An Environmentally-Controlled Extended-Use Small Animal Hypobaric Chamber,
Abstract
An environmentally-controlled extended-use small animal hypobaric chamber has been designed to study small laboratory animals at low barometric pressures for long periods of exposure. The rectangular chamber (91.4 x 71.1 x 50.8 cm) is constructed of aluminum plate and acrylic resin with a volume of 330,000 cc. A computer/data acquisition control unit provides for controlling and collecting data on pressure, temperature, and relative humidity (RH) for sustained operations. Altitude simulation is achieved using a two-stage, air-cooled vacuum pump with a displacement of 30 cc/min. The pressure within the chamber is controlled by an incremental throttling valve in the vacuum line. Temperature (0-100 C) is accomplished by using a remote-controlled constant temperature circulating bath. RH (20-80%) is regulated by pre-conditioning the ventilation purge air prior to entering the chamber. Acceptable levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are maintained by purging with sufficient volumes of fresh air.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA166729
Entities
People
- Allen Cymerman
- James A. Devine
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine