The Present Status of Chemical Research in Atmosphere Purification and Control on Nuclear-Powered Submarines

摘要

This annual progress report supplements PB-161 518, AD-260 235, AD-284 576, AD-435 518, and AD-614 261, which provided a comprehensive review of the past and present research and development effort of the Naval Research Laboratory on the atmospheric habitability of submarines. Emphasis is at present being devoted almost exclusively to nuclear-powered submarines. Considerable progress has been made in the major efforts of developing improved methods of sampling and analysis of atmospheres, but shipboard analytical equipment continues to be of marginal quality. Problems associated with volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons in closed environments have led to their complete ban. Other topics covered include: further studies on algae as a source of oxygen (now discounted for nuclear submarines due to the excessive power requirements of the necessary light source), fire-retardant and nontoxic paints for necessary application during submergence, and a survey of oxygen sources based on a recurring need to improve the safety, reliability and logistics of the high-pressure electrolytic oxygen generator now on all FBM submarines. (Author)