Citations to NEDU cold water regulator evaluations

AD Number: ADA304487 
ProxyURL/Handle: http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA304487 
Corporate Author: NAVY EXPERIMENTAL DIVING UNIT PANAMA CITY FL 
Title: Evaluation of the Scubapro MKlO and MK2O SCUBA Regulators for Use In Cold Water. 
Descriptive Note: Technical rept. Jan 94-Jan 96, 
Personal Authors: Clarke, J. R.; Rainone, M. 
Report Date: JAN 1996 
Pages: 14 PAGES 
Report Number: NEDU-TR-1-96 
Abstract: NEDU tested the breathing effort and susceptibility to freeze-up 
of the Scubapro MKl0 and MK2O SCUBA regulators. The regulators were 
tested in 28 deg F (-2 deg C) salt water, at depths to 198 fsw (60.7 msw). Five 
samples of each model were tested. The probability of regulator failure was 
computed from the number of cold induced incidents, and the time to failure for 
each incident. Under these rigorous conditions, the probability of failure for the 
Scubapro MK2O was relatively high, hut was lower than in the MKlO. There were a 
large number of high breathing pressure events during the resistive effort 
measurements in both regulators at a 1500 psi supply pressure. Performance 
was improved at 500 psi supply pressures. Neither the Scubapro MKlO nor the 
MK2O is recommended for Navy use in sea water at 28 deg F and depths to 190 fsw. (MM) 
 

AD Number: ADA272849 
Corporate Author: NAVY EXPERIMENTAL DIVING UNIT PANAMA CITY FL 
Title: Commercially Available Beauchat Regulators. 
Personal Authors: Noe, J. A. 
Report Date: SEP 93 
Pages: 44 PAGES 
Report Number: NEDU-6-93 
Abstract: Evaluations were conducted to determine which commercially 
available open-circuit SCUBA regulators were capable of meeting performance 
goal standards for Navy use. Bench testing of all candidate regulators was 
conducted to establish flow patterns and air delivery capacity. Unmanned 
testing using a breathing simulator at ventilation rates of 22.5, 40, 2.5, 75, 
and 90 L/min at test depths of 0 to 60 msw (O to 198 fsw), in 10 msw (33 fsw) 
increments was conducted to determine work of breathing (WOB) values. 
Each candidate regulator model was subjected to five runs each and a mean 
of the WOB was established by using a one sample T-test with a significance 
established at P<0.05. This mean WOB value was then compared to the 
Performance Goal Standard of 1.37 Joules per Liter (J/L) at 60 msw (198 fsw). 
Testing was conducted in ambient temperature water, approximately 21 
deg C (70 deg F), with supply pressures of 10.34 and 3. 44 MPa (1500 and 5OO 
psi). In addition to this testing, cold water regulators were tested 
in -2.2 deg C ' -0.5 deg C (28 deg F to 31 deg F) water to determine candidate 
regulators propensity for freeze-up. Manned testing was conducted in two 
phases to subjectively ,rate regulator performance as well as fit and function. 
Phase one consisted of dives in the Ocean Simulation Facility (OSF) to 58 
msw (190 fsw) and phase two consisted of open sea dives not to exceed 40 
msw (130 fsw). Open-circuit SCUBA Regulators, Cold Water open-circuit 
SCUBA regulators, Authorized for Navy Use (ANU) list, Work of Breathing (WOB), 
Respiratory Minute VoLume (RMV), Performance goal standard. 


AD Number: ADA280692 
Corporate Author: NAVY EXPERIMENTAL DIVING UNIT PANAMA CITY FL 
Title: Commercially Available US Divers Regulators. 
Descriptive Note: Test rept. Jan-Mar 94, 
Personal Authors: Noe, J. A. 
Report Date: APR 94 
Pages: 43 PAGES 
Report Number: NEDU-TR-9-94 
Abstract: Evaluations were conducted to determine which commercially 
available open-circuit SCUBA regulators were capable of meeting performance 
goal standards for Navy use. Bench testing of all candidate regulators was 
conducted to establish flow patterns and air delivery capacity. Unmanned 
testing using a breathing simulator at ventilation rates of 22.5, 40, 62.5, 75, and 
90 L/min at test depths of 0 to 60 msw (O to 198 fsw), in 10 msw (33 fsw) increments 
was conducted to determine work of breathing (WOB) values. Each candidate 
regulator mode( was subjected to five runs each. The mean WOB value was then 
compared to the Performance Goal Standard of 1.37 Joules per Liter (J/L) at 60 
msw (198 fsw) by using a one sample T-test with a significance established at 
P<0.05. Testing was conducted in ambient temperature water, approximately 
21 deg C (70 deg F), with supply pressures of 10.34 and 3.44 MPa (1500 and 500 psi). 
in addition to this testing, cold water regulators were tested in -2.2 deg C + or -0.5 
deg C (28 deg F to 31 deg F) water to determine candidate regulators propensity for 
freeze-up. Manned testing was conducted in two phases to subjectively rate regulator 
performance as well as fit and function. Phase one consisted of dives in the Ocean 
Simulation Facility (OSF) to 58 msw (190 fsw) and phase two consisted of open sea 
dives not exceeding 40 msw (130 fsw). Open-Circuit SCUBA Regulators, Cold Water 
Open-Circuit SCUBA Regulators, Authorized for Navy Use (ANU) list, Work of 
Breathing (WOB), Respiratory Minute Volume (RMV). 


AD Number: ADA186590 
Corporate Author: NAVY EXPERIMENTAL DIVING UNIT PANAMA CITY FL 
Title: Evaluation of Commercially Available Open Circuit Scuba Regulators. 
Descriptive Note: Test and evaluation rept., 
Personal Authors: Morson, Paul D. 
Report Date: AUG 87 
Pages: 266 PAGES 
Report Number: NEDU-8-87 
Abstract: Phase 1 consisted of unmanned testing of 51 SCUBA regulator 
systems commercially available in the U.S. Breathing resistance, work of 
breathing, and first stage performance was evaluated. Phase 2 consisted of 
unmanned tests of selected open circuit SCUBA regulators, equipped with low 
temperature conversion kits. Breathing resistance, work of breathing, first stage 
performance and performance in cold water was evaluated. Phase 3 consisted 
of an open water human factors evaluation of the regulators tested in phase 2. 
As a result of phase 1 testing a new NEDU open circuit SCUBA regulator performance 
criterion was developed to supersede the 1981 NEDU performance standard for 132 
FSW. The new standard is work of breathing not to exceed .14 kg 1X1 m/l at all 
depths and RMV up to 62.5 RMV at 198 FSW. From the field of 51 regulator models 
tested, 8 met or exceeded the upgraded performance standard at 198 FSW, 17 met 
or exceeded the 1981 NEDU standard at 132 FSW, 43 met or exceeded the military 
standard of respiratory pressures (Mil-R-24169B), and 6 failed. Two regulators were 
unable to undergo objective analysis of breathing resistance and work due to 2nd 
stage inhalation pressure incompatibility with the test systems. Phase 2 test results 
indicated that low temperature conversion modifications frequently increased the 
work of breathing. In cold water 5 regulators were considered to have superior performance, 
1 considered moderate, and 4 unacceptable. 


AD Number: ADA313945 
ProxyURL/Handle: http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA313945 
Corporate Author: NAVY EXPERIMENTAL DIVING UNIT PANAMA CITY FL 
Title: Evaluation of the Poseidon Odin Scuba Regulator for Use In Cold Water. 
Descriptive Note: Technical rept. Jan 94-Dec 95, 
Personal Authors: Clarke, J. R.; Rainone, M. 
Report Date: DEC 1995 
Pages: 19 PAGES 
Report Number: NEDU-TR-14-95 
Abstract: NEDU tested the breathing effort and susceptibility to freeze-up of 
the Poseidon Odin Jetstream SCUBA regulator. The regulator was tested in 
28 deg F (-2 deg C) salt water, at depths to 198 fsw (60.7 msw) . Five samples 
of the model were tested. The probability of regulator failure was computed 
from the number of cold induced incidents, and the time to failure for each incident. 
Under these rigorous conditions, the probability of failure for the Poseidon Odin 
was very low (Pf = 0.074). There were also no high breathing pressure incidents 
during the resistive effort measurements with a 1500 psi supply pressure, even at 
RMVs up to 90 L/min. The Poseidon Odin is recommended for use in sea water at 
28 deg F and depths to 190 fsw. 


AD Number: ADA317310 
ProxyURL/Handle: http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA317310 
Corporate Author: NAVY EXPERIMENTAL DIVING UNIT PANAMA CITY FL 
Title: Evaluation of the U.S. Divers Nordic Scuba Regulator for Use in Cold Water. 
Descriptive Note: Technical rept. Jan 95-Jun 96, 
Personal Authors: Clarke, J. R.; Junker, D. L.; Rainone, M. 
Report Date: SEP 1996 
Pages: 14 PAGES 
Report Number: NEDU-TR-11-96 
Abstract: NFDU tested the breathing effort and susceptibility to freeze-up of 
the U.S. Divers Nordic SCtIBA regulator. Five regulators were tested in 
28%F (- 20C) salt water, at depths to 198 fsw (60.7 msw). The probability 
of regulator failure was computed from the number of cold induced 
incidents, and the time to failure for each incident. There were no freeze-ups 
of the first or second stages. However, resistive effort was remarkably high, 
especially at low bottle pressures. The first stage regulator frequently 
malfunctioned due to the loss of silicon oil. High breathing pressure events 
during the resistive effort measurements occurred at mass flow rates exceeding 
300 g/min at a 1500 psi supply pressure. Due to leakage of silicone oil and high 
breathing effort at low bottle pressures, the U.S. Divers Nordic is not 
recommended for Navy use in cold water (28"F) at any depth. 


AD Number: ADA300807 
ProxyURL/Handle: http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA300807 
Corporate Author: NAVY EXPERIMENTAL DIVING UNIT PANAMA CITY FL 
Title: Evaluation of Sherwood Scuba Regulators for Use in Cold Water. 
Descriptive Note: Technical rept., 
Personal Authors: Clarke, J. R.; Rainone, M. 
Report Date: JUL 1995 
Pages: 24 PAGES 
Report Number: NEDU-TR-9-95 
Abstract: NEUD tested the breathing effort and susceptibility to freeze-up of two models 
of Sherwood SCUBA regulators, the Blizzard and the Maximus. Both regulators were 
teated in -2% (28F) salt water, at depths to 6O.7 mew (19F few) . Five examples of each 
model were tested. The probability of regulator failure was computed from the number of 
cold induced incidents, and the time to failure for each incident. Under these rigorous 
conditions, the probability of failure for the Sherwood Blizzard was approximately half 
that of the Maximus. Furthermore, the Blizzard's breathing effort was consistently lower 
than the Maximus, especially at low supply pressures. The Sherwood Blizzard should 
be adequate for dives of up to 40 min duration in sea water temperature to 28F. Deeper 
than 100 few, only moderate work (RMV no greater than 40 L-min) should be accomplished.