Mercury was used by Cousteau for trimming his soucoup because of the liquid metal's high density. I would expect mercury to be very expensive and hard to get now.
Likewise, the Bathyscaphe Trieste used gasoline in her float because it is a lighter--than-water liquid. It worked, but I don't think you'd get away with that technique now because of environmental hazards.
Given our current knowledge, why ignore the fact that there are better choices with fewer drawbacks than mercury for ballast and gasoline for flotation?
My 2 cents paid in full.
Stan
In a message dated 2/18/2004 12:46:47 PM Eastern Standard Time, ojaibees@ojai.net writes:
I'm not designing my sub for a lawyer.
Brisn Cox
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 8:40 AM
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] battery acid? & battery issue follow up
In a message dated 2/17/04 11:46:38 PM Pacific Standard Time, ojaibees@ojai.net writes:
I don't intended on drinking it, and it will be in a closed loop and sealed. The fact that it is liquid makes it ideal for pumping from point A to point B.
Brian
I'll suffice to say that, for me, it comes down to the question of whether the design advantage is worth it when balanced against the potential and likely event that an environmental government agency (DEQ, Coast Guard) and/or activist group(s) finds out you're carrying even trim-ballast-quantity of mercury in State or Federal waters or over roads on a trailer (DOT governs transportation of toxic & hazardous materials) ... shudder. Not only that but I'd feel like ... if I actually spilled. Not for me.
Shawn