Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City (NSWC PC) scientists have developed a prototype for a new life support system for divers.The goal of the new system is to accelerate the deployment of Navy divers, increase safety, and also conserve helium, a valuable natural resource.
“This new, semi-closed system was conceived to drastically reduce helium requirements,” said NSWC PC Principal Investigator Dr. John Camperman. “And where possible we also incorporated proven technology in the system in order to speed transition to operators.”
Currently, US Navy mobile diving and salvage units meet their requirement for manned diving operations with the Fly-Away Mixed Gas System (FMGS). The FMGS provides breathing gas through an umbilical to a demand regulated, open circuit, diver-worn helmet. In each breathing cycle all inhalation is from surface supplied gas, and all exhalant vents to the sea. In the process a large portion of oxygen and helium are wasted.
“The new system modifies the current helmet and rebreather. Prototype analysis and testing have shown that drastic reduction in helium consumption is possible,” said Camperman. “Testing of the new prototype system indicates that the full range of FMGS diving is supportable within Navy life support requirements, and that several life support characteristics are improved, including extended emergency come-home gas duration.”
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