Improved chlorate candle is used as a solid, portable source of oxygen in emergency situations. It contains sodium chlorate, iron, barium peroxide, and glass mixed in powdered form. The oxygen evolves from the decomposition of the sodium chlorate when an ignition pellet is electrically initiated

Haug, R. D.

Myers, D. A.

Tanzar, G. F.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

July 1967	 Brief 67-10095 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Improved Chlorate Candle Provides Concentrated Oxygen Source 
Sleeve
	 Chemical Mixture 
String Tie 
(Both Ends) 
The problem: 
To develop an improved chlorate candle to be used 
as a solid, portable source of oxygen in emergency 
situations. The candle must meet more stringent 
requirements than previously available chlorate 
candles. These requirements include increased 
resistance to shock and vibration, lower specific 
gravity, lower heat of reaction, and a more uniform 
rate of oxygen evolution. 
The solution: 
A candle containing the following components in 
percent by weight: 
Sodium chlorate 86.5 
Iron 3.5 
Barium peroxide 4.0 
Glass 6.0
How it's done: 
The mixed powdered components are cast in a 
cylindrical mold of the desired dimensions. An 
ignition pellet and an electric match are inserted in 
one end of the solidified casting and the assembly is 
inserted in a commercially available, high temperature 
(18000 to 20000 F), lightweight sleeve composed of
Electric Match / 
and Ignition Pellet 
Electric Leads 
essentially pure fibrous silica. The ends of the sleeve 
are tied and the completed candle is inserted in a 
canister containing an outlet for the oxygen that is 
evolved (from the decomposition of the sodium 
chlorate) when the ignition pellet is electrically ini-
tiated. 
Notes: 
1. Applications of the improved candles are indicated 
as emergency oxygen supplies for medical purposes 
and in rescue packs. Analysis has shown that the 
candles evolve oxygen of 99+ % purity. 
2. The improved candles were designed for use in a 
developmental portable life support system for 
astronauts engaged in orbital extravehicular mis-
sions. This system provides suit pressurization, 
oxygen at a controlled metabolic rate, carbon 
dioxide removal, and humidity and thermal control. 
3. Inquiries concerning the complete system as well as 
the oxygen-supply candles may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: B67-10095 
ift (continued overleal) 
IRMW
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights. 
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19670000095 2020-03-11T20:42:41+00:00Z
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: R. D. Haug, D. A. Myers,

and G. F. Tanzar
of the Garrett Corporation

under contract to

Manned Spacecraft Center

(M SC- 113 7)
S 
Brief 67-10095	 Category 03


Improved chlorate candle provides concentrated oxygen source

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