A SOLID CHEMICAL AIR GENERATOR.
Abstract
The development of a solid chemical air generator capable of producing a breathable, oxygen enriched atmosphere for possible space applications was investigated. In the initial phase, the direct decomposition of solid ammonium nitrate to produce the desired atmosphere was studied. This direct method of conversion was found to be impractical as the reaction products included nitrogen oxides regardless of the conditions of decomposition. During the next phase, various catalyst systems for decomposition of nitrous oxide were investigated since the reaction products contained about 40% of this gas and results indicated this gas could be controlled. The level of nitrous oxide in the reaction products could not be increased sufficiently to provide the desired oxygen level, and it was necessary to decompose the nitrogen dioxide present in the reaction gases. A compact unit was developed that was capable of decomposing solid ammonium nitrate at a controlled rate on demand and partially converting the gases to provide an atmosphere containing about 12% oxygen. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0607480
Entities
People
- E. F. Morello
- Gavin H. Peters
- James E. Aker