Book Description

A Model A-103 Pauling Oxygen Analyzer was used to determine oxygen partial pressure in a low pressure chamber during a one month study of acclimatization to high altitude. The instrument and the experimental procedure are described. The oxygen analyzer was checked at least once daily by chemical analysis of the same atmosphere, and the results are shown graphically. Many technical considerations arose in the use of the instrument; these topics were carefully studied, and they are related. As a consequence of this investigation several definite conclusions developed: The oxygen analyzer should be checked occasionally by chemical analysis in order to ascertain if there is a deviation. It may require recalibration by taking readings at two points. Unless the water vapor pressure is known the partial pressure of oxygen cannot be accurately measured on this instrument; however the magnitude of this error is less than 3 mm. at room temperature for air at sea level, but the error increases with altitude. The instrument possesses an inherently high degree of precision. It may be reliably read to within 2 mm. of oxygen partial pressure when corrected for known water vapor pressure and when corrected for its calibration factor, which must be determined. A low range instrument, it is felt, would yield exceedingly accurate results for air analysis at high altitudes. (Author).