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