Megalodon

Closed Circuit Rebreather Air Diluent

Course

© 2001-2007 International Training (UK) Ltd.

All Rights Reserved
Knowledge Overview
• History & Development
• The Mechanical Part
• Physiology & Rebreathers
• Diving - Points to Remember
• The Electronic Element
– Gas Control
• Decompression with CCR
• Problem Solving
Prerequisites
• 18 years of age
• Advanced Nitrox & Advanced Recreational
qualified
• Waivers – read & understand before signing
– InnerSpace Systems Corp.
– Agency
– Facility/Instructor
– Health/Medical
Certification Limitations
• Diver qualified on Megalodon Closed Circuit
Rebreather
• Diver qualified within the sport diving depth and
time limits
– Depth 40m (130 fsw)
– To 45m (150 fsw) if deco qualified
– Decompression stop time not greater than 10 minutes
and no deeper than 6m (20fsw) for required stops
• Training is purchased, certification is earned
Megalodon Air Diluent
Introduction

Open water
Overview
Dives

Mod 1
Air Diluent
Diver

Pool
Theory
Session

Practical
Session
Performance Criteria
• CCR academics is the process where we build & review
your understanding of essential information.
• 80% passing grade required on written examination
– open book, use references, discuss with fellow students
• Minimum 500 minutes - confined and open water training
spread across 8 dives
• Dives required beyond 15m (50 fsw), one within 3m (10
fsw) of qualification depth
• Must become comfortable and efficient with all required
preparation and servicing skills
• Must be able to accurately plan a dive
• Must become comfortable and proficient with all required
diving skills.
Skill Development
• Preparation and pre-dive checks of
rebreather
• Buoyancy control
• Electronics monitoring
• Emergency procedures
• Controlled deployment of a lift bag attached
to a dive reel
• Air diluent open water level only
• All further skills require further training
Equipment Requirements
• Megalodon Closed Circuit Rebreather
– Required Open circuit bail-out capability (off board)
– Bailout cylinder carried for every dive
• Exposure suit suitable for the environment
• Oxygen analyzer and head calibration kit
• Dive computer or dive tables
• Slate and pencil
• Reel and marker buoy
• Depth gauge and timer
• Knife, Z-cutter or shears
• Mask and fins
REBREATHERS – The Mechanical Part

Understanding the mechanical

concepts common to SCR and CCR

© 2001-2007 International Training (UK) Ltd.

All Rights Reserved
Basic Principles
• A rebreather provides a closed loop
• They all need….
– Gas Supply
– Breathing Bags (Counter Lungs)
– Carbon Dioxide (CO2) absorbent canister
– Your own lungs

• Manual, automatic & solenoid injection into the

system
– gas recycled through the loop
– vented into open water upon ascent
Closed Circuit Rebreathers – O2
• Long duration shallow water dives (no
decompression stress)
• Clandestine operations
– Bubble-free operation
• Brief incursion deeper than 6m (20 fsw) on
exceptional tables because USN tolerates
risk
 ISC MEGALODON
A. Apecs Electronics
B. Primary and Secondary Power Supply
C. Tertiary Sensor System
D. Oxygen Sensor Moisture Traps
E. Primary Display
F. Secondary Display
G. Heads up Display
H. CO2 Scrubber
I. Oxygen manual bypass
J. Oxygen Injection feed port
K. Inhalation Counterlung
L. Dive/Surface Valve
M. Automatic Demand Valve
N. Exhalation Counterlung
O. Off-board manual diluent bypass
P. Vent valve
Q. Stage Diluent and Bailout Gas
R. Primary Diluent Supply Cylinder
S. Primary Oxygen Supply Cylinder
T. Canister Spacer and Moisture Absorber
U. Bailout Open Circuit Second Stage
Closed Circuit Rebreather’s
• Gas mixed manually
(mCCR) or electronically
(eCCR)
• Very efficient gas supply
usage
• PO2 setpoint or user can
control the dive
• Ideal for technical diving
• Usually expensive
 Closed Circuit Rebreather
– building detail
• You will hear terminology
such as “The LOOP”
– it is the breathing circuit
– gas travels anti-clockwise
– extension of our lungs
– WE are the driving force
Work of Breathing (WOB)
• There are two factors
that influence the
WOB:
• Resistive WOB
• Hydrostatic WOB
Breathing Resistance
• Resistance of the hoses
• Resistance of the mushroom valves
• Design of the Diver Supply Valve (DSV)
• Resistance of the canister
• Other resistances within the loop
The Breathing Bag
• …… or "counterlung".
• Position affects breathing
resistance ("static lung loading")
• Ideally as close to the lungs as
possible.
• Single layer construction
(inhalation and exhalation bag)
• Exhalation bags double as
moisture traps, and contains an
exhaust valve.
• Neoprene or Nylon bags
Breathing Bag on Back
Breathing Bag on Chest
Hydrostatic Effect
• Position of the
breathing bags relative
to “Lung Centroid”
• Over shoulder in
normal diving attitude
gives as near to
neutral inhale/exhale
effort
Breathing Bag on Shoulder
The Automatic Diluent Valve
• ADV “automatically” controls diluent gas
supply and volume in the breathing bag..
• It is a standard item fitted at purchase by
manufacturer
• Additional issues…
• Poor loop management can be masked by ADV
use
• Ensure you watch diluent gauge
• Isolate once target depth is reached
The Diluent Inlet Valve
• Mixed gas bypass valve
“manually” controls
additional gas supply to the
breathing bag – normally
from a backup cylinder
• The use of this valve
enables:
• easy addition of offboard
diluent
• emergency use in any mode
• additional safety factor
 Mouthpiece (DSV) & Hoses
• Interference fit
• o-ring not required
• Diameter and hose length
critical in reducing breathing
resistance
• Heavy composite rubber hoses
• reduce damage/wear
• Clean regularly
Carbon Dioxide Absorbent Canister
Megalodon Canister
• Radial canister
standard
• Axial available
• Sits on cradle over
water absorbing pads
• Spring pressure plate
holds absorbent
material
• Double O-ring seal at
top of canister
Additional Canisters
• Flexible enough to use other designs
– 1 & 2 Mini Meg & Megalodon
– 3 Cis-Lunar Mk V
– 4 Extender air cartridge
– 5 Prism scrubber basket

2 3
4
1 5
Carbon Dioxide Absorbent Canister
• Radial or axial flow
• Recommended absorbent
size/mesh
• adequate “dwell time”
• Packed to avoid
“channelling”
• especially along edges
• Monitor absorbent life
closely
• by keeping record
• Marking outside of canister
Absorbent Materials
• “Sofnolime” - <3.5% Sodium hydroxide.
• Other brands include : Dräger Divesorb,
Sodasorb
• 94% Calcium Hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] base
• 16% water content value
• Monitoring by colour-change dye
• CO2 (carbonic acid) + sodium hydroxide
(alkali) reacting together produce water,
heat and salt (sodium carbonate).
The Reaction Equation
CO2 + H2O = H2CO3
Step two
H2CO3 + 2NaOH = Na2CO3 + 2H2O
Step three
Na2CO3 + Ca(OH) 2 = CaCO3 + 2NaOH
Absorbent Canister Endurance
• Vastly affected by temperature, Slightly by
depth and moisture.
• Do not exceed manufacturer's
recommended duration.
• Always make sure canister is well packed,
clean and dry.
• Follow the manufactures guidelines when
packing the scrubber
• Check seals.
• Storage properly
 Absorbent Performance - based on Sofnolime
Manufacturers time limit hatched line –
the green line represents the turn time at
20 metres
% CO2 breaking through
2.5

1.5 Colder & Deeper

@20 m
1

0.5

0
New 30 min 60 min 90 min 120 140 186 198 time
min min min min
 CO2 Absorbent - Depth/gas density
• Gas density will affect the performance of the absorption process as
the CO2 molecules are physically kept from contact with the sorb

• The deeper the dive, the greater the gas density, the more restrictions
the CO2 will have to contact the sorb.

Absorbent pellet Absorbent pellet

Gas molecule

CO2 molecule

low ambient pressure high ambient pressure

Canister breakthrough
exhalation

sin x inhalation

exhalation

 2 inhalation

© 2002 Jörg Heß

Technik @ FST-eV.com

• Final breakthrough happens suddenly

once canister product is spent, but
 Canister breakthrough
• Minor breakthrough can happen
on every breath if canister is over
breathed
4,0

3,5

CO2 Break Through (% SEV)

3,0

2,5

2,0
Peak Value
1,5

1,0

0,5
Average Value
0
1 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
3
Time (10 s) © 2002 Jörg Heß
Technik @ FST-eV.com
“Caustic Cocktails”
• Early absorbent materials could combine
with water to produce caustic soda.
• Modern molecular structures of sodium
hydroxide greatly reduce this risk.
• The unit is very water tolerant – flood
drills
• If unit is flooded and some water is
inhaled, rinse mouth out with saltwater
and/or freshwater.
The Exhaust Valve
• Releases excess gas
volume and water
from the Loop

• Located on the
exhalation bag,
where excess exhaled
volume high in CO2
may be vented before
the gas is "scrubbed".
 THE HUMAN PART

Physiology and Rebreather’s

© 2001-2007 International Training (UK) Ltd.

All Rights Reserved
Why Closed Circuit Rebreather’s
• Optimised Oxygen level
• Reduced inert gas in the breathing mix.
– extends no-decompression limits.
– offers more efficient decompression
– reduces the potential for DCI.
• Efficient use of the breathing gas
• Warmer moist breathing gas.
• Quiet, bubble-free operation.
Basic Rebreather Physiology
• Respiratory Minute Volume (RMV)
– determined by respiration rate (CO2 production)
– and volume of each exhaled breath
• RMV is total gas vented in one minute
– increased work will increase RMV
• Dive/gas duration
– open circuit duration is determined by RMV
– closed circuit determined by actual oxygen
used (metabolism)
Physiological Considerations
- covered in this lesson
• Gas toxicity overview.

• Oxygen toxicity.

• Nitrogen management.

• Carbon Dioxide removal.

Gas Toxicity Overview
• Minor problems in open circuit can be
fatal with CCR
• Mechanical safeguards
– listen to the rebreather (solenoid injection)
– observe handset readouts
– Check mushroom valves on DSV
• Training safeguards
– understand problems
– practise emergency drills - second nature
Gas Toxicity Overview
• Breathing gas composition in open circuit
is constant & predictable
• Breathing gas in CCR is dynamic; it
changes with depth changes, work rate and
failures
• MUST MONITOR YOUR OXYGEN !
– fuel cells are your window to safe diving
– know your PO2 - MAIN RULE !
– Understand it – NEXT RULE!
Oxygen Toxicity
• Your oxygen loading is time and depth
dependant.
• Unit dose is measured on the N.O.A.A.
Table.
• The diving default high "setpoint" is 1.3
bar PPO2.
• This allows 180 minutes of single
exposure.
 Oxygen Toxicity
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration

Default "setpoint" is 1.3 bar/ata but can be

changed
This allows 180 minutes of single exposure at that
level
Factors Affecting Oxygen Toxicity

• There can be
enormous variations
in individual
tolerance
• To avoid, limit
exposure to a
maximum of 1.3 bar
PO2
Hyperoxia
• Too much oxygen
• Symptoms (e.g. facial twitching) may
occur but final result is convulsions.
• Can be caused by
• failed oxygen injection valve (fails open)
• wrongful manual injection of oxygen
• two cells failing together
• exertion
• Duration
• Incorrect calibration
Closed Circuit Hyper-oxia
• Inspired PO2 is constant throughout dive
• % CNS - limiting factor on a dive
• (80% max)
• O.T.U.
• limiting factor over a series of days
• track the build up
• You must balance decompression
advantage of a high setpoint against
oxygen exposure %
Hypoxia - Major Concern
• Too little oxygen (< 0.16 bar or <16% on
surface) brings on hypoxia.
• Symptoms are breathlessness, numbness in
lips, dizziness, poor co-ordination
unconsciousness and possible death.
• Can be caused by:
• oxygen cylinder not being turned on
• empty oxygen cylinder
• failed oxygen inject (fails to closed)
• two cells failing together
• Incorrect calibration
Asphyxia
• Extreme shortage of oxygen usually due to
a CO2 build-up.
• can be caused by an exhausted CO2 scrubber
• not always failure of oxygen supply to loop
• Symptoms : shortness of breath (dyspnea)
caused by CO2 accumulation, leading to
unconsciousness and possible death
Carbon Dioxide Toxicity
• Hypercapnia - too much CO2.
• If suspected, open loop flush/diluent
flush and bail out
• Usually due to user error
• inadequately packed absorbent canister
• leads to channelling/break though
• exhausted CO2 absorbent canister
• keep a log of hours
• follow manufacturers recommendations
• flooding of the absorbent material
• increasing breathing resistance
Nitrogen Management
• Nitrogen % reduced as oxygen % of
loop mix increases.
• In S-C.R., the % of gases are constant,
so the PPO2 and PPN2 increase with
depth.
• IN C.C.R., partial pressure of oxygen is
constant, so O2 % reduces with depth
while inert gas percentage increases.
• PPN2 limit C.C.R. diving to 45 metres
with air diluent
Equivalent Narcotic Depth
• The E.N.D. is the same maths process as
the EAD (Equivalent Air Depth).
• The deeper the dive, or the weaker the
EAN bag mixture, the more narcotic it
becomes.
• Air at 40m has a PPN2 of about 4 bars.
• the recommended narcotic limit for
recreational (no Deco) rebreather diving
• remember increased CO2 increases narcosis
 Warm Breathing Gas
• Exothermic reaction in the absorbent
canister warms the breathing gas.

• This internal heating helps reduce the

potential for hypothermia on cold dives.
Safe Rebreather Diving
• Be disciplined!
• Watch your handsets and HUD - PO2
levels
• Use fresh absorbent when required
• Monitor oxygen and nitrogen exposures
• Avoid unnecessary decompression diving
• Avoid pushing oxygen limits
• Monitor onboard gas supplies
• Use correct exposure equipment
 Considerations during use!

© 2001-2007 International Training (UK) Ltd.

All Rights Reserved
Before The Dive
• Unit properly assembled using an
appropriated check list
• approach the same way as packing
parachute!
• Checks have been carried out
• Use available checklists – always!
• Check the operation
• cylinder pressures adequate to the dive
• of all mechanical parts
• fastening together of all components
• calibration & readout of handset & HUD
During The Dive
• Descend slowly, avoid “oxygen spike”
• compensate for hydrostatic pressure
collapsing the breathing bag (ADV inject diluent)
• Bubble / equipment check at 6m
• Maintain proper buoyancy
• Avoid saw tooth profiles
• heavy on gas use
• Exhaling excess gas through your nose
• Check PO2 before ascent
Ascent Phase
• Critical time for any type of rebreather
• HYPOXIA can come on without warning
• Vent gas to maintain loop volume and
buoyancy
• nose, dump valve or mouth?
• always anticipate solenoid operation, manual
injection maybe required depending of version
of software
• oxygen % must increase to maintain PO2 on
ascent
After Diving
• Disassemble and clean using appropriate check
list
• Flush hoses and breathing bags - drip dry
• Recharge cylinders
• and scrubber canister
• Replace moisture traps with clean dry ones
• Check battery voltage
• Replace oxygen cells if low voltage or failure
• Do not long-term store unit fully charged
• Keep scrubber properly stored
Servicing
• Check all O-rings and seals periodically
• Use oxygen compatible grease
• Always replace items if damaged
• Lubricate moving parts (mouthpiece)
occasionally
• Leak test the bags
• Clean with anti-bacterial cleaner
• Maintain recommended dealer service
intervals on cylinders & regulators
Gas Control Linking to Our Physiology

© 2001-2007 International Training (UK) Ltd.

All Rights Reserved
Gas Consumption
• The rate at which gas is consumed
depends on several factors:-
– buoyancy control
– Saw tooth profiles
– The diver’s metabolic rate or work load
– Waste gas due to leakage
Oxygen Consumption
• Average diver swimming
• consumes about 1 litre of O2 per minute
• exhales about 0.8 litres of CO2 per minute
• To obtain this litre of oxygen
• he/she breathes about 30 litres/minute
• it contains about 6 litres of oxygen - only one
litre is actually consumed
• The rest simply helps to flush CO2 out of
the lungs
Oxygen Consumption
Gas Consumption Comparison

160

140
Consumed Gas (litres/minute)

120

100
Open Circuit
80 CCR
SCR
60

40

20

0
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Depth (x5 metres)
Oxygen Metabolism
• Metabolism is work-rate dependant
• you are in control - most of the time!

• 0.4 - 0.5 litres/minute - resting

• 0.9 litres/minute - moderate work
• 1.5 litres/minute - hard swimming
• 2.0 litres/minute - very heavy work
• 3.0 litres/minute - extreme workload
How the Rebreather Helps
• Efficiency
• CCR flushes the CO2 out of exhaled gas,
and allows non-consumed oxygen to be
recycled

• Minimal oxygen usage

• Optimised oxygen in mix for given

depth
How the Rebreather Helps
Oxygen % at increasing depth

80

70

60

50
45m Max
Oxygen %

0.7 setpoint
40 1.3 Setpoint
Air Dive
30

20
HYPOXIA
10

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Depth (metres)
How the Rebreather Helps
• Decompression reduced and dive
times increased
– depend on the oxygen % of inspired gas.
– During the dive the breathing bag nitrogen
content varies dependant on depth and set
point
– The real benefits can be seen when
comparing CCR with Open Circuit
C. C. R. Duration
• Duration of a C.C.R. depends primarily on the size
& life of the absorbent canister.
• Gas duration is independent of depth
• An oxygen cylinder will last as long as it takes
oxygen to be used at a given metabolism or
consumption rate such as 1 litre/min.
Metabolism Comparison
Oxygen supply of 3 litres @ 200 bar (600
litre)

Metabolic rate of 0.9 litres/min (moderate

rate)

600 = 666 minutes or 11 hours

0.9
DURATION INDEPENDENT OF DEPTH
assumes no leakage - at constant depth
Build & pre-Dive Checks
• TURN OUR
ATTENTION
TO THE REAL
THING!
Oxygen Monitoring
• This section will cover……
– Fuel cells - 3 on the Megalodon & Copis
– Voting logic
– Calibration of cells
– Oxygen in the loop - tracking “Setpoint”
– Default settings
– Cell failure
Oxygen Fuel Cells
Oxygen Fuel Cells
• Galvanic fuel cells - 3 on the head unit
• Lead anode - rhodium plated cathode -
potassium hydroxide electrolyte
• A micro-voltage is produced as lead anode
oxidises
• Each calibrates with individual values
• Humidity will affect the output value
Galvanic Oxygen Fuel Cell
Hydrophobic
Membrane
Rhodium Gas in
Cathode

Electrolyte

+ive -ive
Galvanic Oxygen Fuel Cell
• Oxygen sensor is
placed on top of the
absorbent canister

• No additional
modifications should
be made to reduce the
ingress of moisture
Galvanic Oxygen Fuel Cell
• The wiring loom connects
into the sensor – and only
fits in one way

• It is a good idea to label the

date when the sensors are
installed

• Use a voltmeter to double

check the cell output which
should always be in range
 Voting Logic

• APECS has a voting logic indicator

• Reason for 3 fuel cells
• Each also gives a voltage output
• Closest two are averaged to monitor
setpoint - third one temporarily discarded
• If value is > 0.1 bar - CELL WARNING
• Unit will continue dive on two cells but
will not calibrate!
Cell Calibration
• Micro-voltage output typically 8.5
to 13.5 millivolt in air
• Calibrate prior to the dive - record
calibration readings
• 2 Point Calibration to a known air
and oxygen %
• Air calibration is automatic
• Watch handset during calibration
– cells changing slow cell readout is
obvious
 Cell
Calibration
• ALWAYS
calibrate prior
to days diving

• Watch handset during calibration -

cells changing mV readout is obvious
Tracking Setpoint
• The “setpoint” is user selected
• It is a fixed value for the PPO2
• Unit holds setpoint very closely
• The value can swing by 0.10 bar
• At a setpoint of 1.3 Bar
– use 1.35 for oxygen value and 1.25 for nitrogen
(discussed next presentation)
Default Settings
• Use a default of 0.7 low and 1.3 Bar high
• Change on descent - 10 to 15 metres
– Dives to less than12 metres use low setpoint
dives only
• Use A.S.P on vertical decents
• Always use higher setpoint at depth
– avoid reverse narcotic effect
• Practise and be aware of buoyancy change
on your descent and ascent
Cell Failure
• Can drop to below 7 mV - any lower,
always treat as a dead cell and replace
• Moisture on the membrane of a cell will
slow or stop the reaction
• NEVER use direct pressure from airline to
dry cell face
– remove droplets with tissue
– dry in a warm atmosphere
Sensor Failures
• Current Limited Oxygen Sensors
– as mentioned earlier, sensors generate a voltage
– sensors generate more voltage in the presence
of higher pressure of oxygen
– the voltage is largely linear so as PO2
increases so does the voltage.
– In air a good sensor produces 12mV, double the
PO2 doubles the mV so at 0.4 bar PO2 it is
24mV and so on
Sensor Failures
• Checking for current limiting
– At 6m switch to open circuit
– Descend 10m -12m
– Check cell readings
– All cells should rise above 1.6 Po2
– If any cell does not reach the 1.6 Po2 then
assume the cell is dead
 Sensor Failures (good output)
bar O2
2

1.8 Curve flattens as new sensors

At 6m with 1.6 “wake up”
the loop 1.4
flooded with 1.2
oxygen 1

0.8

0.6

0.4
Expect 80-90 mV

Air 0.2 output

0

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

mV
 Sensor Failures (current limited)
bar O2
2
Sensor output reduces and
1.8
At 6m with the creates a steeper linear line
loop flooded 1.6

with oxygen 1.4

1.2

0.8

0.6
Smaller change from surface
0.4 reading to 6m reading so
In air 0.2 expect only 30-40 mV output
0

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

mV
Sensor Carriage Maintenance
Particular care is needed
to ensure that the wiring
loom is not damaged

There are o-rings which must be

checked to ensure no leaks are
present, the sensor carriage o-
ring should be facing you if
correctly installed
The Solenoid Operation
The Solenoid Operation
• Read APECS II Operation Instructions
– Check for addendums also
• Solenoid is greatest consumer of power
• Downstream of mouthpiece to ensure consistent gas mixing
• Controlled and disabled by MASTER handset
– goes through test cycle on power-up
– You can set firing sequence interval to suit (6-8 sec)
– You can set firing duration - 0.5 second recommended (older software
2.01)
– The firing duration is automatically adjusted by the software (new
software 2.06 on)
• Power is needed to magnetise & demagnetise
• Open or Closed – not a gradual opening
– open = full flow
– closed = no flow
 Solenoid Operation on Handset
• Sub-menu “Change Setpoint?”
• Occasionally a solenoid could fail as
MURPHY’S rule still applies!
• You can deactivate the solenoid for 5 seconds
– Press any button on primary display
• Setpoint options are; Man (0.2), 0.5, 0.7, 1.0,
1.1 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and ASP
– ASP
BATTERIES
• Load status is displayed
– you have a load (solenoid firing) and no load
readout throughout dive
• Change when reading shows 5,2 volts
during pre-dive checks
• 5 x 1.5 AA batteries
Using the Handsets – Battery Useage

• Only practical hands on use will show menu

operations fully
• Primary will drain battery within 20-25 hours
• Secondary takes 50-100 hours
• From factory - Uses 1.5 volt AA batteries
connected in series
• Can replace with 2 x C-Cell SAFT Lithium
batteries
– will increase life to 70-100 hours for primary
Using the Handsets with H.U.D.
• Systems internal power activation (inside unit)
– Turn on power switch to primary display
– Turn on power switch to secondary display
– Switches are on the inside of the lid and enclosed so may not be shut off
accidentally
– Unit will go into sleep mode after ten minutes or sooner on Meg II
– HUD remains on (to turn on/off use secondary hand set, HUD for enable
& dim)
– HUD will automatic comes on below PO2 0.5 in the new version of
“APEKS 2.7a”
• Systems external power activation
– Initiate by pressing the left hand button on the primary display and
likewise for the secondary (Meg 1 only)
– Primary will activate upon entering water (Meg 1 & 3)
– Secondary goes to sleep in 10 minutes in or out of water
Head Up Displays - construction and
operation
• Single LED on HUD, or double LED in the
new version 2.7a
• Light sequence from Red through to Green
• HUD

The green LED indicates that the setpoint is over

1.0 pp02, in this example the LED blinks 3 time
giving us a pp02 is 1.3

The amber LED indicates that the setpoint is at 1.0

pp02, the amber LED only blinks once

The red LED indicates that the setpoint is below 1.0

pp02, in this example the LED blinks 3 time giving us
a pp02 is 0.7
SUMMARY
• Gas Consumption
– four main factors
• How the rebreather helps
• Duration
• Nitrogen - remember reset the setpoint
• Oxygen monitoring - main area to watch
• Handsets - primary & secondary
• Warnings - act …. don’t ignore them!
•Constant Partial Pressure Information
•Computers
•Software

© 2001-2007 International Training (UK) Ltd.

All Rights Reserved
 CONSTANT PARTIAL
PRESSURE
• Remember
– constant PO2 at the high setpoint gives extended
no-decompression limits
• Calculations
– when tracking oxygen use a PO2 above the set
point (assume richer mix)
– When dive/deco planning use a PO2 below the
set point (assume weaker mix)
Working out the Oxygen
– CNS oxygen toxicity is one limitation
– tracking is reasonably precise
– PO2 will elevate above setpoint on injection and
bag value may become higher than the set point
– work on 0.05 Bar ABOVE setpoint for CNS
toxicity tracking
– Metabolic oxygen consumption rates can be
calculated from CCR dives
Working out the Nitrogen
• NDL is a second limitation
– PO2 value can drop below setpoint in use
– nitrogen % in bag will become higher
– work on 0.05 Bar BELOW setpoint for
Decompression management
Nitrogen and a Low Setpoint
• With a known mix we can work out
decompression based on PPN2
• At 40 metres on 1.3 setpoint we breathe
75% Nitrogen - EAD 37.5 msw (EAN25)
• At the same depth (40m) on 0.7 setpoint we
breathe 87% Nitrogen - EAD 45 msw
(EAN13)
Low Setpoint at Depth - BEWARE!
Oxygen % at increasing depth

80

70

60

50
Oxygen %

0.7 setpoint
40 1.3 Setpoint
Air Dive
30

20

10

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Depth (metres)
Injection Cycle

S
CNS Management
e
t 1.35
p
1.3
o
i 1.25
n Decompression Management
t

Time
Dive Computers
– HS Explorer
– VR3
– APECS III (in development)
– Shearwater GF interface
– Each has advantages and disadvantages and
prices range considerably £1000 - £2500
– Some required user modification and additional
oxygen sensors to be installed
Shearwater GF interface
Dive Tables
• Appendix in CCR Manual
– plan next dive

• Dive Planning Software

– planning tools can be used
• V-Planner
• Pro-planer
• DD Plan
• Nautilus
Gradient Factors/ Conservatism Settings
• Low (deep) and High (exit) gradient factors
adjustable to modify decompression
profiles to suit diver’s taste.
• The factor is a % of the compartment over-
pressure allowed by Bühlmann, so any
number lower than 100 imposes more deco
than Bühlmann.
Additional Information
• CNS/OTU keep to 80% of single exposure
limit (CNS), or 80% of 350 OTU’s per day.

• Cell Check whilst underwater

– PO2 for Diluent, and Oxygen at current depths
such as 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 metres, etc.
Summary
• Dealing with fixed PO2 - New goalposts
• CNS +0.05 BAR, Decompression -0.05
BAR
• Change setpoint on descent!
• Safety factors in diving - tools for safe
decompression
• Decompression incident is the same as open
circuit. Just as painful!
 Problem Solving

Meeting Murphy Head On!

© 2001-2007 International Training (UK) Ltd.

All Rights Reserved
Murphy’s Law
“Anything made by Man can fail, and
will, usually at the least convenient
time”
• Be prepared for that -it’s MECHANICAL
and ELECTRICAL !
• it's inevitable
• understand what to do if or when Murphy goes
diving with you
It Won’t Happen Quickly
• Most things that go wrong with
rebreathers go wrong slowly
• it may take several minutes to realise something
has happened
• only takes seconds if you are unaware
• Rebreather divers must be
• both disciplined and aware
• Just because it happens slowly
• doesn't make it any less dangerous!
It Won’t Happen Quickly
• “I want to qualify the point that a rebreather
actually gives you more time to solve some
problems which eliminate some of the stress”.

• “The flip side is that the rebreather has problems

that are insidious; hypoxia, hyperoxia and
hypercapnia, and can kill you quickly before you
even know what is going on.”
Jim Brown ex. US Special Forces Rebreather Diver - 1998
It Won’t Happen Quickly
• “The caveat is that you
have time to solve a
problem if YOU know
there is a problem in
existence” Dave Crockford - 1995
Scamahorns fatal funnel
Hypercapnia Hyperoxia Hypoxia

• For the three H’s what

options do we have?

– Open loop and diluent

flush?
– Open circuit?
 R. R. I. P.
• Rapid Reaction Integrated Program
• RRIP means that you act with minimal or
no thinking
– every skill must be a motor skill.
• In high stress situations you loss your fine
motor skills
– know your own and your buddy's kit
– be able to operate with both hands.
• Action beats reaction so act first before you
have a problem!!
Back
Scamahorns fatal funnel
Loop flood
• What options do we
have?

– Open circuit?
– Diluent flush?
Canister Flooding
• Canister flood is one of the main possible
problems
• Cause :
• Mouthpiece loss, mouthpiece close or open improperly, loose
hose, canister seal leaking, hole in breathing bag
• Effect :
• Loss of buoyancy, increase in breathing resistance, possible
water in breathing loop
• Response :
• Minor floods can be recovered with with the skill “Flood
recovery”
• Catastrophic loop flood go directly to open circuit
Absorbent Exhaustion
– Cause :
• Lack of care on part of user
– Effect :
• Breathlessness, poor orientation, double vision,
severe headache, Hypercapnia, possible increase in
breathing resistance, asphyxia
– Response :
• Open Loop Diluent flush
• Bail out to open circuit
•
Battery or Sensor Loss
– Cause :
• Total electronic failure, broken or loose connection
– Effect :
• Loss of oxygen monitoring (if present). Possible
loss of controlled PPO2
– Response :
• Abort dive.
• Return to surface on unit or bailout
Open Circuit Bailout
• Virtually all faults require a change to
open circuit bailout
• Diluent cylinder size – is it enough to allow
safe return to surface (including safety or
decompression stops) from any point of a dive?
• BC or drysuit inflation needs to be considered

• BC or drysuit inflation not to be made

from the CCR oxygen cylinder
System Floods
• Following a system flood
• always clean, disinfect and reassemble the unit
• check any electronics present, and re-calibrate
or replace as required
• May require return to manufacturer
• change CO2 absorbent if wet or exhausted
All Practical Sessions

Pre dive brief

Positive & Positive &

Analyze Negative Packing the Mushroom Negative Pre-
Gas Test Scrubber valve check Test the breathe
on the head whole unit

Required
Go Diving!! skills Post dive
Additional Skills – DSMB Use
• Hose connect, fitted cylinder or exhaust gas to fill
• All methods practised on training dives
• Static deployment
– Safest method
– Tie off reel or make self negative before inflating SMB
• Ascent deployment
– Less line to reel back in
– Release well before 1st stop
• Emergencies
– Use of second SMB
DSMB Usage
CCR Student Skills - Confined Water
• Preparation Checklist
– Walk students through the “Pre-Dive Check” Sequence
– Emphasize that students must work in buddy teams PRIOR
TO IMMERSION
– Remind students to close the mouthpiece when switching
to open circuit
• Introduction to CCR
– Breathe on unit at rest
– Once comfortable swim unit to develop a feel for it
 Buoyancy Skills - Confined Water
• Oral Inflation of BCD - Buoyancy Control
– Swim unit for reasonable time doing manual BCD inflation
– Repeat above drills using BCD with auto inflation
• Buoyancy Practice
– Loop volume (optimal)
– Monitor Po2
– Use BC for buoyancy control - maintain a stable depth at rest
– Ascend in gradual steps of approximately 0.5m (1-2ft) at a time maintaining a
stable swim depth - At each level circle a segment of the confined water area, until
the surface has been reached - Then repeat the sequence while descending
– Once proficient in swimming buoyancy control make a gradual ascent and hover
at assigned levels with a minimum of movement - Repeat at various depth
increments until the surface is reached - Repeat during descent
Bailout Skills - Confined Water
• Technique Practice & Readjustment of Unit
– Work on dive technique and trim - continue acclimatization to the unit
– Check that system configuration is comfortable and make adjustments as
needed to the harness, weights and other components
• Practice OC Bailout
– Switch from CCR to OC then back, be sure to purge water out of
mouthpiece prior to switching into CC mode
– Repeat until proficient
– Practice skill while swimming
– Stow regulator tidy
– Make sure you can find reg with eyes shut

• Emergency Drills - “BOOM Scenario’s”

– Students should practice emergency procedures for dealing with hypoxia,
hyperoxia and hypercapnia
 BOOM DRILL
• Turn off Both cylinder valves
• Check guages
• Check handset readings
 Hyperoxia Drill - Confined Water

• Simulation: High PO2 on display,

– Procedure:
– Open Loop Diluent Flush
– Bail out to open curcuit
 HYPOXIA DRILL
• Low Po2

• PROCEDURE

• Open loop
• Bail out to open circuit
Hypercapnia Drill - Confined Water
– Simulation:
– Student feels strange Could be canister break
through

• Procedure:
• Open loop Diluent flush
• Bail out to open curcuit
• DO NOT GO BACK ON LOOP
Manual Control - Confined Water
• Practice flying unit under manual control by
lowering the PO2 set point and manually
maintaining a higher set point
– Monitor PO2
– Repeat buoyancy drills using manual control
 LOOP FLOOD RECOVERY
• Make sure OPV is open
• In shallow water
• Remove DSV for 15 secs
• Replace exhale hard breath normally
• Lean forward make sure vent is at lowest point
• Long diluent flush
• Close DSV remove and stretch above head
• Replace repeat diluent flush
• Check Po2
Oxygen Metabolism Exercise - Confined Water
• Instruct divers to adjust to a PO2 above where
the setpoint is
– Monitor how long it takes for the PO2 to drop 2 points
at rest (i.e. 0.7 to 0.5)
– Repeat the above exercise while swimming
• Post Dive Procedures & System Clean Up
– Refer to earlier Slides
Open Water Training Skills
Must Include the Following :
• Pre-dive checks • Open Circuit bailout (static and dynamic)
• Pre-dive breathe drills, including at least two OC ascents to
• Low setpoint for descent approximately 6 m (20fsw)
• Buddy check on surface • Buoyancy and trim
• Switch to higher setpoint once the diver is • Handset/computer/pendant, etc. operation
at the planned dive depth or setpoint • Gauge & HUD monitoring PO2 monitoring
change depth
to be done no more frequently that once a
• Dive the unit manually
minute and no less often than once every
• In water leak and buddy check four minutes
accomplished between just below the
surface to 6m or upon arrival at a stable • Hypoxia (static and dynamic drills)
depth • Hyperoxia (static and dynamic drills)
• Descend slowly and ensure diluent • Hypercapnia (static and dynamic drills)
addition is made • Flood recovery (static and dynamic drills)
• Observe handset for oxygen level
• Rescue skills
increase
 Open Water Training Skills
Gradually introduce the following :
• Buoyancy and trim on the bottom, during • Carry off-board bailout cylinder
ascent and at safety or required stops on every dive
• Hypoxia due to Solenoid stuck in closed • SMB deployment
position (reset to a low setpoint and • Out-of-air, air gas sharing from
maintain a higher PO2 by manual OC bailout (donor remains on
addition (dynamic) CC)
• Dive the unit manually • Complex (multi-part) scenarios
• Optimal Loop Volume such as Hypoxia or Hyperoxia
• Rescue skills drill for donor while gas sharing
with a out of gas diver
• Ascend
• Safety or required Stop
• Post dive briefing
• Unit maintenance
Open Water Training Skills
Recommended OW Dive Sequence
• Start with Boom,hypoxia,hyperoxia skills
• Unit to be dived manually setpoint .5 run at .7
• Set point 1.2 run unit manually 1.3
• Gradually add skills
• Gradually build up speed
• Last dive assessment dive run on auto
Even you can talk straight
to the factory for advise

Manuel y Yoyo 2008