Unmanned Evaluation of the U.S. Navy MK 16 First Article Closed-Circuit UBA (Underwater Breathing Apparatus)
Abstract
The Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) conducted unmanned performance testing on two first production article MK 16 underwater breathing apparatus (UBA) in October 1982. Breathing resistance/breathing work and oxygen (O2) set-point control studies were conducted in the NEDU Experimental Diving Facility (EDF) on air and helium oxygen (Heo2) at depths to 300 FSW using a hyperbaric breathing simulator. In addition, carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbent canister durations were conducted on both air and HeO2 at depths to 300 FSW in water temperatures ranging from 29 to 90F. Results of the unmanned performance testing revealed the breathing resistance/breathing work and CO2 absorbent canister durations were slightly improved over the pre-production model tested in January 1980. Initial testing of the MK 16 first article O2 set-point control system showed both units to be operating properly and within established limits. However, each UBA O2 add system completely failed to calibrate in the latter stages of the evaluation. This serious life support system failure requires tht follow-on testing of the MK 16 O2 add system be conducted by NEDU after the problem is corrected.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA133466
Entities
People
- James R. Middleton
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit