Safety Analysis for Naval Liquid Oxygen Life Support System
Abstract
This research effort has examined both the generic hazards of the use of liquid oxygen (LOX) in a closed (submarine) environment and specific concerns relative to a current candidate design. In the generic analysis, more than 200 accidents involving LOX were investigated, and a chart showing the distribution of identifiable cases is shown in figure 1. This analysis identified the four most common causes, in descending order of frequency, as follows: contamination of LOX system with hydrocarbons, operator error, improper maintenance, and an unknown. The large number of cases in the unknown category reflects the often catastrophic nature of a LOX accident in which much of the evidence is destroyed. A similar analysis, conducted by Zabetakis, (3) identified a similar array of causes: mechanical failure of cryogenic components due to low temperature fatigue or component freeze-up, reaction of LOX with the containment vessel or auxiliary equipment, reaction of LOX with a contaminant, failure of safety devices, and operator error.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA115742