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Carbon dioxide scrubbing capabilities of two new nonpowered technologies
1Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, Groton, CT 06349-5900, USA. andreanorfleet@aol.com
Habitation (Elmsford, N.Y.)
|November 25, 2003
Summary
New methods using Battelle Curtain (BC) and Micropore Reactive Plastic Curtain (RPC) offer efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) scrubbing for disabled submarines (DISSUB). These advanced materials effectively remove CO2 with minimal caustic dust, improving safety and efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Submarine Safety
Background:
- Current "stir-and-fan" carbon dioxide (CO2) scrubbing methods using lithium hydroxide (LiOH) for disabled submarines (DISSUB) are inefficient and release hazardous dust.
- Improved CO2 scrubbing technologies are critical for extending survival times and enhancing safety in DISSUB scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the CO2 scrubbing efficiency and safety of two novel products: the Battelle Curtain (BC) and the Micropore Reactive Plastic Curtain (RPC).
- To compare the performance of BC and RPC against the traditional "stir-and-fan" method in a simulated DISSUB environment.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments were conducted in a sealed hyperbaric chamber simulating DISSUB conditions.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) was introduced at a controlled mass flow rate, replicating a worst-case DISSUB scenario.
- The mass of BC and RPC required to maintain CO2 levels below 3% for approximately 48 hours was determined using natural convection for gas circulation.
Main Results:
- The Battelle Curtain (BC) demonstrated a total scrubbing capacity of 0.756 +/- 0.012 (CO2 mass per agent mass), while the Micropore Reactive Plastic Curtain (RPC) achieved 0.808 +/- 0.007.
- Both BC and RPC exhibited scrubbing capacities close to the theoretical stoichiometric limit of 0.919.
- Neither product released significant amounts of caustic dust, allowing for safe handling by personnel without personal protective equipment.
Conclusions:
- The Battelle Curtain (BC) and Micropore Reactive Plastic Curtain (RPC) are highly effective alternatives to traditional "stir-and-fan" CO2 scrubbing methods.
- These new products offer superior efficiency and improved safety by minimizing the release of hazardous lithium hydroxide (LiOH) dust.
- BC and RPC represent significant advancements in life support technology for submarine emergencies, potentially extending DISSUB survival durations.