Oxygen Cylinder E Size Duration: A Simple Calculation

In the healthcare industry, oxygen is frequently contained within pressurized cylinders of various sizes, depending upon application. During an oxygen-dependent patient transport, the cylinders are typically kept small for portability. The small "E" sized cylinder contains 22 cubic feet of oxygen when full. Calculating the length of time a cylinder will last is dependent upon the pressure left in the cylinder and the amount of flow required to support the patient. Fortunately, a simple formula exists to assist patients and caregivers with this calculation.

Instructions

• 1

  Read the pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure on the cylinders gauge. It will range from zero to 2,200 PSI.

• 2

  Multiply this pressure reading times 0.28. Divide the result by the amount of flow, in liters per minute, to be used for the patient. The answer is in minutes.

• 3

  Use the correct formula. If a full E cylinder is to be used on a patient requiring 2 liters per minute of oxygen, the equation would be: (2200 x 0.28) / 2 = 308 minutes of oxygen.