What is aircraft depressurization?

Depressurisation, also called decompression, is the reduction of atmospheric pressure inside a contained space such as the cabin of a pressurised aircraft. Oxygen masks in the cabin fell from the overhead panels but not all passengers used them.

How does depressurization occur?

Decompression can occur due to structural failure of the pressure vessel, or failure of the compression system itself. The speed and violence of the decompression is affected by the size of the pressure vessel, the differential pressure between the inside and outside of the vessel, and the size of the leak hole.

How does an aircraft become pressurized?

How airplanes are pressurized. All airplane cabins are pressurized to simulate the amount of pressure felt at 8,000 feet. Pressurization happens via the engines, which compress incoming air, heat it up, and then divert some of that hot compressed air to the cabin.

What causes cabin depressurization?

Depressurisation of the aircraft cabin as a result of structural failure, pressurisation system malfunction, an inadvertent crew action or a deliberate crew intervention.

What is depressurization?

verb (used with object), de·pres·sur·ized, de·pres·sur·iz·ing. to remove the air pressure from (a pressurized compartment of an aircraft or spacecraft). to relieve the tensions of; cause to relax: A week’s vacation should depressurize me.

What is a depressurization test?

The depressurization test is performed when construction is complete on a new house or renovation. Fundamentally, depressurization is a negative pressure that develops when an exhaust device, for example, a range hood in your kitchen or an exhaust fan in your bathroom, is turned on in the home.

What is depressurized fire extinguisher?

Over time, like an old or worn car tire, a fire extinguisher can develop a slow leak that releases the gas. When this happens, fire extinguisher depressurization occurs. This process can be due to a leaky or damaged valve or valve component such as an O-ring seal or valve stem.

What happens during depressurization?

Protocol dictates that the pilot fly to a lower cruising altitude, usually below 10,000 feet, so that breathing would no longer be a problem for a healthy person. If depressurization happened slowly, passengers might not notice right away, Padfield said. They might feel woozy and drift into unconsciousness.

Why is aircraft cabin pressurized?

To recap, airplanes are pressurized because it protects pilot, crew and passengers from hypoxia. Airplanes are designed to pump air into the cabin to mimic the 14.7 pounds per square (PSI) of pressure that’s found at sea level.