Thermal Protection of Commercial Dry Suit Diving Systems
Abstract
Total insulation values of seven commercial variable volume dry diving suits, and of four of these suits worn in combination with various commercial and Navy insulating undergarments, were measured on an electrically heated copper man standing in air or immersed to the neck in water. Values in air ranged from 1.27 clo to 1.92 clo for the suits alone, and from 1.89 to 2.67 clo for the suit-undergarment combinations. These values decreased by from 0.73 clo to 1.29 clo in water, of which 0.66 clo represented reduction in the amount of film insulation at the suit surface Block 20, with immersion (0.84 clo in air versus 0.18 clo in water); the remainder decreased intrinsic insulation of the ensemble due to water pressure. Extension of these results to a diver working in water (metabolic rate M = 400 watts) indicated that none of the combinations would protect adequately for two hours at 0 C, although four were adequate at 5 C and above. However, these combinations would cause serious overheating after two hours of moderate activity (M = 200 watts) in air at 15 C or below unless the suit was unzipped or hood and gloves removed to increase cooling.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA106728
Entities
People
- James E. Bogart
- John R. Breckenridge
- Ralph F. Goldman
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine