Oxygen Breathing Apparatus

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This article is about a particular make of USA naval breathing set. For oxygen breathing sets in general, see rebreather.

An Oxygen Breathing Apparatus or OBA is a rebreather. It is used primarily in firefighting. Its oxygen is generated by chemicals contained in the green canister, which is inserted at the base of the breathing device. [1] The canister uses potassium superoxide as both a CO2 scrubber and an O2 generator. A sodium chlorate candle in the base generates additional oxygen when first beginning use. [2]

As of early 2001, the US Navy has been replacing the OBA for firefighting with the SCBA. The SCBA is more cost-effective than the OBA, and also does not produce hazardous waste, a problem with the chemical oxygen generation system. [3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ About the Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA). Naval Sea Systems Command. US Navy. Retrieved on 2007-01-06.
  2. ^ About the Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA) Canister. Naval Sea Systems Command. US Navy. Retrieved on 2007-04-06.
  3. ^ SCBA Case Study. Naval Sea Systems Command. US Navy. Retrieved on 2007-04-06.
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