Glider Oxygen Systems

Transcription

1 Glider Oxygen Systems John DeRosa CLGC May 13, This document is updated quite often! Be sure to download the latest version! Issue Date: June 4, 2018

2 Why We Need Oxygen at High Altitudes 1. Because the FAA says we must! 2. Because we might die without it! Any Questions??

3 FAA FAR Supplemental Oxygen (a) General. No person may operate a civil aircraft of U.S. registry (1) At cabin pressure altitudes above 12,500 feet (MSL) up to and including 14,000 feet (MSL) unless the required minimum flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen for that part of the flight at those altitudes that is of more than 30 minutes duration; and (2) At cabin pressure altitudes above 14,000 feet (MSL) unless the required minimum flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen during the entire flight time at those altitudes; and (3) At cabin pressure altitudes above 15,000 feet (MSL) unless each occupant of the aircraft is provided with supplemental oxygen.

4 Normal Range

5 Signs of Hypoxia As the degree of hypoxia increases, the classic medical signs and symptoms include: 1. Euphoria Seems that our evolution is not 2. Increased response time helping us determine if we 3. Impaired judgment might be dying! 4. Drowsiness 5. Headache 6. Dizziness 7. Tingling in fingers and toes 8. Numbness 9. Blue fingernails and lips (cyanosis) Easiest to detect 10. Limp muscles The danger to aircrew of an insidious condition that causes euphoria and impaired mental ability without any warning signs such as pain or discomfort are self-evident!

6 Basics of Oxygen Tanks

7 Oxygen Tanks Many Different Sizes

8 Oxygen Tanks - Materials Steel (3AA) Lifespan Unlimited* Test every 5 years* Aluminum Lifespan Unlimited* Test every 5 years* Carbon Fiber Lifespan 15 years* Test every 5 years* * Per AeroOx Web Site

9 Steel Oxygen Tank Markings Tank Type 3AA2015 NOTE: 2015 is the service filling pressure, not a date. Hydrostatic Testing Dates

10 Oxygen CGA-540 Valve Assembly On/Off Handle Over Pressure Release High Pressure to the Regulator High Pressure From Tank

11 Oxygen CGA-540 Valve - Disassembled High Pressure to the Regulator High Pressure From Tank Handle Assembly Valve Assembly Valve Body Over Pressure Release Cap

12 Typical Glider Oxygen Tank Location Located Behind the Seat Back (ASW-24)

13 Industrial Oxygen Bottle Typical Refilling (Trans-Filling) at a Gliderport Trans-Filling Oxygen Bottles, Carts, Hoses, Valves and Adapters From To Glider Oxygen Bottle Courtesy of

14 Typical Refilling (Trans-Filling) at a Gliderport Step 1 Initial Primary Low Pressure Fill (~90% Full) Large Capacity O 2 Tanks Previously Used Low Pressure Tank 1500 PSI New High Pressure Tank Step 2 Small Secondary Fill at High Pressure to Top-off the tank PSI Up to 2000 PSI Glider O 2 Tank 2000 PSI

15 Basics of Oxygen Delivery Systems

16 Oxygen Regulators Lowers the Pressure to Allow the Pilot s Safe Use Low Pressure to Pilot PSI Low Pressure to Pilot PSI High Pressure from Tank to Regulator PSI High Pressure from Tank to Regulator PSI

17 Oxygen Flow Control by Altitude Simplest - Pellet Type O 2 Output 10K to 25K Feet Full Scale Pellet rises as you increase Oxygen flow Manual Altitude Flow Control Valve O 2 Input

18 Standard Oxygen Cannulas Continuous Flow Wasteful Oxygen Flows Whether You are Breathing or Not

19 Simplest Continuous Flow System Standard Cannula Oxygen Regulator Oxygen Tank Oxygen Flow Control Continuous Flow System Greatest Oxygen Waste

20 Conserving Oxygen Conservation of Oxygen for Long Flights at High Altitudes

21 Oxysaver & Oxymizer Cannulas This type of cannula captures unused oxygen in the reservoir until needed when you breathe in. It isn t perfect but it helps! Saves ~50% of Oxygen Pendant Type Mustache Type

22 Oxysaver & Oxymizer Cannulas

23 Oxysaver & Oxymizer Cannula use with Pellet Flowmeter Standard Cannula Oxysaver Cannula Aerox FlowMeter ~50% Oxygen savings due to lower flow required Standard Cannula 10K to 18K Scale 18K 10K 18K 10K ~50% Oxygen Savings Oxysaver Cannula 10K to 18K Scale

24 Oxysaver Saves ~50% of Oxygen

25 Better Continuous Flow System Oxygen Conserving Cannula Oxygen Regulator Oxygen Tank Oxygen Flow Control Continuous Flow System ~50% Conservation

26 Best Oxygen Conservation Pulse Oxygen Systems Supplies Oxygen Only When You Breathe In

27 Altitude Pulse Demand Oxygen Flow Control (Mechanical) Only Provides O 2 When You Breathe In Saves >95% of O 2 Manual Altitude Flow Control Knob Use with a Standard Oxygen Cannula

28 Altitude Pulse Demand O 2 Flow Control (Electronic) Only Provides O 2 When You Breathe In Saves >95% of O 2 Standard Oxygen Cannula

29 Altitude Pulse Demand O 2 Flow Control (Electronic) Flow-Fault & Apnea Sensing Alarms

30 I start oxygen as soon as I am in the glider to help with my flat lander acclimation. Altitude Pulse Demand O 2 Flow Control (Electronic)

31 Best Pulse Flow Oxygen System Standard Cannula Oxygen Regulator Oxygen Tank Electronic Oxygen Pulse Flow Control Pulse Flow System >95% Conservation

32 Miscellaneous Information

33 High Altitude Oxygen Masks Typically used above 18,000ft

34 Fingertip Oxygen Sensor Inexpensive $15-$30 ebay, Amazon, Walmart, etc.

35 Signs of Hypoxia Yes, AGAIN! As the degree of hypoxia increases, the classic medical signs and symptoms include: Euphoria Increased response time Impaired judgment Drowsiness Headache Dizziness Tingling in fingers and toes Numbness Blue fingernails and lips (cyanosis) Limp muscles The danger to aircrew of an insidious condition that causes euphoria and impaired mental ability without any warning signs such as pain or discomfort are self-evident!

36 The Future? Concentrators of Free Oxygen

37 The End My System