Flow meters have been around for many years, some known by other names such as regulators or pressure gauges, and an oxygen flow meter has been part of medical care since air was first used for patients.

Scuba divers have had an air flow meter on their tanks, which serve two purposes. The first is to regulate the amount of air delivered to the diver. The second lets the diver know how much air remains in the tank and the approximate time remaining before it runs out.

Firefighters use a similar type air flow meter on their air tanks worn into smoky fires that regulates their air flow as well as letting them know when they are running low. Homebound patients requiring oxygen also see air flow meters on their tanks and can regulate the amount of air flowing to their masks.

Flow Meters Aid Industrial Users

An oxygen flow meter, when attached to a tank of air and mixed with acetylene, makes a powerful burning torch in most industries and the proper flow of air to be mixed with the acetylene is important to accurate operation. Additionally, proper oxygen flow into furnaces to aid burning in steel-making and other industries requiring molten metals.

Aviation is another industry, which uses oxygen flow meter extensively for the pilots on small craft and for potential needs of passengers in larger craft. Air tanks are fairly standard in aviation use made of either steel, aluminum or a composite material under a pressure of about 2,200 pounds per square inch. An oxygen flow meter, sometimes referred to as a regulator, reduces the pressure of the air down to a pressure usable by the end user.

One of the most obvious uses of an oxygen flow meter is in the health care industry. Doctor's offices, hospitals and even emergency medical vehicles are equipped with air to provide patients in an emergency situation. Oxygen flow meters help regulate the amount of air patients receive. Emergency personnel also administer victims of smoke inhalation often providing oxygen for them prior to transporting them to mainline medical facilities.

If the flow of air is not sufficient for the patient to overcome whatever reason their breathing has been impaired, or they receive no oxygen, serious conditions may result such as heart disease and brain damage. Too much air can also have negative results and they therefore use an oxygen flow meter to ensure the correct amount of oxygen in delivered.

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