Closed circuit, multiperson, lung-powered rebreathers for hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
During the conceptual design of a "fly away" Submarine Rescue System (SRS) for the US Navy, a closed circuit breathing system for hyperbaric oxygen treatment was chosen to reduce the weight and volume of the necessary oxygen stores used in decompression treatments. A multiperson, human-powered breathing system was modeled and analyzed for potential development. The potential development of a prototype will allow empirical testing of performance parameters such as breathing, resistance, oxygen concentration, and hyperbaric gas analysis. As a spinoff of the multiperson concept, the modification of commercial off-the-shelf closed circuit air rebreathers are now being considered as an alternative for development. Each concept has benefits and limitations in providing a solution to the procurement of a key component to the SRS.
van Emmerik
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Oceaneering International Inc., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, USA.
D000389:Air Conditioning / Q000295:instrumentation; D003664:Decompression / Q000295:instrumentation; D004242:Diving; D018504:Ecological Systems, Closed; D004867:Equipment Design; D005740:Gases / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008021:Life Support Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008397:Masks; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D018635:Rescue Work; D013366:Submarine Medicine / Q000295:instrumentation*
D005740:Gases