off valve to isolate the gas from the cylinder from the other valve functions. It must be turned
on during cylinder filling and patient therapy.
E – Residual Pressure Valve
GCE combination valve contains a residual pressure valve whose function is to retain a
minimum positive pressure in the gas cylinder to avoid contamination of the cylinder content
by atmospheric air.
F, G – Flow control head "F" and Flow outlet "G" (option)
GCE combination valves can be delivered with a flow control head "F". This function is used
to supply gas flow rates (l/min) at atmospheric pressure directly to a patient through the flow
outlet "G", for instance through a cannula or a facemask.
The flow outlet "G" is fitted with hose fitting (hose nipple) or a threaded type (for humidifier for
EN
instance) or with combination of both types.
H – Pressure outlet or quick-coupler (option)
The combination valve may be fitted with a pressure outlet. The pressure outlet is the outlet
direct from the low-pressure part of the valve and it is fitted with a gas specific medical quick
connector also called "quick coupler" (See appendix Nr 2). The user can connect another
piece of equipment to this outlet with a gas specific male probe. The quick connector self seals
when the male probe is disconnected. This outlet is for supplying gas at a controlled pressure
to power medical devices, for instance medical ventilator.
Excess flow device (option)
Excess flow safety valve can be provided and is located in the valve inlet stem. This provides
extra safety in case of the valve breaking above the valve inlet stem (for instance at cylinder
falling). It has no effect on valve function during normal service
Note: Product colour (especially guard, flow control knob and shut-off valve) might not
follow any gas colour coding.
OPERATIONS PERFORMED BY THE PROVIDER,
6a
DISTRIBUTOR – FILLING STATION
6a.1 GUARDING
Valve guarding should be provided where practicable. For cylinders of 5 litres and above
a guard must be provided. It shall meet the drop test requirement according to ISO11117
carried out by the gas cylinder provider. It should be designed to enable an easy access to all
controllers of combination valves.
Installer must ensure that the total medical gas package weight filled with its medical
gas does not exceed the maximum weight specified for respective guard (the weight of
drop test tested sample). The maximum weight specified for the guard may vary if the
guard is fitted or not with a bed hanger.
Installer shall ensure that the guard does not prevent correct valve function, specifically
the relief valve or hinder the easy reading of labels.
6a.2 FITTING TO THE GAS CYLINDER
Visual Inspection before fitting to the gas cylinder
•
Check if there is visible damage on combination valve and gas cylinder (especially inlet stem
thread of the valve and thread of gas cylinder). If it shows signs of external damage, remove
the valve or gas cylinder from service and suitably identify its status.
•
Visually check if combination valve or gas cylinder is contaminated; if needed, apply the
cleaning procedure hereunder (for gas cylinder, refer to the cylinder manufacturer cleaning
procedure).
•
Check if the service due or the total life time of GCE product and the gas cylinder has not
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