Commercially Available US Divers Regulators
Abstract
Evaluations were conducted to determine which commercially available open-circuit SCUBA regulators were capable of meeting performance goal standards for Navy use. Bench testing of all candidate regulators was conducted to establish flow patterns and air delivery capacity. Unmanned testing using a breathing simulator at ventilation rates of 22.5, 40, 62.5, 75, and 90 L/min at test depths of 0 to 60 msw (O to 198 fsw), in 10 msw (33 fsw) increments was conducted to determine work of breathing (WOB) values. Each candidate regulator mode( was subjected to five runs each. The mean WOB value was then compared to the Performance Goal Standard of 1.37 Joules per Liter (J/L) at 60 msw (198 fsw) by using a one sample T-test with a significance established at P<0.05. Testing was conducted in ambient temperature water, approximateLy 21 deg C (70 deg F), with supply pressures of 10.34 and 3.44 MPa (1500 and 500 psi). in addition to this testing, cold water regulators were tested in -2.2 deg C + or -0.5 deg C (28 deg F to 31 deg F) water to determine candidate regulators propensity for freeze-up. Manned testing was conducted in two phases to subjectively rate regulator performance as well as fit and function. Phase one consisted of dives in the Ocean Simulation Facility (OSF) to 58 msw (190 fsw) and phase two consisted of open sea dives not exceeding 40 msw (130 fsw). Open-Circuit SCUBA Regulators, Cold Water Open-Circuit SCUBA Regulators, Authorized for Navy Use (ANU) list, Work of Breathing (WOB), Respiratory Minute Volume (RMV).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA280692
Entities
People
- J. A. Noe
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit