What is the characteristic of back seeded valves in oxygen cylinders?

Back seeded valves in oxygen cylinders are specifically designed to prevent backflow, which is crucial for maintaining safety and performance in applications involving high-pressure oxygen. This design feature ensures that any potential contaminants present in the system do not flow back into the cylinder, which could compromise the purity of the oxygen or lead to dangerous reactions.

The back seeded design typically incorporates a mechanism that allows the valve to withstand pressure from both the cylinder and any external system, effectively blocking any reversal of flow. This characteristic is particularly important in applications like welding and medical oxygen delivery, where the integrity of the oxygen supply must be maintained.

While factors like adjustability, weight, and durability may be considerations for different types of valves, the primary and distinguishing function of back seeded valves is their ability to prevent backflow, which is essential for safety in the use of oxygen cylinders.