Tuning nitrogen in pcp (FX)

[MysticalDragon]

I have to tell you N2 just about killed me but it was a fluke. I was the main autoclave operator programmer at BAE systems in Ontario CA. We had a problem with the water chiller that was used to cool the auto clave after a run. It would just keep running. Well it ran over the weekend and when I came in to work my lead told me that I needed to get the clave unloaded asap so they could start laying up the next part. The temperature inside the clave was down in the 50s so the air inside just hung there when normally it's warm and will be displaced by the cooler air outside of the clave. So I climb up into the clave and start disconnecting vacuum hoses next thing I know it's lights out. Luckily I was just a few feet inside and when I passed out my head was in air that had some oxygen in it. If for some reason I'd of had to go to the back of the clave it would've been lights out permanently. I never felt like I was out of breath because I was able to rid myself of the CO2 but wasn't bringing in any oxygen.

Glad you are ok. Like you said, it was a fluke and a specialized situation. We often used atmospheric testers when in confined spaces, especially fuel tanks or places where a possibility of an unusually high concentration of a gas could occur like you experienced.

However the concern that 7green mentioned wouldn't happen or be a concern inside a car, or even a room. Its not a confined or airtight space. There just isn't the volume of nitrogen in even a scba tank to displace enough oxygen to matter, unless someone has severe respiratory problems requiring the use of an oxygen tank or concentrator.

 

[nfakbc]

I've always wondered the same thing.

 

[jmohme]

You probably know this if you have access to it but be careful where you use it. Nitrogen makes up a large portion of the atmosphere but it will also displace oxygen in high concentrations. Watch for leaks and use good ventilation.

True, but CO2 is worse and it is a common gas used in airguns.