Ikels K G, Adams J D
Aviat Space Environ Med. 1979 Sep;50(9):939-42.
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.
分子筛制氧系统（MSOG）目前正被考虑用于替代飞机上的液态和气态氧气储存，以供应飞行员呼吸用氧。在飞机上采用机载制氧不仅能提高系统安全性，还能将后勤需求降至最低。然而，MSOG的一个独特之处在于，在从发动机引气中去除氮气的过程中，它不仅能富集氧气，还能富集氩气。目前系统产生的最大浓度约为95%的氧气和5%的氩气。这些结果引发了许多关于氩气在呼吸用气体产物中的生理效应的问题。本报告回顾了当前有关氩气作为气体呼吸系统中次要成分（小于10%）的文献，并建议在对分子筛制氧系统进行人体兼容性测试之前开展相关研究。
