Evaluation of Northill 'Air-Lung' Regulator with Modified Diaphragm and Plugged Reserve Device

Abstract

Following reported high breathing resistance in production models of the Northill 'Air Lung' demand regulator, units were tested at EDU (Experimental Diving Unit) and found not to meet acceptance criteria. The manufacturer confirmed this and traced the defect to a faulty diaphragm mold. Modified regulators were submitted with an improved diaphragm and the reserve feature eliminated. Extensive mechanical respirator and subjective trapeze and pool tests revealed fully acceptable resistance characteristics. However, a noise-vibration condition exists at shallow depths during forced inhalation and on this basis the regulator is not accepted. A design defect in the new model, Northill 'ON-OFF' mouthpiece is also noted.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 20, 1959
Accession Number
AD0778810

Entities

People

  • G. Haslip
  • G. W. Hanger
  • W. Jr F. Serle

Organizations

  • United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Assembly
  • Drops
  • Exhaust Valves
  • Flow Rate
  • Fungi
  • High Pressure
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Open Water
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Production
  • Production Models
  • Respiration
  • Shallow Depth
  • Standards
  • Steady State
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Materials Science
  • Software Engineering