Manned Testing of Two Closed-Circuit Oxygen Underwater Breathing Apparatus: U.S. Navy Emerson Rig and Fenzy PO.68.
Abstract
The breathing characteristics of two types of closed circuit oxygen Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA), at a pressure equivalent to 30 feet of sea water were studied in the Ocean Simulation Facility of the Navy Experimental Diving Unit. Breath-by-breath curves of inhaled and exhaled oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and inspiratory/expiratory pressure curves were recorded. For the first type, the U.S. Navy Recirculating Underwater Breathing Apparatus, Closed-Circuit, Oxygen (Emerson Rig), the carbon dioxide absorbent canister duration at 70 deg F (21 deg C) exceeded the arbitrary cutoff of 240 minutes with diver-subjects doing moderate work; at 40 deg F (4 deg C) the canister duration was 199 minutes. For the second type, the Fenzy PO.68, the canister duration at 70 deg F (21 deg C) was 95 minutes, and no studies were done at 40 deg F. Both types were able to support divers doing hard work. Five cases of oxygen toxicity were seen, including three divers with mild symptoms, one with a near-convulsion, and one with a convulsion. Originator-supplied keywords include: Graded exercise, and Breathing resistance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA148300
Entities
People
- H. J. C. Schwartz
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit