An e-cylinders is a type of gas cylinder used for storage and containment of gases. In anesthesia, e-cylinders are typically used for delivery of fresh gases to the anesthesia machine in case of pipeline gas pressure failure. E-cylinders uses the pin index safety system (PISS) that ensures the correct placement of cylinders of a particular type of gas into the right location in the anesthesia machine.

Gas Cylinder Color (USA) Full Tank Volume (L) Full Tank Pressure (PSI)
Oxygen Green 660 2200
Nitrous Oxide Blue 1590 750
Air Yellow 625 1800

Unlike other gas cylinders, nitrous oxide is pressurized in liquid form, and therefore the pressure (psi) remains the same up until about 1/4 capacity (~400L).

Physical properties

Diameter 100 mm (4 in)
Height 660 mm (26 in)
Empty weight 6.4 kg (14 lb)
Internal volume (21 °C, 1 atm) 4.5 L (0.16 ft3)