Oxygen Breathing Apparatus

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]

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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]

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.