PulsOx Emergency O2 System
[QUOTE=wiggy;10615215]Can't comment of the specifics of the 787 but there certainly are other large passenger aircraft around that use gaseous oxygen/"ring main" systems.
The 787 and certain A350's, are equipped with the Collins Aerospace (that's UTC now) PulsOx system. New technology indeed which introduces lightweight O2 cylinders along with complex, electronically controlled pyrotechnic supply valves. (the ones in question) . Operation is driven by a pcb at each seat set. This system is said to reduce system weight compared to a ring main installation. Strangely, Collins make no weight comparison with the widely used O2 generator system.
The main attraction of the O2 generator is its simplicity. Oxygen is provided by the action of the user pulling the mask downward, withdrawing a safety pin to activate the chemical reaction. Maintenance is simple; confined to checking the serviceability of the panel latches and confirming that the generator has not reached its expiry date. That very check prompted an FAA/EASA scare in 2017 when it was found that a batch of life expired generators would not work when attempts were made to dispose of them.
Most aircraft in my experience have chemical O2 generators. They seemed to have been introduced with DC10's way back when. The L1011 from the same era came with the ring main though. Which aircraft still operate with a ring main system?
Wiggy, in my old outfit it was forbidden to tap into the ring main for planned medical cases. The Stretcher Kit came complete with sufficient Therapeutic Bottles for the whole trip.