Phase 1: Laboratory Investigation of Portable Instruments for Submarine Air Monitoring
Abstract
The submarine atmosphere is a unique controlled and monitored environment in which sailors live and work for extended periods of time. Atmosphere monitoring is principally done with the Central Atmosphere Monitoring System, which is used to monitor life gases, permanent gases, and some trace constituents. However, 17 different detectors, primarily colorimetric (Drager) tubes, are currently used to supplement the atmosphere analysis measurements made aboard U.S. Navy submarines. The submarine fleet has requested that these tubes be replaced with a more modern, less labor intensive measurement system. It is possible to replace many of the existing detectors with instruments that will incorporate more than one sensor at a time. This report presents an evaluation of six instruments equipped with oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and lower explosive limit sensors for use in submarines as portable air monitors. This is the first phase of a three-phase program concerned with investigating potential detection methods to replace the Drager tubes currently used. In this phase, the Draeger Multiwarn II and Enmet Omni are both strong candidates and demonstrated good performance. The cross sensitivity of the carbon monoxide sensor with hydrogen is a concern when monitoring the air in submarines and will need further consideration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 29, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417349
Entities
People
- John Callahan
- Juliane Werner
- Mark H. Hammond
- Susan L. Rose-Pehrsson
- Thomas W. Evans
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory