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Download - Diving Medicine for SCUBA Divers

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Closed and Semi-closed Circuit<br />

REBREATHING APPARATUS<br />

With this equipment some or all of the diver's exhaled gas is passed through a carbon dioxide<br />

absorber ("scrubber") and then rebreathed from a breathing bag ("counterlung"). This minimises gas<br />

usage, produces fewer bubbles and allows smaller cylinders to be used <strong>for</strong> an equivalent dive<br />

duration.<br />

Fig. 5.18<br />

Diagram of two types of closed circuit oxygen rebreathing sets.<br />

A military system, using 100% oxygen in a closed circuit, is employed <strong>for</strong> clandestine operations<br />

(blowing up ships, examining potential landing sites, etc.). Because the diver rebreathes 100%<br />

oxygen, there is a risk of oxygen toxicity, so these sets have a practical depth limit of 9 metres.<br />

Some of these sets have a demand-type system, where gas is supplied automatically when the<br />

volume in the counterlung is reduced. Others have a continual gas supply, with excess being<br />

exhausted.<br />

Chapter 5 — 16

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