ROBD2 - Oxygen Breathing Device

The Environics^® Series 6202 Reduced Oxygen Breathing Device 2 is a next-generation system that simulates altitude exposure. The device could be utilized in both research and hypoxia training applications.

Since 2017, the U.S. Navy stopped the use of low-pressure chambers in hypoxia training. They have since utilized the ROBD 2 to train aircrew in recognizing signs and symptoms of hypoxia, conducting research on the condition, and performing appropriate hypoxia emergency responses. The U.S. Army also uses the ROBD for crew re-training.

New Features

The Environics^® Series 6202 currently possess the following features:

• New pulse oximeter with a touch-screen interface
• A single one-flow rate for all altitudes between 40 and 80 LPM
• The internal reservoir that  generates a faster refresh rate to the mask
• Addition of an inline oxygen filter
• Pulse ox probe connection moved to the rear of the chassis
• Utilizes only HRT

The Environics^® Series 6202 utilizes Thermal Mass Control Flow Controllers (MFC) to mix breathing air and nitrogen, producing sea-level equivalent atmospheric oxygen contents to a maximum altitude of 40,000 feet. MFCs are calibrated on a primary flow standard that is developed and approved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The system facilitates changes in pressure and gas expansion as an altitude function. A number of safety features are built into the device, including the prevention of over-pressurization of the mask, prevention of reduced oxygen contents keyed in for a certain altitude, and an emergency dump switch that could supply 100% of oxygen to users. The device software is menu-driven.

The functionality of all system components is initially verified using built-in self-tests that are completer prior to system operation. If any self-test fails, then the system will refuse to operate. The system is designed to work with bottled gases and gases produced by a nitrogen or air generator which is excluded from the package but is available separately.

Environics also offer an optional ROBD2 simulator accessory package to simplify the setup of a fully-integrated system.

ROBD2 Features

• Elevation of 0 to 40,000 feet
• Oxygen range of 21% to 4.4%
• Integrated pulse oximeter
• Integrated oxygen analyzer
• Emergency oxygen dump switch for 100% oxygen delivery

Options and Add-ons

• Wheeled shipping case with dual handles, one-piece construction, created using lightweight, high-impact polyethylene
• Dual-stage regulators with braided hoses
• Additional pulse oximeter probes and sensors
• Simulator accessory package

ROBD Applications

• Aircrew training and research
• References in the scientific literature:
  • Clinical research
  • High altitude training and research
  • Medical stress testing
  • Hypoxia Simulator

Product Specifications

• Power input: 110 to 240 VAC
• Altitude range of 0 to 40,000 feet
• Incremental adjustment of altitude: 1 foot
• Maximum ascent/descent rate: 60,000 feet per minute
• Minimum ascent/descent rate: 1 foot per minute
• Breathing mask connector: MS 22058-2
• EMI / RFI protected
• Gas inputs: standard (1/4" FNPT)
• Pressure: nitrogen and air (40 psig), oxygen (20 psig)
  • Gas input color codes: nitrogen (CGA 580, black), air (CGA 346, yellow), oxygen (CGA 540, green)
  • Communications: RS232
  • Capacity: one Subject Under Test (SUT) at a time
  • Oxygen Dump: 100% oxygen dump switch to be activated by the user
  • Pulse oximeter featuring built-in displays for both pulse and SpO₂, selectable alarm settings, fingertip probe or Y-sensor with ear clips, oxygen saturation range between 0 to 100%, accuracy (for 1 standard deviation or 68% of sample distribution) of +/- 2% SpO₂ (for 80-100% SpO₂), display Resolution of 1%
  • Pulse rate range of 0 to 300 beats per minute (bpm), the accuracy of +/- 1% of full scale (for 1 standard deviation or 68% of sample distribution), the display resolution of 1 bpm
  • Oxygen sensor range of 1 to 100% O₂, the accuracy of less than +/- 1.0% oxygen at constant temperature and pressure (when calibrated in air and 100% oxygen), resolution of 0.1% oxygen
  • Output range: programmable for altitude or oxygen concentration and duration per step
  • Dimensions: 12.0" (30.48 cm) height x 17.5" (44.45 cm) width x 23.5" (59.69 cm) length
  • Weight: 55 lbs (20.4 kg)
  • Voltage: 110-240 VAC ( +/- 10%), 50/60 HZ
  • Power consumption: 55 watts
  • Performance temperatures: 15 °C to 35 °C
  • Storage temperature range: -10 °C to 50 °C