How often should gases from compressors be analyzed for hydrocarbon content?

Analyzing gases from compressors for hydrocarbon content is a crucial safety measure in medical gas systems. The recommended frequency for this analysis is every quarter, which aligns with industry best practices and standards.

Quarterly analysis helps ensure that any potential contaminants, such as hydrocarbons, are detected early and managed effectively. This is particularly important in medical gas systems where purity is essential for patient safety and compliance with health regulations. Frequent monitoring allows for timely identification of issues that could impact the quality of medical gases, ensuring that they remain safe for use in healthcare settings.

Other intervals, such as monthly, yearly, or every six months, may not provide adequate oversight to catch potential problems in a timely manner. Monthly checks might be unnecessarily frequent considering typical operational stability, while annual or semi-annual checks could lead to extended periods without monitoring, increasing the risk of undetected contamination. Therefore, the quarterly schedule strikes a balance between safety, practicality, and regulatory compliance.