Wednesday, June 10, 2015

AIRCRAFT OXYGEN SYSTEM

Man is an earthbound creature adapted to the lower levels of the atmosphere for required amount of oxygen to enter into his blood. This required of oxygen is essential for normal activity of human brain.

The atmosphere is a mixture of gases composed of approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. The remaining 1% is inert gases and other gaseous element including water vapour. The percentage of these components is relatively constant towards altitude, but the pressure exerted by the air decreases as altitude increases. At lower pressure, needed amount of oxygen does not enter into the blood stream. So, there become shortages of oxygen as altitude increases resulting in anoxia/hypoxia to the passengers.

Pressurization of cabin gave the solution to the above problem. In a pressurized aircraft, there is no need of extra oxygen for the passenger. But, oxygen must be carried onboard to meet the emergency need in case of failure of pressurization and also for patients.

Oxygen is carried and stored in the aircraft in specially manufactured cylindrical bottles.

No comments:

Post a Comment