Understand the general operation of submarine oxygenation systems
In this in-depth guide, we’ll examine how oxygenation works in the fascinating and complex environment of submarines, how these capsule ships, driven into the depths of the ocean, create and maintain a livable atmosphere for members. crew for extended periods “>
The Basics of Oxygenation Systems
Just like land, life aboard a submarine requires oxygen. However, underwater, this vital element cannot be extracted directly from the air. Submarines therefore need sophisticated oxygenation systems to keep the air breathable. There are mainly two types of oxygenation systems for submarines – oxygenation systems oxygen production and the systems of carbon dioxide scrubbing.
Oxygen production
It is the primary means by which breathable oxygen is produced on board a submarine. Oxygen production is usually done through a process called water electrolysis. This involves breaking down water (H2O) into its constituent elements, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), using an electric current. The released hydrogen is then carried away while the oxygen is used for respiration. Most modern submarines, such as those manufactured by General Dynamics Electric Boat Or BAE Systems, use a version of this system.
Carbon dioxide scrubbing
The other part of the oxygenation equation involves the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by human respiration. Submarines use what is called CO2 removal by scrubbing. Essentially, the air inside the submarine passes through a filter of scrubbing which contains a chemical substance that absorbs CO2. This can remove CO2 from the interior air, allowing the crew to breathe freely.
In conclusion, the submarine oxygenation system is a complex process that requires advanced technology and a deep understanding of chemistry and physics. Despite these complexities, these systems are essential to supporting life aboard these extraordinary ships that are submarines, once again demonstrating human ingenuity in the face of the most extreme environmental challenges.
How do submarines deal with an oxygen shortage?
Submerged in the abyssal depths, submarines present a technological marvel not only for their ability to navigate in extreme conditions, but also for their ability to manage their internal environment. One of the major challenges these machines encounter is managing a possible shortage of oxygen – a potentially fatal problem in these conditions. However, life inside these underwater vehicles is made possible thanks to a combination of technologies that ensure a continuous supply of breathable air, even during long-term missions.
Air recycling: an innovation for survival
The key to ensuring the air remains breathable inside a submarine is a constant recycling process. Air is continually drawn into a purification system where the carbon dioxide (CO2) is eliminated, then the air is reinjected into the internal atmosphere of the submarine.
Oxygen production systems
Besides recycling, modern submarines use advanced systems to generate elemental oxygen from seawater. One of the most commonly used systems is the electrolytic oxygen generator (EOG), developed by renowned brands like Mesma And PerkinElmer. This process goes through two main stages:
- The decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis.
- The hydrogen is vented outside the submarine, while the oxygen is stored and used to replenish the internal atmosphere.
Emergency canisters
In the case of critical situations, where the standard oxygen supply is interrupted, submarines are also equipped with emergency oxygen canisters. These tanks generally contain potassium peroxide which, when activated, releases pure oxygen.
The crucial role of gas sensors
Constant monitoring of gas levels in a submarine’s internal atmosphere is carried out by gas sensors, which track key parameters like oxygen and CO2 levels. Some of the most well-known brands in the market for these devices include Honeywell And Siemens. Early detection of deviation from these levels makes it possible to quickly activate corrective measures and avoid a potentially fatal crisis.
Relieving the oxygen load
Complementing all this, it is crucial to emphasize that the lifestyle on board a submarine is closely regulated to ensure efficient oxygen consumption. Intensive physical activities are restricted and lighting is often minimized to minimize oxygen consumption.
In conclusion, survival in the underwater environment is not the product of a miracle, but the fruit of human genius, who invented innovative systems to guarantee a constant supply of oxygen. In doing so, it has transformed the depths of our oceans into a new frontier for exploration and discovery.
Emergency strategies during an underwater accident
The Challenge of Underwater Survival: Understanding Emergency Strategies
Underwater accidents are rare but potentially catastrophic events. Whether research, military or recreational submarines, teams face a range of challenges to maintain life on board in the event of an incident. Extreme pressures, freezing cold, and isolation from the outside world make any effort to survive incredibly difficult. Knowing emergency strategies during an underwater accident is essential for the human life embedded in these steel capsules navigating the sea abysses.
Maintaining the supply of oxygen and control ofhypercapnia (high levels of carbon dioxide) are among the main challenges to be overcome. It’s a race against time, where every second counts. Let’s take a closer look at these survival strategies.
Oxygen management: a priority
The first challenge during an underwater accident is to guarantee the continuous supply of oxygen for the crew. Maintaining breathable air involves both the renewal of consumed oxygen and the elimination of carbon dioxide produced by human respiration.
Submarines are generally equipped with oxygen tanks which store this gas under pressure, allowing it to be injected into the indoor air to maintain appropriate levels. In case of emergency, ingenious systems like the Electrolytic Oxygen Generator (EOG), which produces oxygen from electrolyzed seawater, can help.
Control of hypercapnia: major challenge of an underwater disaster
But breathing isn’t just about oxygen, it’s also about eliminating the carbon dioxide (CO2) exhaled by the crew. Without proper management, high CO2 levels can cause hypercapnia, a condition with severe symptoms ranging from confusion to loss of consciousness.
To do this, submarines use scubbers, devices filled with chemicals capable of capturing CO2. For example, the Monality, a leading brand in the production of scubbers, uses a mixture of lithium hydroxide which reacts with CO2 to neutralize it.
Emergency measures: rescue and evacuation procedures
When vital systems are compromised and the crew can no longer maintain the viability of the submarine, rescue and evacuation actions become essential. As a last resort, rescue capsules like the SRC (Submarine Rescue Chamber) are used to allow the crew to return to the surface safely.
In conclusion :
Survival during an underwater accident requires careful coordination and preparation. Understanding emergency strategies, such as oxygen and hypercapnia management, as well as rescue and evacuation procedures, are crucial. Each strategy is a vital link in the chain of survival that allows the crew to safely navigate one of the most hostile environments on our planet.
The technology used to recycle oxygen in a stuck submarine
Deep in the oceans, there exists a lightless universe, isolated from the surface of the world. Here, humanity’s most advanced ships face challenges that go far beyond navigation and communication. How can an isolated crew, trapped under kilometers of water, survive? One of the most important questions is: how to recycle oxygen on board a submarine? In this article, we will focus on the technology which makes this possible.
Oxygen recycling technology: a question of survival
Unlike a surface ship which has an infinite supply of fresh air, a submarine is a closed system. It uses highly sophisticated technology to recycle exhaled air, removing carbon dioxide and reinjecting oxygen. This way, the air can be reused indefinitely, at least as long as the system works as designed.
The chemistry behind the technology
The heart of this system is a chemical substance known as lithium peroxide, which is capable of absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen when heated. A meilox container is used to store this material. When exposed to exhaled air, lithium peroxide absorbs CO2, which triggers a chemical reaction producing oxygen and lithium hydroxide.
How the crew breathes
The gases produced by this process are then passed through a heat exchanger, which cools the oxygen before it is reinjected into the ventilation system. This technique helps prevent overheating of the environment and provides the crew with breathable air at the right temperature.
Challenges and solutions
Although this technology may seem simple, it nevertheless poses many challenges. One of the major problems is the risk of fire, because pure oxygen is highly flammable. To minimize this risk, modern submarines use halo-carbon automatic fire extinguishers which are triggered in the event of a fire to suppress the flames in no time.
Human ingenuity has risen to the challenge of making life underwater possible. With these oxygen recycling technologies, submarines can remain submerged for extended periods, virtually independent of the surface. It is a tribute to our tireless quest to explore and conquer the most hostile environments on our planet.
