NFPA-99 Practice Exam

Which type of valve is critical for controlling flow and pressure in medical gas systems?

1. Gate valve.

2. Check valve.

3. Relief valve.

4. Ball valve.

The correct answer is: Relief valve.

The relief valve is essential in medical gas systems as it is specifically designed to prevent excessive pressure buildup, which can lead to catastrophic failures or hazards. In medical gas systems, maintaining the correct pressure is crucial for patient safety and the effective operation of medical equipment. When the pressure within the system exceeds safe levels, the relief valve automatically opens to allow excess gas to escape, thereby reducing the pressure. This function helps to protect downstream equipment and ensures a steady and safe flow of medical gases to patients. While other valves, like gate and ball valves, primarily control the flow of gas rather than pressure, and check valves prevent backflow, it is the relief valve that plays a key role in pressure regulation within medical gas systems, making it critical for system integrity and safety.