Fluid Contamination of Aircraft-Cabin Air and Breathing Oxygen

摘要

From different manufacturers, a series of lubricating oils (MIL-L-7808), hydraulic fluids (MIL-H-5606), and heat-transfer fluids (MIL-C-47220) were obtained to test their potential for contaminating aircraft breathing air and oxygen. No significant differences were detectable in the compositions of lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids, irrespective of the origin, including fluids recovered after service in an aircraft. The two heat-transfer fluids of interest were single compounds. Under normal operating conditions, the hydraulic and heat-transfer fluids afforded minimal quantities of products. The lubricating oils volatized to a large degree; the mists consisted essentially of unchanged starting materials. Tests simulating line rupture with fluid spilling onto a hot, 450 C (850 F), metal surface in the presence of air resulted in excessive fluid degradiation. In all instances, significant quantities of hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and alcohols were produced. Among these, the highly toxic formaldehyde, acrolein, formic acid, and formates were found and quantitated. (Author)