Mining Publication: Technology News 555 - New Very High-Pressure Oxygen Cylinders for Use in Closed-Circuit Self-Contained Self-Rescuers (SCSRs)

• Closed circuit breathing apparatus

New materials have allowed for a reduced size and weight of compressed gas cylinders that store pure oxygen at high pressures, giving manufacturers of closed-circuit self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs) improved options for meeting the new standard for oxygen consumption requirements set forth in 42 CFR Part 84 Subpart O. These newly designed very high-pressure cylinders —currently Department of Transportation (DOT)-certified for oxygen duty to 3,000 psi and now available in two sizes—will enable manufacturers to reduce the overall size and weight of future SCSR units by incorporating these cylinders in their designs. Using this new cylinder technology at 3,000 psi represents a significant advancement, affording greater SCSR design flexibility by allowing manufacturers to choose between cylinders with two length dimensions, using them singularly or in combination, which will enable different capacities and therefore different operational durations for SCSR designs. Moreover, the new cylinder technology was designed to be capable of meeting DOT certification for 5,000 psi oxygen duty. Therefore, SCSR manufacturers can pursue DOT certification for use at 5,000 psi to further reduce the size and weight of their devices beyond what is already achievable at 3,000 psi.