use, but they can become inaccurate if the tube becomes dirty or damaged.
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Orifice plate flowmeters have an orifice plate that controls the flow of O2 through a series of calibrated orifices. The orifices are labeled with different flow rates that can be selected by turning a handwheel. These devices are robust and resistant to contamination, but they have a limited number of adjustment levels.
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Digital flowmeters have an electronic sensor that measures the flow of oxygen and displays it on a digital display. The flow rate can be adjusted using buttons or a rotary knob. These devices are very accurate and can also display other parameters such as pressure, temperature or oxygen saturation. However, they require a power supply and are more expensive than other flowmeters.
Factors for selecting the right product
The choice of a suitable flowmeter depends on various factors that must be carefully considered in order to be able to ideally read and adjust the oxygen flow:
- Available pressure: The device chosen must be designed for the pressure range provided by the oxygen source. Pressure may vary depending on the oxygen system, such as central supplies in hospitals or portable oxygen concentrators for home use.
- Required flow range: Different medical applications require different flow rates. When treating COPD or other chronic respiratory diseases, low flow rates may be sufficient, while higher flow rates are needed in emergency situations or for intensive care.
- Patient type: The needs of adults, children and neonates vary considerably. Neonates and pediatric patients often require more precise and sensitive flowmeters that are able to accurately measure very low flow rates.
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Place of use: The place of use also influences the choice of device. Hospitals require robust and durable devices that can withstand intensive use and regular cleaning and disinfection. For home use, however, flow meters should be user-friendly and portable.
By the way: Our range also includes pressure reducers that come with an integrated flow meter!
If you have any questions about choosing the right product or other concerns, you can contact our competent service team by phone or email at service@bluaqua.com .
