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        New Message Board Archives >> 2002-2004 Funnies and Jokes >> O2 oddity
        
(Message started by: Redrum on Aug 25^th, 2004, 9:56am)

Title: O2 oddity
Post by Redrum on Aug 25^th, 2004, 9:56am

OK so maybe there is a perfectly logical explanation and if I were a bit more motivated I could probably find the answer myself BUT:

Why is O2 flow measured in metric units (Liters Per Minute) but the tank pressure is measured in English units (Pounds per Square Inch)?

Hmmmm? ::)

Title: Re: O2 oddity
Post by Biker on Aug 25^th, 2004, 11:06pm

Welding oxygen is measured in PSI. I figure the flow rate comes from the medical profession. It would be pretty high to measure oxygen flow in cubic feet like natural gas. I kinda think (although not for sure about any of this) that a persons lungs hold about 500cc's per breath. Thats about 30.5 cubic inches. That breaks down to about .0175 cubic feet. I imagine by measuring the O2 in liters, folks have a numbering mode they can regulate fairly easy. Honostly, I dont have a clue why they measure the flow rate in liters. Go with the flow.

Title: Re: O2 oddity
Post by mynm156 on Aug 26^th, 2004, 10:52am

yes it is from the medical community and it is because it is the international system of measurement. FYI 500cc or ml's is REALLY small. The Lung capacity for a breath is called Tidal Volume and is roughly 8cc per Kilogram .

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