118 



DECOMPRESSION COMPLEX 



The life -support system consisted of 200 cu ft O2 and He bottles strapped to the exterior 

 with pertinent connections, penetrations, and control valves. Regulators, control valves, and 

 an Ot flow meter were installed internally for aquanaut control. A standard portable five- 

 canister CO2 scrubber was installed with an externally mounted pressure-compensated lead- 

 acid storage battery power supply. A solid-state converter thus permitted operation by the 

 external battery, to provide 12 hours of effective CO 2 removal. An umbilical provided power 

 from the support ship for normal scrubber operation, as well as for internal lighting. Gas- 

 sampling and gas-filling hoses were included in the umbilical for normal surface control of the 

 PTC atmosphere. 



Communications with the PTC were provided by sonic and wire links. The wire link, con- 

 necting with the control-van intercom, was combined in the PTC umbilical. The sonic link 

 consisted of an Aquasonic transducer mounted externally and an Aquasonic surface type control 

 panel mounted internally. 



DECK DECOMPRESSION CHAMBER 



The DDC is shown in Figs. 59 and 60. It contains berthing for ten men, an entrance lock, 

 a medical lock, a CO2 scrubb ;r, a gas-supply manifold, exhaust manifold with constant-flow 

 regulators, and a mating hatch for the PTC. It is 23 ft long and 10 ft in diameter. The DDC is 

 designated to be operated without any internal electric power to minimize fire hazard under 

 high O2 decompression. The CO 2 scrubber is driven by an external motor with a rotating- 

 shaft seal through the pressure hull. Lighting is provided through upper light ports. An elec- 

 trical appliance outlet is provided; however, a key switch prevents its use except by the medical 

 officer. 



Fig. 59. Deck decompression chamber, showing 

 mating hatch and "tube turn" clamping ring 



