Atmospheric Control in the Hyperbaric Environment. (IEEE)

Abstract

Careful control of the atmosphere in a hyperbaric facility is necessary to protect the health and well-being of the occupants. In this paper total environmental control in the hyperbaric chamber is broken down into eight subareas of control: total pressure, oxygen partial pressure, CO2 partial pressure, fire prevention, temperature, humidity, trace contaminants, bacteria, and noise. For each subarea an assessment is given of the difficulty and degree of control required and its importance to the divers' well-being. Also discussed for each subarea are the state of the art, and the areas of greatest technological need. Control of oxygen and CO2 partial pressure in breathing circuits of diving equipment is described. Methods of heating the diver and his inspired gas are also briefly discussed. (Author) In: IEEE 1971 Eng in the Ocean Environment. See also: RRR ID: 4505, AD0752470