System Evaluation of Solid Chemical Oxygen Generators

Aircraft system planners are turning increasingly to the possibility of replacing LOX with alternative types of breathable oxygen supply systems that are less dependent on re-supply and maintenance. Solid chemical chlorate candle oxygen generation is a candidate among the alternative systems being considered. This effort concerned the test and performance evaluation of two basic types of chlorate candle oxygen generators while operating in a laboratory system console. The two candle formulations were compared for oxygen producing capacity, flowrate, and ignitability. System data on candle generator temperature and accumulator pressure was also recorded. The results of the effort established that sodium chlorate candle ignition and performance were more consistent and superior to lithium perchlorate candles.