Self-Regulated Oxygen Concentrator

Item

Title
Self-Regulated Oxygen Concentrator
Date
1967
Index Abstract
Coming Soon
Photo Quality
Complete
Report Number
AFFDL TR 67-6
Creator
Mrava, G. L.
Wynveen, R. A.
Corporate Author
TRW Inc.
Laboratory
Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory
Extent
185
Identifier
AD0808789
Access Rights
Export controls
Distribution Classification
1
Contract
AF 33(615)-3392
DoD Project
6146
DoD Task
614614
DTIC Record Exists
No
Distribution Change Authority Correspondence
AFFDL, LTR
Special Scanning Requirements
Fold Out Pages
Abstract
A program to design, fabricate and test a model of an oxygen concentrator employing a method of control termed self regulation was successfully conducted. The stack assembly consists of three cells, where the oxygen is electrochemically separated from the air, sandwiched between two humidifier chambers. The self-regulation of the unit results from the thermal equilibrium that exists between the heat generated in the electrochemical cells during the O2 concentrating process and the evaporative cooling in the humidifiers due to the air humidification process. This mode of operation eliminates external humidifiers and associated thermal controls previously used on apparatus of this type. As a laboratory model, the three-cell unit demonstrated oxygen delivery rates up to 0.045 lb/hr while displaying oxygen purities at a level of 100%. Wide-range parametric testing conducted on the unit covered cell operating temperatures of 100-175F, air inlet pressures from 5-90 psia, air flow rates from 2-5 times theoretical, and current densities up to 166 amps/sq ft. The testing program was culminated with 200 hours of testing which successfully demonstrated the self-regulating characteristics of the unit. As a final conclusion, the data and analyses are used to specify an advanced 0.2-lb/hr oxygen concentrator utilizing self-regulation in addition to size optimization. With additional development the design will be capable of being incorporated into an aviator's oxygen supply system.
Report Availability
Full text available
Date Issued
1967-03
Provenance
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control
Type
report
Format
1 online resource
Media
AFFDLTR67-006.pdf

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