Description

A chemical oxygen generator is a device which produces oxygen for emergency use by means of a chemical reaction.

Aircraft Use

Aviation regulations require that an emergency oxygen supply is available to passengers in the event that there is a loss of cabin pressurisation at an altitude where the partial pressure of oxygen would be insufficient to sustain consciousness. The weight, complexity and maintenance issues associated with an oxygen tank system mean that the majority of transport aircraft use chemical oxygen generators to provide emergency oxygen for occupants of the passenger cabin.

Oxygen generators are usually installed above each seat row. If the cabin altitude reaches a predetermined height (14,000' is standard), or if the system is activated by the flight crew, overhead panels open and oxygen masks drop out. To put the mask on, it is necessary for the intending user to pull it down and this action releases the firing pin and activates the generator.