Glider Oxygen Systems John DeRosa CLGC May 13, 2018 http://aviation.derosaweb.net jhderosa@yahoo.com This document is updated quite often! Be sure to download the latest version! Issue Date: June 4, 2018
Why We Need Oxygen at High Altitudes 1. Because the FAA says we must! 2. Because we might die without it! Any Questions??
FAA FAR 91.211 - 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.
Normal Range
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! http://www.cfinotebook.net/notebook/aeromedical-and-human-factors/hypoxia
Basics of Oxygen Tanks
Oxygen Tanks Many Different Sizes
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
Steel Oxygen Tank Markings Tank Type 3AA2015 NOTE: 2015 is the service filling pressure, not a date. http://www.esabna.com/euweb/oxy_handbook/589oxy3_10.htm Hydrostatic Testing Dates
Oxygen CGA-540 Valve Assembly On/Off Handle Over Pressure Release High Pressure to the Regulator High Pressure From Tank
Oxygen CGA-540 Valve - Disassembled High Pressure to the Regulator High Pressure From Tank Handle Assembly Valve Assembly Valve Body Over Pressure Release Cap
Typical Glider Oxygen Tank Location Located Behind the Seat Back (ASW-24)
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 http://www.craggyaero.com/mh_transfillers.htm
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. 1500 PSI Up to 2000 PSI Glider O 2 Tank 2000 PSI
Basics of Oxygen Delivery Systems
Oxygen Regulators Lowers the Pressure to Allow the Pilot s Safe Use Low Pressure to Pilot 15-25 PSI Low Pressure to Pilot 15-25 PSI High Pressure from Tank to Regulator 1000-2000 PSI High Pressure from Tank to Regulator 1000-2000 PSI
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
Standard Oxygen Cannulas Continuous Flow Wasteful Oxygen Flows Whether You are Breathing or Not
Simplest Continuous Flow System Standard Cannula Oxygen Regulator Oxygen Tank Oxygen Flow Control Continuous Flow System Greatest Oxygen Waste
Conserving Oxygen Conservation of Oxygen for Long Flights at High Altitudes
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
Oxysaver & Oxymizer Cannulas
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
Oxysaver Saves ~50% of Oxygen
Better Continuous Flow System Oxygen Conserving Cannula Oxygen Regulator Oxygen Tank Oxygen Flow Control Continuous Flow System ~50% Conservation
Best Oxygen Conservation Pulse Oxygen Systems Supplies Oxygen Only When You Breathe In
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
Altitude Pulse Demand O 2 Flow Control (Electronic) Only Provides O 2 When You Breathe In Saves >95% of O 2 Standard Oxygen Cannula
Altitude Pulse Demand O 2 Flow Control (Electronic) Flow-Fault & Apnea Sensing Alarms
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)
Best Pulse Flow Oxygen System Standard Cannula Oxygen Regulator Oxygen Tank Electronic Oxygen Pulse Flow Control Pulse Flow System >95% Conservation
Miscellaneous Information
High Altitude Oxygen Masks Typically used above 18,000ft
Fingertip Oxygen Sensor Inexpensive $15-$30 ebay, Amazon, Walmart, etc.
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! http://www.cfinotebook.net/notebook/aeromedical-and-human-factors/hypoxia
The Future? Concentrators of Free Oxygen
The End My System http://aviation.derosaweb.net jhderosa@yahoo.com