An Apparatus for Measuring the Biological Oxidation of Hydrogen Gas Under Hyperbaric Conditions.
Abstract
We designed, constructed, and operated an apparatus to permit us to expose mammalian tissues to high pressures and concentrations of hydrogen (H2), using the radioisotope tritium (T2) as a label. As part of a study of H2 as a breathing gas for deep diving, we needed to determine if mammalian tissues have a latent capacity to metabolize H2 that is only evident under hyperbaric conditions. The apparatus was designed to store up to 1 Curie T2 between experiments, mix T2 and H2 with air in the experimental chamber without producing an explosive mixture, and reclaim the T2 at the end of the experiment for safe disposal. The T2 was purchased in glass ampules. Storage of T2 was accomplished by placing the T2 ampule in a steel pressure chamber and breaking the ampule to release the T2 under complete containment. The potential problems from explosivity were solved by diluting the T2 and H2 with helium. Reclamation of the T2 was accomplished by passing a controlled stream of the T2 and H2 along with a controlled stream of air through a combustion trap.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA266834
Entities
People
- A. L. Harabin
- G. S. Goehring
- S. R. Kayar
- W. E. Long Jr.
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center