Evaluation of the Use of Hydrogen-Oxygen as a Breathing Gas in Deep-Sea Diving,
Abstract
This study attempts to define the state-of-the-art for the use of Hydrogen-Oxygen mixtures for diving operations by compiling information relative to past and current research efforts in the U.S. and foreign countries. This information was utilized to indicate possible areas of application with this mixture for appropriate conditions and define areas in which hydrogen-oxygen mixtures could offer physiological advantages not possible with currently used breathing mixtures. Further research requirements prior to operational use of this mixture are indicated from this study and recommendations for current and future research and development needs are included in this report. Hydrogen-oxygen mixtures have shown sufficient advantage to warrant further research for possible future applications. Present experience indicates that H2-02 mixtures offer some potential advantages over present helium-oxygen bounce diving applications for operations where on site gas storage space is limited and/or resupply of breathing gas mixtures are a potential problem. Present experience indicates that H2-He-02 mixtures offer some potential advantages over present helium-oxygen saturation diving operations at depths where increased diver performance and reduction of breathing resistance is an important factor. Hydrogen narcosis effects and decompression requirements are the major primary physiological research areas requiring investigation prior to possible applications of such mixtures for operational usage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA165797
Entities
People
- Peter Edel