Gas Control and Regulation: The controller is responsible for controlling the flow and pressure of various medical gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, compressed air, and sometimes vacuum. It ensures that these gases are supplied at the appropriate pressure and flow rates as required for patient care.

Redundancy and Reliability: These systems are designed for high reliability and often incorporate redundancy to ensure continuous gas supply. Redundancy is crucial in healthcare settings where gas supply interruptions can be life-threatening.

Pressure and Flow Monitoring: The controller continuously monitors the pressure and flow of each gas being supplied. If any parameter falls out of the acceptable range, alarms are triggered to alert healthcare providers and maintenance personnel.

Alarm Systems: The system includes visual and audible alarms that notify staff in case of pressure or flow anomalies. These alarms are crucial to ensure that any issues are promptly addressed to prevent potential harm to patients.

Gas Changeover: In systems with multiple gas sources (e.g., liquid oxygen and cylinder backup), the controller can automatically switch to an alternative source in case the primary source depletes or encounters issues.

Integration with Building Management Systems: Some controllers can be integrated with the facility’s building management system (BMS) to provide remote monitoring, data logging, and control. This allows hospital staff to keep a close eye on the gas supply system from a central location.

User Interface: The controller often includes a user-friendly interface for setting parameters, configuring alarms, and performing diagnostics. It may have a digital display and push-button controls.

Compliance with Regulations: Medical gas supply systems, including manifold controllers, must meet strict regulatory standards and safety requirements, such as those specified by organizations like NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization).

Emergency Shutdown: In case of a catastrophic failure or a significant system issue, the controller should have an emergency shutdown feature to isolate the gas supply and ensure patient safety.

Remote Monitoring: Some modern systems offer remote monitoring capabilities, allowing authorized personnel to monitor the gas supply system’s performance and status from off-site locations.

Compatibility: Controllers should be compatible with the specific gas sources and pipeline configurations in the healthcare facility.