PIPED MEDICAL GAS SUPPLY

Typical Number in Hospital: 1

Cost Bands: 8

References: 2

In larger hospitals the medical gases (and vacuum) may be supplied from a central point by pipeline. The pipeline may be supplied by banks of cylinders (usually two so that replenishing may occur without disconnection) or, in the case of oxygen, from a liquid oxygen supply. Piped supplies may consist of oxygen, nitrous oxide, Entonox, compressed air (and vacuum). The pipelines are terminated by self-closing non-interchangeable outlets in the departments where they may be used. In wards only oxygen and vacuum are normally supplied, and perhaps Entonox.

Apart from the economy of scale in providing piped supplies (the larger the gas container the lower is the unit cost) there is increased cleanliness from not having to move cylinders in and out of clean areas. Handling costs within the hospital are also reduced and there is expected to be increased reliability of supply. Shut-off valves and failure alarms are normally fitted outside the department where the supplies are used.