What is the primary function of regulators or reducing valves?

The primary function of regulators or reducing valves is to reduce high pressure gases to a lower working pressure. These devices are crucial in medical settings, where precise control of gas flow and pressure is essential for patient safety and equipment functionality.

In practice, gas cylinders contain gases at very high pressures, which are not suitable for direct use with medical devices or applications. Regulators are designed to manage this high pressure, allowing it to be reduced to a safe and usable level for delivery to patients or equipment. They ensure that the pressure remains consistent, overcoming fluctuations that could occur during gas delivery.

Understanding this function is vital for anyone involved in handling medical gases since improper pressure can affect the performance of medical devices and could lead to unsafe situations for patients.