FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
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Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-93/6

Title and Subtitle: Comparison of portable crewmember protective breathing equipment (PPBE) designs

Report Date: April 1993

Authors: Wilcox, B. Jr., McLean, G. and England, H. Jr.

Abstract: CPBE presently certified for transport category aircraft employ 3 types of oxygen production systems: chlorate candle, potassium superoxide, and compressed oxygen. CPBE performance was evaluated to expose significant differences based on this distinction. CPBE tests employing humans were conducted in accordance with FAA Technical Standard Order C-116. All CPBE were tested for oxygen production, carbon dioxide concentration, internal temperature, moisture, and breathing resistance for 15 minutes at ground level (1,300 ft) and cabin altitude (8,000 ft), while subjects exercised. All CPBE produced a mean oxygen level of at least 59% and maintained carbon dioxide level below 5% at ground level. Differences in internal temperature and humidity were found. Performance at altitude generally paralleled these findings. Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels provide little discrimination about the relative merits of particular CPBE. However, differences in the wearability of CPBE, based on internal temperature, humidity, and weight, were dependent on the type of CPBE oxygen production system.

Key Words: Crewmember protective breathing equipment (CPBE)

No. of Pages: 12