Using Probability to Determine Medical Gas Flow, Part 2
This concludes our two-part series on designing medical gas systems. Part 1 appeared in the March 2005 issue.
In order to determine medical gas flows, we use the same probability theory and line of reasoning mentioned in Part 1 in the March PME. First, we must determine the maximum number of patients that are likely to use a particular gas for a given number of patients under consideration. We then multiply this number by the average flow for that outlet/inlet. Note that we said patients-not outlet/inlets-since, in most cases, this is the real determining factor. Often, extra outlets/inlets are requested for convenience only, not necessarily because all these are to be used simultaneously. However, always check with the owner if an unusual number of outlets are requested at a certain location.