THERMAL EVALUATION OF A POLYVINYLCHLORIDE EXPOSURE SUIT (EMPRESS) AND COMPARISON WITH PRESENT SUBMARINE DECK EXPOSURE SUIT
Abstract
The study determined the general performance and survival times afforded by the 'Empress' polyvinylchloride exposure suit (PVES) and the present submarine deck exposure suit in 44F water, 32F air, and 20 MPH wind speed. Tests were also conducted utilizing the PVCES in 44F water, 20F air, and 20 MPH wind, with: (a) men standing one-half hour in the water (simulating Bridge watch); (b) men standing one hour, out of the water, in 20F air, 20 MPH wind (simulating Conning Tower watch); men dry, moving about the habitat. It was found that the PVCES did provide reasonable survival time at the extreme environmental condition (44F water, 32F air, 20 MPH wind) in all subjects, and that the four subjects were taken from the water after an average time of 1.8 hours of exposure. It was estimated that damage to the hands and feet would probably occur between 3.4 and 8.2 hours and death would probably occur between 5.4 and 16.1 hours of exposure. Wearing the SDES, the four subjects were taken from the water after an average time of 1.1 hours of exposure. It was estimated that damage to the hands and feet would probably occur between 2.0 and 4.4 hours, while death would require 4.0 to 7.8 hours of exposure. Tests conducted on the PVCES simulating Bridge and Conning Tower watch conditions and also during the dry experiments indicated that no discomfort would be encountered during the normal watch-standing time interval.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0678375
Entities
People
- David A. Hall
- Joel J. Nobel
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory