A computerized standard flow-generator for spirometer calibration.

Abstract

We analyzed the dynamic characteristics of a newly designed standard flow generator (SFG) to be used for spirometer calibration. The SFG consisted of a computer, large-bore cylinder, and piston driven by a high torque motor. The computer develops numerical equations to simulate a flow-volume pattern with different convexities of the descending limb. The excursion of the piston was processed according to the computer-developed equation. The computer's numerical solutions were compared to those of the SFG and agreement of the values of the peak flow, forced expiratory volume, and flow-volume pattern was satisfactory in repeated trials. Application of an external resistive load (3.5 cm H2O/sec) did not change the flow output. However, there were several minor disagreements due to the dynamic characteristics of the SFG. In an emphysema pattern the ascending limb of the generated flow-volume curve flattened and the descending limb was less convex compared to the preset pattern. When the SFG was generating sinusoidal waves of high frequency (e.g., 10.0 Hz) the flow output was deformed. The newly designed SFG was used to examine the dynamic characteristics of rolling-seal spirometers. There was an overshoot of the peak flow, over-convection, and oscillations of the descending limb in the spirometer output. These deformations were more prominent with the severe emphysema pattern. It is concluded that the SFG can be very useful in the examination and calibration of spirometers.