GB1574405A - Heat source for a diving suit - Google Patents

Heat source for a diving suit Download PDF

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Publication number
GB1574405A
GB1574405A GB1082375A GB1082375A GB1574405A GB 1574405 A GB1574405 A GB 1574405A GB 1082375 A GB1082375 A GB 1082375A GB 1082375 A GB1082375 A GB 1082375A GB 1574405 A GB1574405 A GB 1574405A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
heat source
oxidant
reaction vessel
diving suit
injector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
GB1082375A
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UK Secretary of State for Defence
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UK Secretary of State for Defence
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by UK Secretary of State for Defence filed Critical UK Secretary of State for Defence
Priority to GB1082375A priority Critical patent/GB1574405A/en
Publication of GB1574405A publication Critical patent/GB1574405A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63CLAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/28Heating, e.g. of divers' suits, of breathing air

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermotherapy And Cooling Therapy Devices (AREA)

Description

(54) HEAT.SOURCE FOR A DIVING SUIT (71) I, THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE, Londdn, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to a heat source for use underwater to provide heat to divers, and to a method of heating a diving suit.
In shallow dives the main heat loss from a diver is by body radiation but in deeper dives the loss of heat through expired breath is appreciable and may be larger than that by body radiation. A deep saturation diver, for example, without means to recover any of the heat lost through expired breath requires a heat input of 2-3 kw to keep him in thermal equilibrium with his environment. At present energy is conventionally supplied from the surface to provide a heat input to the diver by means of his diving suit. This may be in the form of hot water for a hot water suit or electricity for an electrically heated suit.The former system has the disadvantage that heat losses in the transmission of the hot water from the surface to the diver are large and that the diver is restricted in his movements by the cumbersome umbilical connection which is necessary for the provision of the hot water supply. In the latter system, the umbilical connection is required to carry electrical power to the diver and remains a problem and special precautions must be taken to minimise the electrical hazards.
The invention provides a heat source for a diving suit, comprising a reaction vessel containing a lithium charge, an injector for the supply of oxidant to the lithium charge, a pyrotechnic material situate within the lithium charge and operative to melt the lithium charge when ignited, an electrical spark igniter to ignite the pyrotechnic material, means for the supply of sulphur hexafluoride oxidant to the injector, and a heat exchanger which, in use of the heat source, utilises heat from the reaction vessel for supply to the diving suit.
Preferably the lithium charge has bores therein in which the pyrotechnic material is situate and preferably this naterial is in rod or tablet form. The pyrotechnic material is ignited to initiate operation of the heat source. The pyrotechnic material may be any common one, for example a mixture of potassium perchlorate and aluminium powder.
Preferably the heat exchanger comprises at least one continuous tube encircling the reaction vessel in a helical formation thereof forming a passage through which a heating fluid for supply to the diving suit may be circulated.
Conveniently the reaction vessel comprises a stainless steel container with a concave lid, situated within an insulated enclosure.
Means may be provided whereby the temperature of the heating fluid on exit from the heat exchanger is controlled by regulation of the flow of oxidant to the injector. Preferably this means comprises a thermal sensing device in the fluid passage at the exit from the heat exchanger and an oxidant flow regulation valve operated by the output of the thermal sensing device.
Advantageously, spent heating fluid returning from the diving suit may be circulated around the injector to cool it.
The invention provides a heat source suitable for construction as a back pack for a diver. Such a construction enables the diver to work with a minimal umbilical connection and hence reduces the restraint of movement imposed by the prior art systems described. A vane pump for circulation of the heating fluid, and a battery to power the vane pump, may also be provided in the back pack.
The invention also provides a method of heating a diving suit by igniting by means of an electrical spark, a pyrotechnic material to melt a lithium charge contained in a reaction vessel, supplying sulphur hexafluoride oxidant to the reaction vessel to produce an exothermic reaction between the oxidant and the molten lithium, heating a fluid by means of the reaction, and circulating the heated fluid around a fluidheated diving suit.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to Figures 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings accompanying the provisional specification in which: Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a heat source according to the invention: Figure 2 is an end view, shown partly in section, of the heat source illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fluid circuit for use with the invention; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram for an electrical circuit for use in conjunction with the circulation system shown in Figure 5 and, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an oxidant supply system for use in connection with the invention.
The heat source 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has a stainless steel reaction vessel 22 having a concave cover 30 secured to the reaction vessel 22 by nuts and bolts 32.
Within the reaction 22 is contained a charge 24 of lithium into which a number of longitudinal bores 26 project, only one of these being illustrated. Contained within the bores 26, is a pyrotechnic material 28 either in the form of tablets as illustrated, or in the form of rods approximately 3/4 in long and 3/4 in in diameter. The cover 30 of the reaction vessel 22 is penetrated by an oxidant injector 34 having an externally threaded portion 36 at its outer end for connection to a sulphur hexafluoride oxidant supply (not shown). Oxidant injector 34 has a nozzle 40 which penetrates some way into a recess 38 in the lithium charge 24, a non-return valve 42 being provided in the injector to prevent influx of molten reactants.Also provided in the cover 30 of the reaction vessel is an electrical spark igniter 44 for ignition of the pyrotechnic material 28 connection being made to the igniter 44 by a lead 46 which penetrates the cover 30 and leads to a plug connector 48 (shown in Figure 2), for electrical connection to a battery. The external surface of the reaction vessel 22 is covered by a ceramic insulation 20 the function of which will be described later.
Around the ceramic insulation 20 and encircling the reaction vessel 22 in helical formation is a continous tube 14 forming, in coniunction with the reaction vessel 22, a heat exchanger 12. An inlet (not shown) and an outlet 18 are the connection points between the heat exchanger 12 and the rest of the fluid circuit including the diving suit (not shown). The reaction vessel 22 and the heat exchanger 12 are housed within an external case 50 having a top plate 52 secured to the rim 54 of case 50 by screws 56. The space between the cover 30 of the reaction vessel 22 and cover plate 52 of external case 50 is filled with ceramic insulating material. The space surrounding the heat exchanger may also be filled with insulation but as the temperature of the heat source 10 at the exterior of the heat exchanger 12 is low, this insulation is not essential.
Operation of the heat source 10 is initiated by an electrical spark from igniter 44 which ignites the pyrotechnic material 28 and so melts the lithium charge 24. At the same time, the sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) oxidant is admitted to the reaction vessel by oxidant injector 34 to commence an exothermic oxidation reaction. The lithium charge is maintained in its molten state during the oxidation reaction by the heel generated by the reaction itself. Ceramic insulation 20 regulates the outward flow of heat from the reaction vessel 22 to a value compatible with the need to keep the charge in a molten state, and also prevents the fluid circulating in the heat exchanger 12 from overheating. The rate of admission of oxidant to the reaction vessel 22 is controlled to regulate the temperature of the heated fluid.
The heat source 10 is designed so that the reaction vessel 22 is a disposable unit. To fit a new charge to the heat source 10, the cover plate 52 is unscrewed and the reaction vessel 22 removed from its external case 50.
The reaction vessel cover 30 may then be removed for fitment to a new reaction vessel 22 containing a fresh charge.
The heat source 10 described may usefully be constructed as a backpack for carriage by the diver, by mounting the external case 50, and other ancillary equipment on a support frame. The details of this construction are not shown.
Figure 5 schematically illustrates a water circulation circuit for use with the heat source and a fluid-heated diving suit. The diving suit is not shown, but may be similar to the aviation suit disclosed in UK patent number 992929. Connectors 100 and 112 link the heat source shown schematically in 106 to the associated diving suit. Cooled water is, on leaving the diving suit, circulated by a battery powered vane pump 102 through the heat source. The cooled water entering heat source 106 is passed through a cooler 104 for the oxidant injector.
On leaving the heat source 106 the heated water is passed to a water temperature sensing device 108 which provides an electrical output 110 for operation of an oxidant flow regulation valve, and through connection 112 to the diving suit again.
The electrical circuit for use in conjunction with the heat source is shown schematically in Figure 6. A secondary battery 120 is mounted on the back-pack adjacent the heat source 10, and provides power for the vane pump 102 through switch 126, and for igniters 124 through switch 122. External terminals 128 are provided to enable the battery to be recharged.
In Figure 7 the oxidant supply arrangements to the heat source as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 are shown. The oxidant, sulphur hexafluoride, is provided in a tank 140 (again conveniently mounted in a diver's back-pack) which may be recharged through an external connector 144 and valve 142. A hand operated stop valve 146 is provided on the back-pack to admit oxidant to the injector (input 154) of the heat source. Conveniently the stop valve 146 is linked to the igniter switch (122 in Figure 6).
Also provided are a manual oxidant pressure control valve 148, and a temperature sensing valve 150 linked to the output 110 of the water temperature sensing device, the arrangement being such that when the water temperature rises above a certain maximum (45"C is suggested) the valve 150 reduces the oxidant supply to the injector input 154. Also provided is a nonreturn valve 152 to prevent return of oxidant and oxidant/lithium mixture towards the tank 140.
The foregoing specific description is of a purely exemplary nature and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed.
It will be apparent to those of normal skill in the art, that many small variations in the construction and application of the heat source may be made without departure from the scope of the invention.
The invention described makes a useful contribution to the art in providing a selfcontained heat source for use with a fluidheated diving suit, which has a prolonged shelf life and is available for immediate use.
WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. A heat source for a diving suit, comprising a reaction vessel containing a lithium charge, an injector for the supply of oxidant to the lithium charge, a pyrotechnic material situate within the lithium charge and operative to melt the lithium charge when ignited, an electrical spark igniter to ignite the pyrotechnic material, means for the supply of sulphur hexafluoride oxidant to the injector, and a heat exchanger which, in use of the heat source, utilises heat from the reaction vessel for supply to the diving suit.
2. A heat source as claimed in Claim 1 in which the lithium charge has bores therein in which the pyrotechnic material is situate, and in which the pyrotechnic material is in rod or tablet form.
3. A heat source as claimed in any one of Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the heat exchanger comprises at least one continuous tube encircling the reaction vessel in a helical formation thereof forming a passage through which a heating fluid for supply to the diving suit may be circulated.
4. A heat source as claimed in Claim 3 in which the reaction vessel comprises a stainless steel container having a concave lid, and additionally comprising a ceramic thermally insulating jacket surrounding the reaction vessel and disposed within the heat exchanger.
5. A heat source as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4 having means by which the temperature of the heating fluid on exit from the heat exchanger is controlled by regulation of the flow of oxidant to the injector.
6. A heat source as claimed in Claim 5 in which the said means comprises a thermal sensing device in the fluid passage at the exit from the heat exchanger, and an oxidant flow regulation valve operated by an output of the thermal sensing device.
7. A heat source as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 6 in which spent heating fluid returning from the diving suit is circulated around the injector to cool it.
8. A heat source as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 7 constructed as a back-pack for a diver, the back-pack additionally including a secondary battery and a batterypowered vane pump for circulation of the heating fluid.
9. A method of heating a diving suit by igniting, by means of an electrical spark, a pyrotechnic material to melt a lithium charge contained in a reaction vessel, supplying sulphur hexafluoride oxidant to the reaction vessel to produce an exothermic reaction between the oxidant and the molten lithium, heating a fluid by means of the reaction, and circulating the heated fluid around a fluidheated diving suit.
10. A heat source for a diving suit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in Figure 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings accompanying the provisional specification.
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (10)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. battery 120 is mounted on the back-pack adjacent the heat source 10, and provides power for the vane pump 102 through switch 126, and for igniters 124 through switch 122. External terminals 128 are provided to enable the battery to be recharged. In Figure 7 the oxidant supply arrangements to the heat source as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 are shown. The oxidant, sulphur hexafluoride, is provided in a tank 140 (again conveniently mounted in a diver's back-pack) which may be recharged through an external connector 144 and valve 142. A hand operated stop valve 146 is provided on the back-pack to admit oxidant to the injector (input 154) of the heat source. Conveniently the stop valve 146 is linked to the igniter switch (122 in Figure 6). Also provided are a manual oxidant pressure control valve 148, and a temperature sensing valve 150 linked to the output 110 of the water temperature sensing device, the arrangement being such that when the water temperature rises above a certain maximum (45"C is suggested) the valve 150 reduces the oxidant supply to the injector input 154. Also provided is a nonreturn valve 152 to prevent return of oxidant and oxidant/lithium mixture towards the tank 140. The foregoing specific description is of a purely exemplary nature and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed. It will be apparent to those of normal skill in the art, that many small variations in the construction and application of the heat source may be made without departure from the scope of the invention. The invention described makes a useful contribution to the art in providing a selfcontained heat source for use with a fluidheated diving suit, which has a prolonged shelf life and is available for immediate use. WHAT I CLAIM IS:
1. A heat source for a diving suit, comprising a reaction vessel containing a lithium charge, an injector for the supply of oxidant to the lithium charge, a pyrotechnic material situate within the lithium charge and operative to melt the lithium charge when ignited, an electrical spark igniter to ignite the pyrotechnic material, means for the supply of sulphur hexafluoride oxidant to the injector, and a heat exchanger which, in use of the heat source, utilises heat from the reaction vessel for supply to the diving suit.
2. A heat source as claimed in Claim 1 in which the lithium charge has bores therein in which the pyrotechnic material is situate, and in which the pyrotechnic material is in rod or tablet form.
3. A heat source as claimed in any one of Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the heat exchanger comprises at least one continuous tube encircling the reaction vessel in a helical formation thereof forming a passage through which a heating fluid for supply to the diving suit may be circulated.
4. A heat source as claimed in Claim 3 in which the reaction vessel comprises a stainless steel container having a concave lid, and additionally comprising a ceramic thermally insulating jacket surrounding the reaction vessel and disposed within the heat exchanger.
5. A heat source as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4 having means by which the temperature of the heating fluid on exit from the heat exchanger is controlled by regulation of the flow of oxidant to the injector.
6. A heat source as claimed in Claim 5 in which the said means comprises a thermal sensing device in the fluid passage at the exit from the heat exchanger, and an oxidant flow regulation valve operated by an output of the thermal sensing device.
7. A heat source as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 6 in which spent heating fluid returning from the diving suit is circulated around the injector to cool it.
8. A heat source as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 7 constructed as a back-pack for a diver, the back-pack additionally including a secondary battery and a batterypowered vane pump for circulation of the heating fluid.
9. A method of heating a diving suit by igniting, by means of an electrical spark, a pyrotechnic material to melt a lithium charge contained in a reaction vessel, supplying sulphur hexafluoride oxidant to the reaction vessel to produce an exothermic reaction between the oxidant and the molten lithium, heating a fluid by means of the reaction, and circulating the heated fluid around a fluidheated diving suit.
10. A heat source for a diving suit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in Figure 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings accompanying the provisional specification.
GB1082375A 1976-03-10 1976-03-10 Heat source for a diving suit Expired GB1574405A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1082375A GB1574405A (en) 1976-03-10 1976-03-10 Heat source for a diving suit

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1082375A GB1574405A (en) 1976-03-10 1976-03-10 Heat source for a diving suit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB1574405A true GB1574405A (en) 1980-09-03

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ID=9974951

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1082375A Expired GB1574405A (en) 1976-03-10 1976-03-10 Heat source for a diving suit

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB1574405A (en)

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PS Patent sealed
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee