Document No. 715-7000
Revision E
Page 39 of 63
Effect of Altitude on the AeroNOx
Effect of Altitude on AeroNOx Oxygen Sensor
Test Conditions: PIP: 30 cmH2O, PEEP: 5 cmH2O, Ti: 0.3 seconds, RR: 60,
Flow: 10 LPM FiO2: 1.0, NO: 20 ppm, ASCENDING
n=5
96.5 (0.3)
91.6 (0.4)
88.3 (0.3)
82.0 (0.3)
76.1 (0.6)
70.7 (0.6)
65.7 (0.60
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
2200
3000
4000
6000
8000
10,000
12,000
Altitude (feet above sea level)
O
xyg
en
(%)
Mean
(SD)
NO and NO
2
Sensors
The AeroNOx
NO and NO
2
sensors are not pressure dependent and are thus unaffected by
altitude changes during transport.
Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor in the AeroNOx
is affected by altitude (partial pressure) changes. The
above graph shows a predictable linear slope for the first 4000 feet and then a nominal change
between 4000 and 12,000 feet. As altitude increases, the oxygen percentage display will
decrease to reflect the change in partial pressure at the corresponding change in altitude. The
following formula can be used to calculate the predicted change in oxygen percentage at a
specific altitude.
NOTE:
Remember to first determine the effect of the NO delivery on the oxygen
percentage as shown in
SECTION VII
, Calculations and Troubleshooting.