Molecular sieve oxygen generating system: the argon question--a brief review

The molecular sieve oxygen generating system (MSOG) is currently being considered as a replacement for liquid and gaseous stores on aircraft for the supply of aviator's breathing oxygen. Incorporation of onboard oxygen generation in aircraft not only increases system safety but also minimizes logistic requirements. However, a unique characteristic of the MSOG is that it concentrates not only oxygen but also argon in the process of removing nitrogen from engine bleed air. Maximum concentrations produced by present systems are in the order of 95% oxygen and 5% argon. These results have precipitated numerous questions relating to the physiological effects of argon in the product breathing gas. This report reviews the current literature concerning argon as a minor constituent (less than 10%) in gas breathing systems and recommends studies prior to human compatibility testing of the molecule sieve oxygen generating systems.