Analysis of On-Board Oxygen and Nitrogen Generation Systems for Surface Vessels.

Most Navy surface vessels are equipped with cryogenic LOX and LN storage-evaporator gas supply systems to produce oxygen and nitrogen for life support, flight service, and other system applications. Increased mobility and independence of land-base logistic support requires new, on-board O2 and N2 generation systems, to be installed on existing and future Navy ships. This study summarizes existing industrial candidate systems, and overviews some new processes under development. Analysis was conducted on gaseous oxygen and nitrogen generation systems of the most likely candidates, and particular attention was focused on molecular sieve gas separators. Next, the report concentrates on engineering design guidelines for constructions of on-board gas generators of confined scales. Safety, maintenance, and standard industrial and MIL requirements are summarized to help construct, test, and evaluate a scaled prototype on-board O2N2 generation system. The study identified two types of presently available industrial gas generation systems suitable for confined on-board applications. However, significant modifications and development are necessary to meet filtration, protection and stress-prevention requirements.