diving systems-1970-2016

Guidelines for the design and construction of diving systems other than those of the IMO: 1970 - 2016

This technical manual contains operation and maintenance information and procedures for the US Navy Lightweight Dive System (LWDS) MK 3 Mod 0 and for components of the LWDS MK 3 Mod 1 that are common to both systems. Note that Lightweight Dive Systems US Navy are scuba replacements. Reference USN: SS500-HK-MMO-010 Date: 07 may 2003

The standard US Navy double-Lock recompression chamber system is a transportable chamber designed to provide a means of recompression for diving operations, including surface decompression of divers. Reference USN: SS500-B1-MMO-010 Date: 22 March 2004

The solutions indicated in these guidelines are still those in use in the diving industry. Reference USN: SS521-AH-PRO-010 Date: 24 February 2005

This document provides guidance, rules, and approaches for designing a diving system according to the US Navy requirements. Reference USN: NAVSEATS500-AU-SPN-010 Date: 23 August 2006

This report updates and expands the original work published in part in 1998 under the title, "The Evolution of Safety and Design Standards for Underwater Breathing Apparatus". Proceedings of the 14th Meeting of the United States-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources (UJNR), Panel on Diving Physiology, Panama City, FL, 1997, U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Undersea Research Program, Washington D.C. Reference USN: 1945 TO 2015 Date: February 2915

The Naval Medical Research conducted hyperbaric research in a Man-Rated Chamber Complex (MRCC) originally installed in 1977 Significant engineering alterations to the MRCC and rusting of some of its interior sections necessitated repainting, which was completed in 1988. Great care was taken in selecting an appropriate paint (polyamide epoxy) and in ensuring correct application and curing procedures. Only very low levels of hydrocarbons were found in the MRCC atmosphere before initial pressurization after painting and curing. After pressurization. however, significant chemical contamination was found...

Authors: F. F. Leva, G. S. Goehring US Navy recommendations for diving in contaminated water included wearing a vulcanized rubber dry suit mated to a MK 21 diving helmet to isolate the diver from the contaminated environment. However, even in situations (e.g., visible oil spills, noxious fumes, and sewer outflows) where the need for protective gear is unequivocal, thermal stress from working in a warm environment often precludes the use of such gear. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate a commercially available diver cooling system through field trials for overall effectiveness, comfort, durability, and ease of use in and of incorporation into Navy diving practices.

Authors: M. J. Swiergosz & R. J. Steckel Resistive efforts, inhalation gas temperatures, and carbon dioxide (CO2) canister and bottle durations were measured from two Secondary Life Support (SLS) system MK IV backpacks attached to the SLS helmet (Divex, LTD) in simulated conditions. The resistive effort at 0 feet of seawater (fsw) was assessed at three different backpack orientations (00, 450, 900), and all of the dependent measures were assessed at depth (1000 fsw) at the 450 orientation. A breathing simulator maintained a respiratory minute volume (RMV) of 62.5 liters per minute (L/min) throughout testing.

These Rules in association with the latest edition of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels (Steel Vessel Rules), present the requirements for the classification of underwater vehicles, systems and hyperbaric facilities intended for use in manned underwater operations

The present Note provides technical requirements for the design, construction, testing and in-service surveys of manned diving systems for which the class notations defined in are granted.

11 - Oxygen compatibility of polymers including TFE-Teflon, KeI-F 81, Vespel SP-21, Viton A, Viton A-500, Fluorel, Neoprene, EPDM, Buna-N, and Nylon 6,6

Authors: Ting C. Chou, Anthony Fiedorowicz. Ten polymeric materials including EPDM, Nylon 6,6, Buna-N, and other materials marketed as TFE-Teflon | (PTFE), Kel-F 81 (PCTFE), Vespel | Spo21, Viton | A, Viton | A-500, Fluorel | and Neoprene | were systematically evaluated for their oxygen compatibility property. The specific properties examined included: Autoignition temperature (AIT), the heat of combustion, and liquid oxygen (LOX) mechanical impact sensitivity.

This guide applies to metallic materials under consideration for oxygen or oxygen-enriched fluid service. It is concerned primarily with the properties of a metallic material associated with its relative susceptibility to ignition and propagation of combustion. It does not involve mechanical properties, potential toxicity, outgassing, reactions between various materials in the system, functional reliability, or performance characteristics such as aging, shredding, or sloughing of particles, except when these might contribute to an ignition.

This guide applies to the design of systems for oxygen or oxygen-enriched service but is not a comprehensive document. Specifically, this guide addresses system factors that affect the avoidance of ignition and fire. It does not thoroughly address the selection of construction materials for which Guides G63 and G94 are available, nor does it cover mechanical, economic, or other design considerations for which well-known practices are available. This guide also does not address issues concerning the toxicity of nonmetals in breathing gas or medical gas systems.

This guide applies to nonmetallic materials (hereinafter called materials) under consideration for oxygen or oxygen-enriched fluid service, direct or indirect, as defined below. It is intended for use in selecting materials for applications in connection with the production, storage, transportation, distribution, or use of oxygen. It is concerned primarily with the properties of a material associated with its relative susceptibility to ignition and propagation of combustion; it does not involve mechanical properties, potential toxicity, outgassing, reactions between various materials in the system, functional reliability, or performance characteristics such as aging, shredding, or sloughing of particles, except when these might contribute to an ignition.

This guide covers an overview of the work of ASTM Committee G-4 on Compatibility and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres. It is a starting point for those asking the question: “Are there any problems associated with my use of oxygen?”

Authors: Mircea Horia Tierean, Liana sanda Baltes. This paper presents the critical points in designing valves used in reciprocating compressors. The design focuses on valve type, dimensioning of the main elements, and materials choice. The results obtained using Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the method for computing the centreline diameter of the rings and seats to compensate for the thermal expansion during operation are also explained.

The US Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) is the United States Navy facility for testing and evaluating underwater breathing apparatus (UBAs). Each military or commercial UBA that the US Navy considers for use is sent to NEDU to assess its performance, material suitability, human factors, and systemic reliability.

This US NAVSEA document provides courses and reminders on electricity, electronics, Nuclear reactor work principles, mechanic, chemistry, metals, and various calculations. These courses are accessible to all levels. Thus, it is appropriate for technicians and divers to keep it in their data bank.

Authors: Sean Bishop, Keith Duncan, Helena Hagelin- Weaver, Luke Neal, Jose Sanchez, Heather L. Paul, and Eric Wachsman. The partial electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) using ceramic oxygen generators (COGs) is well known and widely studied. However, complete reduction of metabolically produced CO2 (into carbon and oxygen) has the potential of reducing oxygen storage weight for life support if the oxygen can be recovered. The University of Florida developed novel ceramic oxygen generators employing a bilayer electrolyte of gadolinia- doped ceria and erbiastabilized bismuth oxide (ESB) for NASA’s future exploration of Mars. The results showed that oxygen could be reliably produced from CO2 at temperatures as low as 400 degrees C.

Authors: Kevin R Ward, Gary S Huvard, Mark McHugh, Rajender R Mallepally, and Richard Imbruce. This paper provides a brief overview of the previous and current attempts to utilize chemical oxygen production strategies to enhance systemic oxygenation. While promising, the routine use of chemically produced oxygen continues to pose significant engineering and physiologic challenges.

Authors: Hanna Kierzkwska-Pawlak, Andrzej Chacuk. The mass transfer rates during CO2 absorption and desorption from DMEPEG* solutions were measured at a temperature ranging from 293.15 to 323.15 K in a baffled agitated reactor with a flat gas-liquid interface operating in a batch-wise manner. The desorption rate was determined and compared with the absorption rate at the same driving force based on the measured values of pressure changes. *DMEPEG is a prominent solvent for absorbing both H2S and CO2.

This NAVSEA approved procedure provides the minimum US Navy requirements for paint removal, surface preparation, repainting and air sampling of the interior of Navy Steel & Stainless Steel Portable or Afloat Recompression Chamber Systems using Formula 150 Primer and 152 Topcoat White in accordance with MIL-DTL-24441D.

The Executive Board of the “Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Associates” authorized the organization of a committee to develop a set of facility design recommendations for clinical hyperbaric facilities. This document is the work published by this committee.

Authors: Thomas L. Reynolds, Thor I. Eklund, and Gregory A. Haack This document analyses oxygen systems from either compressed oxygen gas cylinders or solid chemical oxygen generators designed for use on commercial transport aircraft. It allows a better comprehension of the advantages and inconveniences of both systems that can be considered for selecting means of oxygen delivery during an emergency.

Author: Timothy L. Ward This project addresses the need for reliable fabrication methods of dense ceramic membranes for oxygen separation. Some ceramic materials that possess mixed conductivity (electronic and ionic) at high temperatures have the potential to permeate oxygen with perfect selectivity, making them very attractive for oxygen separation and membrane reactor applications. To maximize permeation rates at the lowest possible temperatures, it is desirable to minimize diffusional limitations within the ceramic by reducing the thickness of the ceramic membrane, preferably to thicknesses of 10 µm or thinner.

Authors: Justin Brady, Travis Spain, Brent Shambaugh This project is intended to produce a device that can deliver therapeutic oxygen supplement to persons suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) and other ailments of the pulmonary tract. The device is to be portable with the capacity to deliver a stream of nearly pure oxygen at a rate of 5 L/min.

Authors: Jiang Dongsheng, Bu Xueqin, Sun Bing, Lin Guiping, Zhao Hongtao, Cai Yan, Fang Ling The present paper studies the ceramic membrane technology for onboard oxygen generation. Comparisons are made to know the effects of two ceramic membrane separation technologies on oxygen generation: electricity- driven ceramic membrane separation oxygen generation technology and pressure-driven ceramic membrane separation oxygen generation technology.

Authors: Thomas C. Blakeman; Dario Rodriquez Jr.; TSgt Tyler J. Britton; Col Jay A. Johannigman; Lt Col Michael C. Petro; Richard D. Branson. Oxygen cylinders are heavy and present several hazards, and liquid oxygen is too heavy to be used in far forward environments. Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) and chemical oxygen generators (COGs) have been proposed as solutions. The authors evaluated three commercially available Portable oxygen concentrators and three chemical oxygen generators in a laboratory. Altitude testing was done at sea level and 8,000, 16,000, and 22,000 ft. Temperature extreme testing was performed after storing devices at 60°C and − 35°C for 24 hours.

Author: Valerie Flook “Unimed Scientific Limited” was contracted to lead the development of a suitable monitoring device that would alert the divers of the presence of volatile hydrocarbons from condensate accidentally brought back to the bell. The project was funded by a consortium of companies and organizations concerned with the offshore oil industry. This document is to be taken as the reference regarding the comprehension of the ANALOX Hyper-Gas Diving Bell Monitor.

Authors: Martin DJ Sayer, Elaine Azzopardi and Arne Sieber Single examples of 43 models of dive computer were compressed to five simulated depths between 15 and 50 metres sea water (msw) and maintained at those depths until they had registered over 30 minutes of decompression. At each depth, and for each model, downloaded data were used to collate the times at which the unit was still registering “no decompression” and the times at which various levels of decompression were indicated or exceeded. Each depth profile was replicated three times for most models

Authors: David B. Kynor, William E. Audette The goal of this project was development of a Diver Health Monitoring System (DHMS). The DHMS will provide a powerful capability for real-time monitoring of the electrocardiogram and other key physiological parameters during diving. The system evolves the concept of the current dive computer into a physiological monitor capable of measuring the diver's critical "vital signs" and ultimately predict impending problems (e.g.. hypothermia and excessive fatigue).

Authors: Eftedal O., Mohammadi R, Rouhani M., Torp, H., Brubakk A.O. The authors developed a system for real-time detection and quantification of intravascular gas bubbles. The system is based on computer processing of video signals of echo eardiographic images. Images from any ultrasound scanner can be used, provided a standard PAL video signal is available. The detection program is a stand-alone application for Macintosh computers, and the only additional hardware requirement is a commercially available video frame grabber card for digitisation of the video signal.

Authors: Cunningham, S., Burke, A., Kelly, This document describes the development of a transient model of a Closed Circuit Rebreather to investigate the effects of several key parameters affecting rebreathers' scrubbers' performance: geometry, wall temperature, velocity, and CO2 absorption granule size and material selection on the breakthrough of the CCR scrubber, where breakthrough is defined as the time until the CO2 exhausted from the scrubber canister is the same as that going in.

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Authors: T. Vu Quoc, H. Nguyen Dac, T. Pham Quoc, D. Nguyen Dinh, T. Chu Duc This paper introduces a three-electrode capacitive fluidic sensor designed to detect air bubbles in fluidic channels such as blood vessels, oil pipes, or medical liquid channels. The sensor is fabricated on a printed circuit board (PCB) with electrodes made from copper via structures extending from the top to the bottom surface of the PCB. A plastic pipe runs through the capacitive sensor and is positioned perpendicular to the PCB surface.

Authors: Ding-Yu Fei, Xiaoming Zhao, Cosmin Boanca, Esther Hughes, Ou Bai, Ronald Merrell, Azhar Rafiq This document describes the development, testing, and validation of an embedded biomedical sensor system designed to monitor astronauts' physiological parameters in real-time during extravehicular activities (EVA) in space exploration. It outlines the project's objectives, methods, results, and conclusions, emphasizing the system's successful integration and functionality in NASA field tests.

Authors: A. Afaneh, S. Alzebda, V. Ivchenko, & A. N. Kalashnikov The authors of this document describe and compare two different ultrasonic measurement approaches for determining temperature in aqueous solutions. They detail both approaches' methodologies, experimental setups, and results, highlighting their sensitivity, accuracy, and advantages over conventional thermometers.

Authors: Michael J. Tipton & Frank St.C. Golden This study investigated the physiological responses of male subjects to cold water immersion under different conditions. The study aimed to determine how protecting different parts of the body (torso vs. limbs) affects heart rate, minute ventilation, and respiratory frequency during immersion. The results suggest that limb protection plays a more significant role in reducing heart rate during cold water immersion compared to torso protection.

Author: M. J. Tipton This paper explains the fundamental principles of the Integrated Survival System (ISS), which include offering protection against hazards associated with cold water immersion and ensuring that the components of the ISS are compatible, complementary, and possibly interdependent. Additionally, the text suggests that these principles can be applied to other users and situations requiring specialized protective clothing.

This manual provides detailed instructions on the proper use, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety protocols necessary to ensure the efficient and safe functioning of the FADS III Air System that should be considered a scuba replacement.

Authors: Ryszard Kłos This paper explains a new method for classifying diving apparatuses based on three criteria: the type of breathing gas, the operational depth range, and the principle of operation, with the breathing gas being the most important criterion. The paper emphasizes that this approach is innovative and has not been presented before, suggesting it is a correct method for classifying diving apparatuses.

34 - Saturation Fly-Away Diving System (SAT FADS) Manned Testing underway at Naval Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) in Panama City, Florida

This document provides detailed information about the Saturation Fly-Away Diving System (SAT FADS) Acquisition Program. It outlines the program's initiation, purpose, approval process, and the system's capabilities, components, and deployment methods. Also, it provides information about the SAT FADS's role in supporting Navy salvage and recovery operations, its technical specifications, and its logistical deployment capabilities.

1 - Manned evaluation of the MK14 closed circuit saturation diving system.

Publisher: US Navy The MK 14 Closed Circuit Saturation Diving System was tested at depths of 167 FSW to 1100 FSW for heavy work support. Measurements included helmet CO2, pressure, gas temperature, and heart rate. Analysis shows the MK 14 supports heavy work and meets design objectives.

Authors: Ryszard Kłos This paper contains hyperbaric test facility equipped with swimming simulator description dedicated to diving apparatuses decompression research. This stand has been constructed within two scientific projects financed from research funds from the Polish Ministry of Sciences and Higher Education in 2009-2012 and it was realised in the Naval Academy of Gdynia.

36 - Hyperbaric swimming simulator.

40 - Decompression management by 43 models of dive computer: single square-wave exposures to between 15 and 50 metres’ depth.

Authors: Martin DJ Sayer, Elaine Azzopardi and Arne Sieber. Dive computers are important in occupational diving to manage decompression, but their performance has not been thoroughly assessed. In this study, 43 models were tested at depths of 15 to 50 meters for over 30 minutes of decompression. Results showed that computers were generally more conservative than standard tables at shallower depths but less so at deeper ones. Variations among models were notable. The study supports using certain dive computers for specific occupational diving practices, depending on their characteristics and depth management.

51 - User settings on dive computers: reliability in aiding conservative Diving.

Authors: Martin DJ Sayer, Elaine Azzopardi, and Arne Sieber Divers can adjust their diving computers to dive more conservatively, especially with certain health conditions. There is limited information on how these changes compare to other methods like using enriched air nitrox. Seven dive computer models were tested with different dive profiles. Results showed that conservative settings led to shorter dives or longer decompression times, and default settings varied in conservatism. Some computers had issues during multi-dive series. Adjustments on Suunto computers offered minimal differences. Overall, the variety of adjustments and inconsistent computer responses make it hard to give clear advice for conservative diving.

Publisher: Jim G Mastro, Neal W. Pollock This study can be considered for the selection of bail out regulators: The Sherwood Maximus is the main regulator used in the U. S. Antarctic Research Diving Program. This study suggests that itsfailure rate was 1.7%, compared to 9.1% for other regulators. The optional heat retention plate showed a lower failure rate but did not significantly improve reliability. Further testing is suggested by the authors due to potential user-related failures with the plate.

9 - Sherwood Maximus regulator temperature and performance during Antarctic diving

37 - Determining spherical lens correction for astronaut training Underwater

Authors: Jason Porter, C. Robert Gibson, and Samuel Straus This study describes a model developed to predict the distance correction required by NASA astronauts for underwater spherical lens use. The helmet's curved visors induce refractive power, and the model was tested using data from 10 astronauts. The results showed a model that accurately predicted underwater correction values and that can be applied to determine suitable spectacle lens correction for underwater masks.

Authors: KL Russel This Document discusses the critical need for thermal protection in hyperbaric and personnel transfer capsules, particularly in the context of preventing hypothermia during underwater operations. Drawing from a Swedish Navy trial, it evaluates the effectiveness of the Diving Unlimited International (DUI) and Seaforth Kinergetics (KIN) thermal protection systems at a depth of 257 meters of seawater (msw). The study assesses multiple factors, including heat retention, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and overall functional performance of each system.

Authors: RINI Technologies The article discusses the challenges faced by free- swimming divers exposed to extreme cold conditions that lead to cold stress and hypothermia, adversely affecting their performance and health. In response, RINI Technologies has created the Free-swimming Diver Heating System (FDHS), which uses Miniature Heat Pump technology to effectively provide heat to divers through a specially designed Tubesuit. The FDHS can operate in cold water and features automated temperature control for safety and comfort, along with equipment compatibility for emergency situations.

Organizer: R Y Nishi / Chairmen: T.T. Romet & J.A. Sterha, This workshop highlighted the importance of thermal protection, as diving exposes divers to a wide range of temperatures and depths. Advancements in thermal protection techniques, including passive and active methods, were explored in the context of renewed research efforts. The aim was to create a cooperative atmosphere where expertise could be shared to prioritize diver safety.

Authors: R S Lillo, P K Weathersby, J M Caldwell, B Franklin, E T Flynn After an incident involving organic chemical contamination, the Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) developed procedures for contaminant analysis, control, and removal due to the absence of existing guidelines. This led to the establishment of a gas analysis laboratory ensuring the safety of chamber atmospheres and gas supplies for diving experiments. This report focuses on gas sampling techniques at the Diving Medicine Department, emphasizing their critical role in preventing errors when analyzing trace hydrocarbon mixtures.

Authors: Jitendra Bhushan, Akash Pandey A helium purifier is crucial in cryogenic labs, allowing helium recycling by reducing impurities from 40% to less than 50 ppm. It upgrades 60% pure helium to Grade 'A'. The report details purification stages, operating principles, technology integration, and testing results with 95% He–5% N2 gas.

Author: MJ Harwood The Technical Evaluation (TECHEVAL) of the MK 16 MOD 0 Underwater Breathing Apparatus (UBA) was conducted by the Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) from May 5 to June 13, 1980. The evaluation aimed to achieve 100 hours of bottom time at depths up to 150 feet of seawater (FSW) and verify Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time To Repair (MTTR). The results revealed significant deficiencies that required correction and further testing before operational validation.