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→Oxygen candle: :2 NaClO<sub>3</sub> → 2 NaCl + 3 O<sub>2</sub> |
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==Oxygen candle==
{{See also|Vika oxygen generator|ISS ECLSS}}
A ''chlorate candle'', or an ''oxygen candle'', is a cylindrical chemical oxygen generator that contains a mix of [[sodium chlorate]] and [[iron]] powder, which when ignited [[smoldering|smolders]] at about {{convert|600|°C|°F|abbr=on}}, producing [[sodium chloride]], [[iron oxide]], and at a fixed rate about 6.5 man-hours of oxygen per kilogram of the mixture. The mixture has an indefinite shelf life if stored properly: candles have been stored for 20 years without decreased oxygen output. Thermal decomposition releases the oxygen. The burning iron supplies the heat. The candle must be wrapped in thermal insulation to maintain the reaction temperature and to protect surrounding equipment. The key reaction is:
:2 NaClO<sub>3</sub> → 2 NaCl + 3 O<sub>2</sub>
[[potassium chlorate|Potassium]] and [[lithium chlorate]], and [[sodium perchlorate|sodium]], [[potassium perchlorate|potassium]] and [[lithium perchlorate]]s can also be used in oxygen candles.
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