Precision tapered glass flow measurement tubes for various industrial and medical gas applications are supplied in different 'keyed' lengths for each gas
Roxspur M+C is a major manufacturer of precision tapered glass flow measurement tubes for various industrial and medical gas applications, and has supplied Platon AGTF flow tubes to many of the world's manufacturers of anaesthetic equipment for over 30 years.
From the UK production base, Platon anaesthetic flow measurement products and systems are still supplied worldwide, frequently branded with the original equipment manufacturer's logo, and conforming to many different specifications.
Most requirements are for the measurement of air, oxygen, and nitrous oxide.
Usually these gas tubes are supplied in different 'keyed' lengths for each gas, to avoid the possibility of a maintenance error leading to installation in the wrong gas line of an anaesthetic trolley.
Typical lengths range from 200-260mm, but shorter tubes are also available.
All flow scales are carefully calibrated at multiple points across the flow range: a fully Ukas traceable calibration is available if required.
Platon AGTF anaesthetic flow tubes typically use a red anodised float, which 'floats' freely in the upward flow of the gas.
The balance between the lifting force from the gas flow up the tapered tube, and the weight of the float, allows the operator to measure the flow against the marked scale.
It is important that the float is freely suspended in the flow, and not touching the glass where it might be prevented from moving by frictional or other forces.
The Platon flow tubes use a float with a silver or white coloured dot, and the float body is fluted, to cause rotation in the gas flow.
The rotating coloured dot is an obvious indication to the anaesthetist that the float is free, and indicating correctly.
The Platon glass flow tubes are also coated internally and externally with an electrically conductive layer, which helps eliminate the possible build-up of an electrostatic charge on the glass: such a charge could affect or prevent the float movement.
Special calibrations and flow ranges are available from the Platon AGTF anaesthetic glass tube flowmeter range, for example to accommodate specific flow limit scale markings.
Most tubes are provided for operation over a 10:1 or a 15:1 flow range, but a special Platon development for anaesthetic equipment is a dual taper glass tube, to cover a flow range from 0.1 to 15 litres/minute on one tube scale.
Special flow ranges are available for lower flow rates - for example ranges are available suitable for premature baby units, in veterinary surgeries, or for use with children.