A new portable oxygen system which is not at risk from explosion has been created, thanks to some help from platinum.

Whereas traditional oxygen units store highly pressurised oxygen, which can be dangerous because of the flammable nature of the gas, a new development from Oxy-Gen Flexible life Systems uses a range of metals to produce non-pressurised oxygen immediately.

Containing platinum, manganese, hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate, the new units have valves which, once opened, allow the separate elements to mix, generating oxygen that is 99.97 per cent pure within 27 seconds.

"These units can be used in firefighting, military operations, mines and others places where pressurized oxygen is unsafe because of the potential fire danger," explained Frank Fosella, chairman and president of Oxy-Gen.

He added: "Our system will make it feasible to keep emergency oxygen in public buildings such as senior citizens centres, convention complexes, airports, schools, churches and restaurants."


Ÿ Adfero Ltd