Life support breathing system for: “SubPack” — rebreather system

Abstract

In response to requirements by OceanWorks International, a Rescue Rebreather, called “SubPack” was designed and built by O 2 Dive Technologies of TX, under contract for the REMORA rescue submarine for the Australian Navy. Operational requirements sometimes required entering or transiting an area, which may be contaminated with toxic industrial chemicals, fire by-products or chemical or biological agents. Depending on the situation, it may not be acceptable or operationally suitable for the personnel to use ‘open loop’ or negative pressure filtered respirators due to the nature of the contaminant or even its physical state (e.g. super heated air). In these situations a closed circuit breathing system is required. SubPack Rebreather, is capable of 180 minutes of life support, is ergonomically small, lightweight (weighing less then 20 lbs.), rapidly donnable, low cost, and interface with existing full-face masks with standard NATO interfaces. Additionally, it is to be easy to maintain, and have a short training period for first responders. Besides these fundamental requirements, OceanWorks provided valuable meetings that their various needs were also incorporated into the design. SubPack is a closed circuit rebreather unit and is expected to go on for NIOSH testing and approval. Its many design features allow it to be adapted for all capabilities including meeting NFPA requirements of passive alarm and heads up display. A second unit was designed and built to meet Long duration, high exertion, and environment. Originally, designed for search and rescue for miners, the Miners Rescue ReBreather System has a low breathing resistance, no aftermarket requirements for gas cooling and has six hour duration. Further adaptations will include and other rigorous environments and applications. This device will be of commercial interest to DOD/SOCOM, FBI, and USSS, other federal, state and local Law Enforcement Agencies, fire fighters, urban and rural rescue teams and industrial First Responders. The SubPack unit, and all components herein are prototype proprietary O 2 Dive Technologies Inc.