So how does it work? Let’s start with a description of each part and what it does………….
INLET VALVE
The inlet valve is a simple 1-way diaphragm type valve which lets the airflow into the system only, there will always be a a small amount of backflow with this valve type but not enough to warrant and worry over.
INLET HOSE
The inlet hose is a short hose between the inlet valve and the vaporizer, it does not offer much in addition apart from a small amount of expansion to counteract backflow pressure on the inlet valve
HALOTHANE/GOLDMAN VAPORISER
This is the heart of the system, it’s essentially a mixer unit where the control on the top will adjust the amount of air either flowing through the glass vessel (containing your favourite aroma) or through the cap of the item .
With the cap set to 0 (Zero) the air will flow through the cap of the system and will not pick up any aromas directly, with the cap set to 5 (Five) the system will entirely flow through the glass vessel picking up evaporated vapours on it’s way. Any setting in between with be a mixture of fresh air and vapours with the ratios relative to the setting you choose.
Setting 0 (Zero) – 0:5 (0%) ratio clean air, no direct vapours.
Setting 1 (One) – approx 1:5 (20%) ratio although the airflow will likely be higher ratio of clean air
Setting 2 (Two) – approx 2:5 (40%) ratio should be around “half and half” clean air/vapours at this point.
Setting 3 (Three) – approx 3:5 (60%) ratio should be majority vapours over clean air.
Setting 4 (Four) – approx 4:5 (80%) ratio vapours
Setting 5 (Five) – approx 5:5 (100%) -All air will flow through the glass vessel and pick-up evaporated aromas.
(All figures, percentages and ratios are relative to actual airflow and resistance but can be used as an approximate guide).
T_PIECE/BAG MOUNT/REBREATHER BAG
This part of the system contributes to the amount of re-circulated air in the system, reducing the oxygen level a little will induce a feeling of elation and/or euphoria in the client. It must be noted and extreme caution taken to not reduce the oxygen level too far otherwise hypoxia will occur and may result in a life limiting situation – Putting it bluntly – You could kill your client or induce brain damage.
If you do not wish to use the rebreather bag you can roll it up (still connected) or use a band around it to stop it inflating.
LONG INTERMEDIATE HOSE
Simply a long hose to connect the main system which should be mounted on a stand or table-top mount to the mask and expiratory valve.
EXPIRATORY VALVE + ANGLED ADAPTER
The Expiratory valve is a simple adjustable “blow-off” valve and will exhaust excess pressure in the system when you breathe out (exhale). It can be adjusted to increase or decrease the system pressure and must be adjusted to suit your particular situation.
FACE MASK
Pretty self-explanatory, you put it on your face to become part of the system.
Now we’ve understood (hopefully) what each part is and the role it plays in the system I’ll attempt to explain as a whole what is happening when you are using and are part of the system.
As you breathe in (inhale) you will pull a “packet” of air into the system through in inlet valve, short hose, vaporiser, t-piece, long hose, expiratory valve, angled mount and face mask. Depending on the amount of air you breathe in you may or may-not fill the system on your first inhale (there will of course already be air in the system).
When you first exhale, you will move the air back down the long hose and inflate the rebreather bag, once the bag is inflated the excess air will be blown out of the expiratory valve.
The cycle continues, each new inhale will pull in fresh air, your chosen ratio of vapours and each subsequent exhale will back-flow the system and blow out the excess air through the expiratory valve.
It’s that simple but immensely effective……………………………😊