Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] CO2 Scrubbers

[Gregc02@ibm.net]

From:           	"Karl Fuller" <fullerk@voyager.co.nz>
To:             	<personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
Subject:        	Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] CO2 Scrubbers
I was on the USS Alex. Hamilton (SSBN-617) in 1968-9.
The Oxy generators broke down water into Hydrogen and Oxygen and just dumped the 
Hydrogen overboard. The C02 scrubbers pulled out the C02 and produced water and Carbon 
Monoxide which in turn was dumped into the Catalytic burner which burned off the Carbon 
Monoxide and Hydrogen (from the batteries). We had two airconditioning systems on board. The 
standard freon system for in port, which was evacuated before we got underway and the, if I'm 
remembering properly after 32 years, litheum bromide system for use underway. We still used 
freon in the refrigeration and freezer systems (we had to feed 120 crew for 60+ days) and it 
slowly built up during patrols. We usually put up the snorkle at the halfway point and ventilated 
the boat to get rid of the freon and trace gases.

Date sent:      	Mon, 7 Aug 2000 21:37:22 -0400
Send reply to:  	personal_submersibles@psubs.org

> Yes Ray, it also reminds me when I read the book ' The sun beneath sea '
> where
> they were under the sea for weeks and they got a build up of certain gases
> which if I remember correctly, were getting to the critical level by the end
> of the mission. There must be ways of removing these noxious gases or
> venting them, how do they do it on a nuclear sub, one or two of you guys
> might have had first hand experience with it. When you think about it, the
> Earth does an amazing job to purify our air, but how and for how long ?
> (Apart from the obvious CO2 removal and O2 genaration )
> Regards,
> Karl.
>