[PSUBS-MAILIST] Ambient Variable Ballast Tank

[Jon Wallace <jonw@psubs.org>]

I had a thought about VBT's today and not sure if we've discussed this 
before.  While it seems technically feasible I'm hoping other minds will 
set me straight if I'm heading down an errant path.  The problem is the 
size and weight of a VBT made out of steel as in the Kittredge subs.  
They are relatively small but also relatively heavy, and so the net 
buoyancy is rather small, on the order of about 50 pounds.  I started 
thinking like Alec with his K-250 and figured for the benefit of only 50 
pounds it likely is not worth the effort of rebuilding and putting that 
VBT back on the 600 and I'd be better off just transferring lead as 
necessary.  Now I'm wondering if an ambient VBT would be feasible.  Use 
lighter material for the VBT (pvc pipe?) and an air compensated system 
to adjust the internal pressure to always match water pressure.  What 
are the pitfalls of such a system?

Jon




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