What happens if the oxygen cylinder is left open when the pipeline pressure drops below 45 psi?

When the oxygen cylinder is left open and the pipeline pressure drops below 45 psi, gas will flow from the cylinder. This occurs because, at lower pipeline pressures, especially those approaching or below the safe operating threshold, the pressure differential between the cylinder and the pipeline will cause the stored gas in the cylinder to release. As long as the cylinder is open, the oxygen will flow to compensate for the loss of pipeline pressure, ensuring that there is a continued supply of oxygen.

To understand the context of why this is significant, it's important to recognize the implications. If the gas does not flow, it could lead to insufficient oxygen reaching the patient. Furthermore, relying on the cylinder for oxygen during such a low-pressure situation may not offer an adequate or controlled supply, which could compromise patient safety.

Thus, maintaining a proper understanding of the pressures in both the pipeline and the oxygen cylinders is critical in a healthcare setting to ensure continuous and adequate oxygen delivery to patients.