The Anesthesia Gas Machine 2026

Michael P. Dosch PhD CRNA (ret), Darin Tharp CRNA MS
University of Detroit Mercy - Nurse Anesthesia
This site is https://healthprofessions.udmercy.edu/academics/na/agm/.
Revised Feb. 2026

5. Processing: Vaporizers

• Physical principles
• Classification
• Vaporizer interlock
• Operating principles of variable bypass vaporizers
  • Effect of altitude
• How to fill vaporizers
  • How much liquid agent does a vaporizer use per hour?
• Hazards and safety features of contemporary vaporizers
• Current models
• Older models

Physical principles

Vapor pressure- Molecules escape from a volatile liquid to the vapor phase, creating a "saturated vapor pressure" at equilibrium. Vapor pressure increases with temperature. Vapor pressure is independent of atmospheric pressure, it depends only on the physical characteristics of the liquid, and its temperature. So, even although evaporation proceeds at a rate governed by liquid temperature and is independent of altitude (barometric pressure), individual vaporizer types may or may not function the same at altitude.

Latent heat of vaporization- Just as our skin cools when we step out of the shower, the temperature of the remaining liquid will drop as vaporization proceeds, lowering vapor pressure, unless this is prevented. The latent heat of vaporization is the number of calories needed to convert 1 g of liquid to vapor, without temperature change in the remaining liquid.

Specific heat- is the number of calories needed to increase the temperature of 1 g of a substance by 1 degree C. Manufacturers select materials for vaporizer construction with high specific heats to minimize temperature changes associated with vaporization.

Thermal conductivity - a measure of how fast a substance transmits heat. High thermal conductivity is desirable in vaporizer construction.

Please take the time to read these sections of How Equipment Works. Don't let the cartoonish illustrations fool you- the author has a deep understanding and a great ability to explain these concepts.

• How anaesthesia vaporisers work explained simply [1] explains the physical principles. The problems of flow dependence, temperature dependence, and pumping effect are discussed, along with how vaporizers are designed to minimize these effects
• Part 2: How anaesthesia vaporisers work explained simply [2] discusses the Tec 6 desflurane vaporizer, and "injector" type vaporizers in general (e.g. Maquet Flow-I, Flow-e; Mindray A9); the interlock system, and funnel vs keyed methods to fill vaporizers.
• Advanced concepts of circle breathing systems explained [3] discusses the reasons for delay (difference) between dialed concentration at the vaporizer and the inspired concentration of anesthetic ("rise time") during both induction and emergence, closed system, and low fresh gas flows.

Classification

Dräger Vapor 2000 & 3000, Aladin vaporizers (Aisys), and Tec 7 (and older vaporizers Dräger Vapor 19.1, Penlon Sigma, Tec 4 & 5,) are classified as

Variable bypass

Fresh gas flow from the flowmeters enters the inlet of any vaporizer which is on. The concentration control dial setting splits this stream into bypass gas (which does not enter the vaporizing chamber), and carrier gas (also called chamber flow, which flows over the liquid agent).

Flow over

Carrier gas flows over the surface of the liquid volatile agent in the vaporizing chamber, as opposed to bubbling up through it (as in the older copper kettle and Vernitrol)

Temperature compensated

Equipped with automatic devices that ensure steady vaporizer output over a wide range of ambient temperatures

Agent-specific

Only calibrated for a single gas, usually with keyed fillers that decrease the likelihood of filling the vaporizer with the wrong agent

Out of circuit

Out of the breathing circuit, as opposed to (much) older models such as the Ohio #8 (Boyle's bottle) which were inserted within the circle system.

The Tec 6 desflurane vaporizer is not a variable bypass vaporizer, it is an injector (i.e. gas-vapor blender).

Vaporizer interlock

The vaporizer interlock ensures that

• Only one vaporizer is turned on
• Gas enters only the one which is on
• Trace vapor output is minimized when the vaporizer is off
• Vaporizers are locked into the gas circuit, thus ensuring they are seated correctly.

Operating principles of variable bypass vaporizers

Variable bypass- principle. Click on the link to see the larger version.

Splitting ratio Total fresh gas flow (FGF) enters and splits into carrier gas (much less than 20%, which becomes saturated with vapor) and bypass gas (more than 80%). These two flows rejoin at the vaporizer outlet. The splitting ratio of these two flows depends on the ratio of resistances to their flow, which is controlled by the concentration control dial, and the automatic temperature compensation valve.

Effect of flow rate: The output of all current variable-bypass vaporizers is relatively constant over a wide range of fresh gas flows (250 mL/min to 10 L/min), due to extensive wick and baffle system that effectively increases the surface area of the vaporizing chamber. All sevoflurane vaporizers are (slightly) less accurate (due to the low vapor pressure of the agent) at high fresh gas flows (> 10 L/min) and high vaporizer concentration settings (8%) typical after induction, where they deliver less than the dial setting.[4]. Clinically this is relatively unimportant, since we titrate to effect (end tidal agent concentration) and use overpressure.

Effect of ambient temperature: The output of modern vaporizers is stable from 20-35 degrees C, due to

1. Automatic temperature compensating devices that increase carrier gas flow as liquid volatile agent temperature decreases
2. Wicks in direct contact with vaporizing chamber walls
3. Constructed of metals with high specific heat and thermal conductivity

Effect of intermittent back pressure transmitted from breathing circuit: The pumping effect is due to positive pressure ventilation, or use of the oxygen flush valve. It can increase vaporizer output. Modern vaporizers are relatively immune due to check valves between the vaporizer outlet and the common gas outlet, smaller vaporizing chambers, or tortuous inlet chambers. Any of these design features prevent gas which has left the vaporizers from re-entering it.

How to fill vaporizers

Filling a keyed vaporizer. Click on the link to see the larger version.

Filling a funnel-type vaporizer. Click on the link to see the larger version.

For either funnel or keyed filler types, fill the vaporizer only to the top etched line within the sight glass. Do not hold the bottle up on a keyed filler until it stops bubbling (this will overfill the chamber, particularly if the concentration control dial is "on", or if leaks are present). While it has been stated that the Tec 6 Desflurane vaporizer is an exception, even that vaporizer is safer to fill in the "off" position. But why remember this particular exception? It's safe to fill any vaporizer only when it is "off."

Hazards and safety features of contemporary vaporizers

Hazards

• Overfilling
  • May be prevented by following the manufacturer's guidelines for filling: fill only to the top etched line on the liquid level indicator glass, and fill only when the vaporizer is off. Do NOT fill any vaporizer while it is in use.[8].
• Incorrect agent
• Tipping (does not apply to Aladin vaporizers or the Draeger 2000/3000 set to "T")
  • If tipped more than 45 degrees from the vertical, liquid agent can obstruct valves.
  • Treatment: flush for 20-30 minutes at high flow rates with high concentration set on dial. Please note that this is the recommended treatment for the Tec 4 vaporizer. The correct approach for other models differs, so their individual operating manuals must be consulted.
• Reliance on breath by breath gas analysis rather than preventive maintenance
  • Problem: failure of the temperature compensation device, seals, or O-rings may result in a rapid onset, high output failure of the vaporizer
• Leaks
  • Leaks are relatively common, often due to malposition of vaporizers on the back bar, or loss of gaskets, and these leaks may not be detected with the standard checklist.[9].
  • Tec 6 vaporizers can also leak liquid while being filled, if the desflurane bottle is missing the white rubber O-ring near its tip. This can be mistaken for a defective vaporizer.[10].
• Electronic failure
  • As vaporizers incorporate electronics, they are susceptible to electronic failure. Case reports detail ADU vaporizers failing due to "fresh gas unit failure", and from copious emesis soaking the machine.[11], [12].

Safety features

Important safety features include:

• Keyed fillers
• Low filling port
• Secured vaporizers (less ability to move them about minimizes tipping)
• Interlocks
• Concentration dial increases output in all when rotated counterclockwise (as seen from above)

Vaporizers- current models

Variable bypass

Vapor 2000 (right). Click on the link to see the larger version. Vapor 2000 is a tippable variable bypass vaporizer (also applies to Aisys cassettes). The Vapor 2000 dial must first be rotated to a "T" setting ("transport" or "tip") which is to the right of zero in the figure.

Vapor 3000. Click on the link to see the larger version. The Vapor 3000 is also tippable, otherwise it is a standard variable bypass vaporizer.

Tec 7. Click on the link to see the larger version. The Tec 7 is a standard variable bypass vaporizer.

Aladin vaporizer. Click on the link to see the larger version. Aladin vaporizer (Aisys) Cassettes containing liquid anesthetic are inserted into a port containing the central electronic control mechanism, which recognizes the contents of the cassette and permits fresh gas to flow over the liquid agent. Because each cassette is only a liquid sump without control mechanisms, they can be tipped in any orientation without danger, and they are maintenance free. The cassette and the control mechanisms are checked as part of the electronic equipment checklist daily. Aladin will not deliver volatile agent without electricity (main wall outlet power, or during battery backup) and adequate oxygen (or air) pressure. The output of older vaporizers varies slightly with changes in fresh gas mixture, whereas the Aladin compensates for this automatically. The cassettes are light and may be removed with one hand. The Aisys has low agent alarms on all vaporizers. This vaporizer's performance has been studied.[13]

Injectors

Flow-e vaporizers (seen just below the green breathing bag). Click on the link to see the larger version.

Mindray A9 vaporizers. Click on the link to see the larger version.

Tec 6 vaporizer. Click on the link to see the larger version. Tec 6 desflurane vaporizer: The saturated vapor pressure at room temperature (20 °C) is 664 torr (87% of one atmosphere). This means that desflurane is nearly boiling at room temperature. Because of the volatility of this agent, a new system was designed to contain, transfer, and vaporize it. The Tec 6 vaporizer is an injector, not a variable bypass type. Note that not all desflurane vaporizers are Tec 6 type. The Aladin desflurane cassette (Aisys) is a variable bypass vaporizer.

Tec 6 operating principles. Click on the link to see the larger version. Classification: electrically heated, dual circuit injector, constant-temperature, agent specific, and out-of-circuit.[14]. Function: Heats agent to 39 °C, which produces a vapor pressure of around 1550 mm Hg. Electronic controls inject pure vapor into the FGF, controlled by the concentration control dial, and a transducer (which senses the FGF, and adjusts the vapor output accordingly). Requires electrical power (it shuts off in power failures!) and has alarms; two unusual aspects compared to other contemporary vaporizers. In use it is similar to variable bypass vaporizers: it fits in the interlocks, and is mounted on the back bar in a similar way. It is accurate at low flows (ie considerably less than 1 L/min total FGF). The operator's manual states that it may be filled during use (but it is safer to turn it off when filling). A mark on a liquid crystal display indicates when the liquid level is one bottle low (250 mL). The user must replace a battery which powers the alarms periodically. There is an alarm for low liquid levels. The unit requires a warm-up period.

Tec 6 alarm panel. Click on the link to see the larger version. Checkout procedure for the Tec 6 Press and hold the mute button until all lights and alarms activated. Turn on to at least 1% and unplug the electrical connection. A "No Output" alarm should ring within seconds. This tests battery power for the alarms. This step is crucial in relation to the quick emergence characteristics of this agent- any interruption in its supply must be noted and responded to at once.

Vaporizers- older variable-bypass models

	Tec 4 vaporizers. Click on the thumbnail, or on the underlined text, to see the larger version. Ohmeda Tec 4, 5 With the center vaporizer removed (if three are mounted side by side), one can activate both outer vaporizers simultaneously (in machines manufactured after 1995, this fault is corrected). Vaporizer outlet has check valve.
	Tec 5 vaporizers. Click on the thumbnail, or on the underlined text, to see the larger version.
	Sevotec 5 vaporizer (right). Click on the thumbnail, or on the underlined text, to see the larger version. The Sevotec 5 is used in a similar fashion to the other Tec 5 vaporizers. Note that sevoflurane may very well be safe at fresh gas flows of 1 L/m (or less) indefinitely, particularly when used with absorbents lacking strong bases.[15], [16], [17]
	Penlon Sigma Delta sevoflurane vaporizer (right). Click on the thumbnail, or on the underlined text, to see the larger version. Penlon Sigma is similar to the Tec vaporizers, and can be found on either GE or Dräger machines.
	Vapor 19.3 vaporizer. Click on the thumbnail, or on the underlined text, to see the larger version. Dräger Vapor 19.x is similar to Tec 4, 5: all are variable bypass types. The interlock on Dräger machines continues to function if any vaporizers are removed, but one must attach a short-circuit block to prevent leaks if any vaporizer is removed. There is no outlet check valve- the tortuous inlet arrangement protects from the pumping effect.