The output of an‘empty’ Tec 3 vaporizer

Summary The output of 30 Tec 3 vaporizers (halothane, enflurane and isoflurane) was studied, starting at the point where no liquid was visible in the content window. At 6l.min-1 and 1% v/v initial output, consistent delivery was on average maintained for in excess of 90 (range 55–120) min. Thereafter, output declined rapidly. At the flows and concentrations studied there is a significant reserve in the vaporizing chamber, but it is likely that when higher flows and concentrations are used this reserve may be substantially reduced.