What is the primary purpose of a "fail-safe" mechanism in a medical gas valve?

The primary purpose of a "fail-safe" mechanism in a medical gas valve is to automatically shut off the flow of gas in the event of a system malfunction, power failure, or other abnormal condition, preventing potential harm to patients and ensuring the integrity of the medical gas system. A fail-safe mechanism is designed to default to a safe state, even if the control signal or power supply is lost. For example, a fail-safe valve in an oxygen supply line would automatically close if there is a power outage or if the valve's control system malfunctions, preventing uncontrolled oxygen flow that could create a fire hazard or deliver incorrect gas mixtures to patients. This automatic shutoff minimizes the risk of patient injury or equipment damage due to over-pressurization, leaks, or contamination. The fail-safe design ensures that the valve will revert to a safe position even in the absence of human intervention or external power.