What is the lowest temperature that nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide cylinders should be allowed to reach?

The lowest temperature that nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide cylinders should be allowed to reach is indeed 20°F. At temperatures lower than this, the pressure inside the cylinders can drop significantly, potentially affecting the performance and safety of the gas system. Both nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide are stored in liquid form under pressure, and their pressure is directly related to temperature. If the temperature drops too low, there may not be enough pressure to adequately release the gas when needed, leading to operational issues.

Moreover, maintaining appropriate temperatures for these cylinders is critical to ensure that the gases behave predictably and safely during use. Temperatures that are too low can also lead to the potential for the cylinders to freeze or form ice around their valves, making them difficult to operate and increasing the risk of accidents or leaks. Therefore, monitoring and adhering to the specified temperature thresholds is essential for safety and functionality in medical gas systems.