Types of Cylinders in Hospitals: A Comprehensive Guide

Atmospheric gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, helium, and nitrous oxide, play a vital role in medical processes, providing life-saving facilities to individuals in need. When it comes to storing these life-saving gases, they require robust and high-pressure withstand capacity containers. That’s where medical gas cylinders come into play, providing a robust, tough, and secure storage unit for these medically essential gases. 

In this detailed blog post, we will explore why medical gases are essential for hospitals, types of cylinders in hospitals, specifications, and much more. Keep reading and exploring!

A] Why Medical Gas Cylinders Are Vital in Hospitals

Medical gas cylinders are medical gas storage units used to support various medical procedures. They are the safest and robust medium for dispensing medical gas. The reliability, functionality, and ability to withstand high-pressure gas make them a highly popular option for storing medical gas. These robust medical gas storage units are widely used in supporting respiratory function, assisting in surgical procedures, facilitating emergency care, and supporting critical care. There are four types of medical gas cylinders used in various medical procedures, and those are Oxygen, Helium, Nitrogen, and Nitrous Oxide cylinders.

B] Oxygen Cylinder for Hospitals – The Lifesaving Essential

1. Primary Role

The primary role of oxygen cylinders in hospitals is to provide a life support system for patients suffering from various respiratory diseases. They are also used in emergency conditions to maintain oxygen levels for those with hypoxia (low blood oxygen levels). These medical and oxygen gas cylinders are primarily installed in ventilator systems, supplying oxygen through oxygen masks or nasal cannulas.

2. Types Based on Usage

Mainly, there are two types of oxygen cylinders used in hospitals. The first one is portable oxygen cylinders that are mostly used for ambulances due to their portable design and easy-to-carry feature. The second is large stationary oxygen cylinders that are primarily used for ICUs and operating theatres (OTs). When selecting either of these oxygen cylinder types, assessing the need and where to use them is vitally important to ensure flexibility and suitability in the intended environment.

3. Sizes, Material & Pressure Capacity

From 1.5 litres to 220 litres, medical oxygen cylinders are available in a variety of sizes and can withstand pressure from 150 to 200 bar. These oxygen cylinders are made from extremely robust manganese steel tubes and chromium molybdenum steel materials. These materials make a cylinder able to withstand high pressure and maintain safety even in diverse operating conditions.

4. Safety Guidelines for Usage And Storage

Medical oxygen cylinders should be stored in a clean, weatherproof, and well-ventilated area. The storage area must have clear warning signs that indicate the presence of compressed gases. The floor of the storage area should be made from concrete or other non-combustible materials to mitigate any unforeseen event from happening. 

C] Helium Cylinders – Used in Respiratory and Imaging Procedures

A container strategically designed to store, dispense, and transport helium gas is known as a helium cylinder. It is widely used in hospitals to treat respiratory problems and as a coolant for MRI machines. These cylinders contain high-pressure helium gas and provide a suitable and safe storage environment for medical use. Helium gas cylinders are coloured brown and can withstand pressure up to 300 Bar. They must be labelled with the gas name ’Helium’, hazardous warnings, and safety precautions. 

D] Nitrogen Cylinders – For Cryogenic Applications and Preservation

Nitrogen cylinders are typically used in cryosurgery and cryopreservation of biological samples. They are also used in dermatology, particularly for wart removal. In addition, nitrogen cylinders are at the forefront when it comes to cold storage of blood, tissues, and vaccines. They are coloured black with a white strip mentioning the contents and related handling and safety protocols. When it comes to pressure withstanding capacity, it can vary from 150 to 200 Bar, providing a flexible and safe container for storing and transporting nitrogen gas. 

E] Nitrous Oxide Cylinders – For Pain Management and Anaesthesia

Nitrous oxide cylinders are used for sedation and anaesthesia in dental and surgical procedures. It is also known as laughing gas, often mixed with oxygen, and utilized for pain relief during childbirth, after trauma, and in end-of-life care. Nitrous oxide cylinders are coloured blue in many regions and labelled as nitrous oxide. 

F] Cylinder Safety, Storage & Handling Guidelines in Hospitals

Medical gas cylinders’ safety, storage, and handling guidelines are essential in hospitals, as these are the pathways for mitigating accidents, injuries, and arson. All medical gas cylinders should be placed in an upright position with clear and proper signage. Also, they must be stored in a cool, dry, and ventilated area and away from heat sources. In addition, there should be separate and designated places for empty and full cylinders to prevent potential hazards through clear segregation. Every cylinder must go through regular inspection for any potential cracks, leaks, or other defects under the supervision of trained personnel.

Conclusion

Medical gas cylinders play a crucial role in supporting medical procedures and providing life-saving assistance for critical medical conditions and surgeries. As discussed, always select medical gas cylinders that have robust safety measures, passed national and international quality tests, and have earned the trust of millions of users.

In such a case, Rama Cylinder is the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of NGV cylinders and medical gas cylinders. We have designed our cylinders to be highly durable, tough, robust, and cost-effective. If you are looking for the best medical cylinders with world-class safety standards, contact us today!