A Method to Determine Accuracy in End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Monitoring
Abstract
An injection system was developed to determine the accuracy of end- tidal monitoring of carbon dioxide in a hyperbaric chamber. Sample tube diameter, flow rates, placement of reducing valves to control flow, and water traps were studied with sample tubes (34 m long) from 1,000 to 150 feet of sea water (FSW). A sensitive indicator of sample tube mixing in response time, defined as time to reach 90% of full scale deflection of a known calibration gas injection. From 1,000 to 380 FSW, ideal sample tube was Lee (internal diameter = 0.0.32 in) and from 190 to 150 FSW, Nylaflow (internal diameter = 0.078 in). Sampling rate of 2,500 ml/min, controlled at depth, gave adequate response times of 240 to 320 msec for injections from 1,000 to 150 FSW. Controlling the flow at the surface, using water traps (test tubes) and sample flows less than 2,500 ml/ min prolonged the response time to unacceptable levels. This technique predetermines appropriate sample tube diameter and flow and eliminated sources of mixing to insure accurate end-tidal CO2 measurements. (JES)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA224079
Entities
People
- John A. Sterba
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit