SEALAB III - DIVER'S ISOTOPIC SWIMSUIT-HEATER SYSTEM.
Abstract
The Atomic Energy Commission and the Deep Submergence Systems Project Office included the development and evaluation of an isotopic swimsuit heating system in the SEALAB III program to demonstrate a use of atomic energy as a method for providing supplemental heat to divers. The task of developing a swimsuit heating 'package' was assigned to the Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory, Port Hueneme, California. The 'package' utilizes AEC furnished Plutonium 238 capsules for heating water which is pumped through a closed-cycle system including a diver's undergarment fitted with closely spaced plastic tubing. The diver wears a wet suit over this undergarment to aid in retaining the heat provided. The 'package' or isotope backpack segment is designed to be attached to a modified Mark VIII mixed gas breathing apparatus backpack. The specifications based upon available information at the time of initial development stages, did not provide for sufficient isotope to produce adequate supplemental heat. However, the final backpack design did not materially affect the diver's capabilities and the system was successfully tested with respect to its design operational characteristics. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0708680
Entities
People
- Douglas Taylor
- John J. Bayles
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center