A Study of Gas Generators for Ship Salvage Buoyancy Systems
Abstract
Gases and gas generating materials have been reviewed to determine which are most suitable for ship salvage buoyancy devices. Three missions have been considered: a 3,000-ton lift from an ocean depth of 850 ft and 75-ton lifts from 12,000 and 20,000 ft. Hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, methane, ethane, and ethylene are the only gases suitable for these missions even at 850 ft. Hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and methane are useful at 12,000 and 20,000 ft, also. Cryogenic liquids offer the most economical source of buoyancy gases, but their application to the deeper missions may be restricted by the high-pressure storage problems associated with their development. The catalytic decomposition of hydrazine and the calcium hydride-seawater reaction are the most promising gas generating chemical reactions. Since the performance of the hydrazine decomposition has not been studied quantitatively at the high pressures encountered in the 12,000 and 20,000 ft missions, such an investigation must be conducted before this system can be evaluated with confidence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0879173
Entities
People
- James T. Bryant
Organizations
- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake