Determination of the Potentialities of the Mine Safety Appliance Self-Contained Swimming Outfit for Descents to 400 Feet Using Helium-Oxygen Breathing Mixtures.
Abstract
The MSA self-contained swimming outfit is suitable for descents, up to 250 feet under dry chamber conditions. The breathing resistance is satisfactory for the time required for descent, but it would probably be intolerable for the entire duration of the dive. The effective carbon dioxide concentrations were well within safe limits for all runs. There was sufficient breathing gas available for descents to 400 feet with highly trained personnel but insufficient for ascents in most cases and especially so when decompression would be necessary. A nervous reaction occured in all subjects at 300 feet and it is believed that descents below 250 feet are unsafe. This reaction may have been caused by the excessive heat. The chamber temperature was in the 120 - 125F range for the deeper depths.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1950
- Accession Number
- AD0741107
Entities
People
- Thomas N. Blockwick
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit