Oxygen Requirements Flashcards
Basic Components
● There are three components on most oxygen systems, whether they are portable or installed systems.
➢ A storage system (containers)
➢ A delivery system
➢ The mask or nasal cannula
Gaseous Aviator’s Breathing Oxygen (ABO)
● Storing oxygen as a gas has the major advantage of being more economical.
● It can be stored in high-pressure (1 800 to 2 200 psi) containers or low-pressure (400 to 450 psi) containers.
● The major disadvantage is the weight and bulk of the storage containers, which may become an issue in smaller aircraft
● Aviator’s oxygen must meet certain standards to ensure that it is safe to be taken to altitude
Liquid Aviators Breathing Oxygen (LOX)
● The advantage of LOX is that it has a 900 to 1 expansion ratio.
➢ In other words, one liter of LOX will expand into 900 gaseous liters of ABO
➢ This will afford space savings and weight savings over gaseous ABO
● The major disadvantages are:
➢ It has an extremely volatile nature when it come in contact with petroleum products.
Sodium Chlorate Candles (Solid-State Oxygen)
● The major disadvantage is that once the chemical reaction (the candle is activated) has started, it can not be easily stopped.
● Additionally, precautions must be taken to avoid a fire hazard
Continuous Flow
● This system delivers a continuous flow of oxygen from the storage container.
● It is a very economical system in that it does not need complicated masks or regulators to function.
● Is also a very wasteful system—the flow of oxygen is constant whether you are inhaling, exhaling, or pausing in between breaths.
● This system is typically used at 28 000 feet and lower
Pressure Demand
● Once we get above 35 000 feet constant demand systems
cannot provide the pressure that we require.
➢ Pressure demand systems are used to solve this problem.
● This system provides oxygen under positive pressure.
➢ Positive pressure is a forced oxygen flow that is intended to
slightly over-inflate the lungs.
● This will, in a sense, pressurize the lungs to a lower altitude thus
allowing you to fly at altitudes above 35 000 feet where 100%
oxygen without positive pressure will not suffice
Oral-nasal Rebreather
● This type is the most common and least expensive.
● It is also the simplest in operation.
➢ it has an external plastic bag that inflates every time you exhale.
● The purpose of the bag is to store exhaled air so it may be mixed with 100% oxygen from the system.
● These masks supply adequate oxygen to keep the user physiologically safe up to 25 000 feet
Quick-donning Mask
● These masks must demonstrate the ability to be donned with one hand in 5 seconds or less while accommodating prescription glasses.
● Quick-don masks are typically suspended or stored to permit quick and unimpeded access by cockpit crew.
● These masks are typically rated to altitudes up to 40 000 feet
The PRICE Check
● PRESSURE - ensure that there is enough oxygen pressure and quantity to complete the flight.
● REGULATOR - inspect the oxygen regulator for proper function.
● INDICATOR - most oxygen delivery systems indicate oxygen flow by use of flow indicators
● CONNECTIONS - ensure that all connections are secured.
● EMERGENCY - have oxygen equipment in the aircraft ready
