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]
References[]
- ↑ "About the Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA)". Naval Sea Systems Command. US Navy. http://www.dcfp.navy.mil/equip/oba.htm. Retrieved 2007-01-06.
- ↑ "About the Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA) Canister". Naval Sea Systems Command. US Navy. http://www.dcfp.navy.mil/equip/obacanister.htm. Retrieved 2007-04-06.
- ↑ "SCBA Case Study". Naval Sea Systems Command. US Navy. http://www.dcfp.navy.mil/library/dcnews/SCBACaseStudy.htm. Retrieved 2007-04-06.
The original article can be found at Oxygen Breathing Apparatus and the edit history here.