Study on solid chemical oxygen generator for survival in the plateau

Abstract

Objective To develop a plateau lifesaving used solid oxygen generator with such performances as 120 L oxygen delivery capacity,1.5 L/min minimum flow supply,30 min working time and-40℃ to 50℃ working temperature.Methods The structure of oxygen generator for plateau lifesaving was developed based on chlorate combustion and decomposition reaction.Four formulas of oxygen candle were designed.Formula 1:91％ oxygen source +30％ metal powder +2％ catalyst +4％ inhibitor of chlorine; formula 2:91％ oxygen source +5％ metal powder +4％ inhibitor of chlorine; formula 3:91％ oxygen source + 5 ％ metal powder + 4 ％ inhibitor of chlorine in foreside,91.5％ oxygen source +4.5％ metal powder +4％ inhibitor of chlorine in tail; formula 4:88％ oxygen source + 5％ metal powder + 4％ inhibitor of chlorine + 3％ stabilizer in foreside,88.5％ oxygen source +4.5％ metal powder +4％ inhibitor of chlorine +-3％ stabilizer in tail.The oxygen supply performances,such as working time,flow rate,etc.of generator were respectively measured under low,normal and high temperature.The oxygen purification produced from the generator was studied.Two healthy volunteers were selected as the subjects.Their oxygen saturation change (SaO2) was observed at different altitude after they used solid oxygen generator.Results The performance of solid oxygen generator with formula 3 and 4 met the demands of specifications and standards.The oxygen supply performances of formula 4 were more stable and sensitive than others.The gas component produced from the solid oxygen generator was all up to the standard.The SaO2 of two volunteers reached 90％ or higher at 4 939 m altitude after breathing from solid oxygen generator.Conclusions The solid chemical oxygen generator could meet the demands of plateau lifesaving and withstand-40℃ to 50℃ working for 30 min.Reducing catalytic agent,increasing the proper contents of metal fuel and adding stabilizer agent could stabilize the oxygen produce velocity of oxygen generator.A 30-min solid oxygen generator could provide oxygen for 2 people at same time and ensure the effect of oxygen inhalation,which indicates the generator has reached the goal of hypoxia protection in plateau. Key words: Altitude;  Anoxia;  Lifesaving equipment;  Oxygen generator