Gas manifolds are designed to let you connect and change out multiple cylinders of industrial gases in a safe and cost-effective manner. In addition, the regulator handling is eliminated.
At a basic level, the entire gas manifold system consists of:
A central source
A vapouriser
Pipelines
Pressure regulators (decreasing pressure along with the system)
Manual and service shut-off valves (to isolate whole sections of the system)
Pressure release valves upstream of any regulators and shut-off valves, to prevent the whole thing from exploding.
Pressure monitors and alarms to detect the fact that you're out of oxygen.
Benefits of a gas manifold:
streamlines the handling of gas cylinders
reduces transport costs
reduces cylinder lease costs
reduces the need for space
makes gas cylinders easier to handle in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.