Method for Estimating the Remaining Capacity of the Carbon Dioxide Scrubber in the Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Pack
Abstract
The Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Pack (HOTP), a part of the Submarine Rescue and Decompression System is essentially a closed-circuit breathing apparatus. Therefore, it has a CO2 absorber with a limited, often unpredictable lifetime. Currently, the estimated endurance of such absorbers is based on tests performed under conditions similar to those expected during actual use of the absorbers. However, their endurance is never perfectly consistent, and it depends on the user's production of CO2, as well as the ambient temperature and pressure. Endurance estimates must be conservative to avoid a likelihood of excessive CO2 levels in the inhaled gas. This means that some absorbing capacity usually remains in the absorber at the recommended canister change-out times. In situations where the Submarine Rescue and Decompression System will be used, both the availability of the absorbent and the storage space are limited. Therefore, it is essential to use the absorbent completely and without allowing excess CO2 levels in the inhaled gas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA442777
Entities
People
- Dan E. Warkender
- John R. Clarke
Organizations
- United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit