CHAPTER 8
OXYGEN SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Always store LOX with the vent valve open.
Oxygen systems on naval aircraft require several
types of support equipment to ensure their safe and
Relief valves on the tank protect the tank in case of
satisfactory operation. AMEs are concerned with
malfunction, and are not to be used as pressure
support equipment that is used for storage and servicing
regulators.
of oxygen. In this chapter, storage tanks and servicing
Never confine LOX in piping or a container
equipment are discussed.
without adequate safety devices. When the liquid
As an AME it is your responsibility to know and
expands to a gas, the pressure buildup will rupture most
understand the safety precautions that are involved
piping, tubing, or containers.
when working with or handling liquid or gaseous
oxygen and its support equipment.
Comply with all safety directives. Fifty feet
This information should not stop with just the
away is the safe distance to permit smoking, open
personnel of your rate, but it should be stressed to all
flames, or sparks in a LOX handling area. Assure that
aviation maintenance personnel, so they won't
painting and markings on the LOX tank are maintained
mishandle or mistreat AME support equipment.
as required. Oxygen gas does not burn, but it vigorously
Examples include playing with valves of service
supports combustion of any material that does burn.
trailers, standing or sitting on trailers, hauling tools and
Keep LOX away from absorbent materials,
equipment on them, spilling oils and other fluids on
loose clothing, or rags. These materials can trap oxygen
them, etc. Their awareness will reduce the possibility of
gas and later be ignited by a spark, cigarette, or match.
creating hazardous conditions that could cause serious
injury to themselves or others.
When LOX equipment is in use, keep it in a
Safety precautions also can be found in NAVAIR
well-ventilated area away from all gasoline, kerosene,
06-30-501, Technical Manual of Oxygen/Nitrogen
oil, grease, and other hydrocarbons. These substances
Cryogenic Systems.
are not compatible with LOX. Spontaneous ignition
may result from contact with these substances.
LIQUID OXYGEN SERVICING
EQUIPMENT
TMU-70/M, LOW LOSS, CLOSED LOOP
LIQUID OXYGEN SERVICING TRAILER
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Describe liquid
oxygen-servicing equipment to include safety
The primary purpose of portable transfer equip-
precautions, LOX servicing trailers, and sys-
ment is to provide a means of servicing oxygen systems
tem servicing.
installed in aircraft. This section will cover the
Oxygen servicing equipment for both liquid and
TMU-70/M low loss, closed loop trailer (fig. 8-1).
gaseous oxygen systems are discussed in this section.
Since AMEs operate this equipment, they must be
familiar with purging and sampling procedures as well
as operation of the equipment while servicing aircraft
oxygen systems.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The following safety precautions must be observed
when handling liquid oxygen (LOX):
Never allow LOX to contact your skin. The
extremely low temperature of the liquid quickly freezes
skin, and severe frostbite results. If your skin is
splashed with LOX, immediately flush the area
Figure 8-1.--TMU-70/M low loss, closed loop, liquid oxygen
thoroughly with water, and then obtain first aid.
servicing trailer.
8-1
