RE: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Ambient Variable Ballast Tank

["Smyth, Alec" <Alec.Smyth@compuware.com>]

I believe that is just what Mark Ragan does, he uses some sort of flexible soft water container, I think intended for camping, and uses it inside the cabin as a cushion. Not sure what if any pumping arrangements he has for pumping water in and out of the bladder. 

Alec


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org [mailto:owner-personal_submersibles@psubs.org] On Behalf Of irox
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2012 1:36 AM
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Ambient Variable Ballast Tank


Hi Jon.

Sounds like it might end up being similar to the buoyancy control system
of a sport sub (or some other ambient sub)?

In a similar vein, I was wondering about replacing the VBT with a
soft/flexible bladder inside the pressure hull, and an electric pump
to adjust it (at or close to the surface only).  This may make it
easy to switch between one and two man mode, also the bladder could
be a kind of cushion to lie on.  It should only need adjusted close
to the surface, once set it shouldn't need changed during the dive.

Cheers!
 Ian
P.s: Thanks for fixing the subscriptions problem!

-----Original Message-----
>From: Jon Wallace <jonw@psubs.org>
>Sent: May 24, 2012 10:10 PM
>To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
>Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Ambient Variable Ballast Tank
>
>
>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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