Atmospheric changes and physiological responses during a 6-day "disabled submarine" exercise.

Background: Survival time within a disabled submarine (SUBSUNK) is dependant on atmospheric composition and proper design and use of emergency atmospheric control systems. The objective of this study was to investigate atmospheric changes and physiological responses during a SUBSUNK trial.

Methods: There were 18 volunteers who were restrained within a 250 m3 front compartment of an Ula-class submarine submerged in 8 degrees C seawater for 6 d, 18 h.

Carbon dioxide scrubbing capabilities of two new nonpowered technologies.

Current guidance for survivors aboard a disabled submarine (DISSUB) recommends the use of the "stir-and-fan" method of carbon dioxide (CO2) scrubbing in which the contents of canisters of lithium hydroxide (LiOH) are dispersed onto horizontal surfaces. This technique is objectionable because it releases large quantities of fine, caustic LiOH dust and it utilizes LiOH inefficiently. This report presents the results of laboratory studies of the CO2 scrubbing capabilities of two new products that might improve on "stir-and-fan": the Battelle Curtain (BC) and the Micropore Reactive Plastic Curtain (RPC).