Development of an indigenized Hypoxicator to provide Normobaric Hypoxia Indoctrination to the aircrew.

The existing hypoxicator are imported. By virtue of which, they are expensive and require high maintenance. The availability of vendors and technical support is also limited for such hypoxicators. In addition, they do not conform to 'Make in India' clause. Development of an lndigenized hypoxicator would provide a safe and effective platform for Aeromedical Training in line with international Military Training.

Development-

Normobaric-hypoxia can be achieved by either of the following methods:

• Air separation through semipermeable membrane. Extracting oxygen from ambient air.
• Gas mixture from a single cylinder controlled by a solenoid valve and delivering different concentrations as per altitude (e.g., 8% O2 + 92% N2 to simulate 25000 ft).
• Different gas mixture in separate cylinders simulating different altitudes.

The air separation method is technology intensive and the integrated circuits needs to be imported whereas gas mixture is a simpler method not involving air separation.

The QRs are as follows:

• Power supply: Equipment to be compatible with Indian commercial electric supply.
• Desired Altitude Range: From ≤ 5000 ft. upto 30000 ft.
• Duration of Operation: The equipment should be able to function continuously up to 10h/day.
• One time compressor running hours without servicing: upto 5000h.
• Number of simultaneous mask users:  One to five.
• Flow-rate: Upto 50L Changeover from Hypoxia to Mormoxia should be within the Time of useful consciousness at that altitude.
• Noise Specification: Less than 50 dB
• Output Pressure: 14 to 110 psi
• Storage Humidity: Upto 95%
• Operating Temperature: 5 degree to 40 degree Celsius
• Mobility: It should be feasible to move the equipment from one place to another.
• Sturdiness: Connectors, tubing masks, mask harness and components which are prone for wear and tear should be of sturdy built.
• Installation and Demonstration: Installation and demonstration of the equipment to be carried out at IAM IAF, Bengaluru.
• Warranty: Onsite after sale servicing and repair of the equipment required for minimum 02 years. Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract for minimum 03 years.
• Training for Users: For Medical Officers who will use equipment for training and research.
• Training for Technicians: For technical staff to carry out daily inspection to assess serviceability of equipment and to undertake minor troubleshooting operations. Either independently or on telephonic consultation with OEM rep.
• Technical Manuals: Provision of Technical Manuals giving out all the technical details of the equipment.
• Spare Masks: Mask harness angles connections and consumables if any.