The classification of interfaces and adaptation systems for different medical oxygen pressure reducers is directly related to the compatibility of the equipment with different gas sources or oxygen supply systems, and is a key element in ensuring safe and effective oxygen supply.
1、 Classified by interface type (connected to the gas source end)
1. Oxygen cylinder interface pressure reducer
International standards (commonly found in imported/high-end equipment):
G5/8 thread (ISO 12209): European and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, commonly found in European and American gas cylinders.
DIN 477/NO.6 thread: German standard, used in some European countries.
CGA 870: American Compressed Gas Association standard, used for oxygen cylinders in the US market.
BS 341: British Standard.
International Standard System:
DISSS (DISS connector): American standard, used for wall oxygen terminals, with anti misconnection design.
NIST (non interchangeable thread): American oxygen terminal interface.
Schrader (quick connector): Used in some European countries.
Characteristics: Pressure reducers are usually integrated into terminal devices such as flow meters and humidification bottles, or installed as independent units at pipeline terminals.
3. Portable/Emergency System Interface
Small oxygen cylinder interface:
Small thread (such as M16 × 1.5): used for portable emergency oxygen cylinders (such as 1-2 liters capacity).
Press type quick connector: commonly used in household emergency oxygen cylinders (with a “one press connection” design).
Liquid oxygen (liquid oxygen) tank interface: a dedicated adapter pressure regulator, usually a customized interface.
2、 Classified by adaptation system (overall oxygen supply environment)
1. Pressure reducer for gas cylinder oxygen supply system
High pressure gas cylinder system: directly connected to a high-pressure oxygen cylinder (usually working pressure of 15MPa), the pressure reducer needs to withstand high-pressure input.
Low pressure gas cylinder system: Connect pre depressurized gas cylinders (such as some household oxygen therapy kits), and the input pressure of the pressure reducer is relatively low.
Multi bottle group switching system: used for hospital central oxygen supply stations, with pressure reducers integrated into automatic switching busbars.
2. Pressure reducer for centralized pipeline oxygen supply system
Regional pressure reducing box/secondary pressure reducer:
Installation location: Pipeline pressure relief box on the hospital floor or ward.
Function: Reduce the high pressure of the main pipeline (such as 0.8-1.0MPa) to the safe pressure of the ward (0.4-0.5MPa).
Terminal devices with built-in pressure reducers:
Installation location: Terminal on the ward wall or inside the bedside equipment belt.
Function: Reduce the ward pressure to a pressure that patients can directly use (0.2-0.4MPa).
3. Pressure reducer for oxygen supply system of liquid oxygen storage tank
First stage vaporization pressure reducer: vaporizes liquid oxygen and initially reduces pressure.
Secondary pressure regulator: further regulating to pipeline delivery pressure, usually integrated in the vaporization station.
4. Oxygen concentrator dedicated pressure reducer
Features: Directly connected to the output end of the medical molecular sieve oxygen generator, with low input pressure (usually<0.1MPa), and the output pressure needs to be matched with oxygen therapy equipment.
5. Adapter/universal adapter pressure reducer
Function: Resolve interface mismatch issues, commonly found in:
International transfer emergency: adapted to different countries’ gas cylinder interfaces (such as G5/8 to CGA 870).
Temporary emergency: Convert industrial interfaces to medical interfaces (safety needs to be carefully evaluated).
Attention: The adapter must be made of oxygen specific material (no oil) and comply with safety regulations.
Summary and Suggestions
Strict matching principle: The pressure regulator interface must be physically compatible with the gas source interface and dedicated to oxygen. Mixing may cause explosions.
System pressure adaptation: In addition to the interface, it is necessary to confirm that the input pressure range of the pressure reducer conforms to the gas source system (such as high-pressure bottle vs low-pressure pipeline). Choosing the appropriate interface and system type is the foundation for ensuring safe and efficient oxygen delivery, and any misuse of the interface may cause serious accidents. In practical applications, it is recommended to follow the equipment manual and consult the hospital equipment department or professional suppliers.