Author: E. Staten Wynne

Publisher:

Published: 1968

Total Pages: 34

ISBN-13:

An altitude chamber has been developed which is adapted to infectious disease research. Long-term mammalian experimentation can be carried out under pressures ranging from ambient to 50,000 ft. simulated altitude; oxygen contents ranging from near 100% to as low as compatible with mammalian life; PCO2 up to 10%; and temperature from ambient to 10C. Recorders continuously register these parameters and the relative humidity. A lock allows entry without interruption of the experiments. Personnel safety features include individual oxygen regulators, an intercommunication system, windows for visual monitoring, manually operated valves for emergency recompression, an external location of electrical connections and switches, fireproof clothing, and a sprinkler system automatically activated by ultraviolet radiation. A high-intensity ultraviolet unit initially used for decontamination of exhaust gases is being replaced by an incinerator. Ample penetrations are available for telemetry or other instrumentation. Use of gases such as helium, as well as low-level cobalt-60 radiation, can be instituted with minor modifications.