What is the function of zone valves in medical gas systems?

Zone valves in medical gas systems play a crucial role in isolating sections of the gas delivery system. This isolation is important for several practical reasons. For instance, if there is a need to perform maintenance or repairs in a specific area of a healthcare facility, the zone valve can be closed to stop the gas flow to that section without disrupting the supply to the rest of the facility. This helps maintain safety and operational efficiency.

Additionally, zone valves serve to prevent backflow of gases from one area to another, ensuring that the different gases used in medical applications remain contained and uncontaminated. This function supports a secure and safe environment for patients and staff by allowing specific zones to be controlled independently, thus minimizing the risk of cross-contamination or exposure to faulty gas supplies.

In contrast, other functions such as regulating pressure, measuring flow rates, or filtering contaminants are addressed by different components within the medical gas system. Therefore, the specific function of zone valves is centered around their ability to isolate and control various sections of the gas delivery network.