How long does an Oxygen cylinder last?

Video 205 of 212

2 min 47 sec

English

English

Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course or enter your email below to watch one free video.

Unlock This Video Now for FREE

This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.

Watch Using YouTube Player Transcript

Calculating Oxygen Cylinder Duration

Planning Oxygen Usage

Determining How Long Your Oxygen Cylinder Will Last

Using the Cylinder Duration Formula

Estimating Oxygen Supply Time

Step 1: Cylinder Pressure

Locate the cylinder pressure (psi).
Subtract a residual pressure of 200 psi to account for errors.

Step 2: Cylinder Constant

Refer to the cylinder constant values:
"D" cylinder: Constant = 0.16
"E" size: Constant = 0.28
"M" size: Constant = 1.56
"G" size: Constant = 2.41
"H" and "K" size: Constant = 3.14
Choose the constant based on your cylinder size.

Step 3: Flow Rate

Determine the flow rate in litres per minute.
Typically, regulators provide a maximum of 15 litres per minute.
Specialist applications may have higher flow rates (e.g., scuba diving, 25 litres per minute).
Adjust the flow rate as needed (e.g., 6 litres per minute for a nasal cannula).

Step 4: Calculate Duration

Use the formula: (Tank pressure - Residual pressure) x Cylinder constant / Flow rate
Calculate the time in minutes that the cylinder will last.

Example Calculation

Estimating Duration for a "D" Cylinder at 15 Litres Per Minute

Step 1: (2000 psi - 200 psi) = 1800 psi
Step 2: Cylinder Constant for "D" size = 0.16
Step 3: Flow rate = 15 litres per minute
Step 4: (1800 psi x 0.16) / 15 litres per minute = 19.2 minutes
Estimated Duration: Approximately 19 minutes (rounded down)

Use this formula to calculate the duration of your oxygen cylinder based on your specific parameters.

Recommended Products For You

Celox Foxseal Vented Chest Seal £14.40 + VAT

Adult 1500ml BVM - Size 5 Mask £8.99 + VAT

CODE RED Emergency Tourniquet £20.95 + VAT

First Responder Care Essentials book £29.99

WoundClot™ Trauma haemostatic gauze 10 cm x 10 cm £11.95 + VAT

Celox RAPID 5 ft Z Fold Gauze £39.00 + VAT

Finger Tip LED Pulse Oximeter (JPD 500E) £49.95 + VAT