Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory

NSMRL REPORT 1190 23 OCOBER 1993

AD-A274 990

STORAGE STABILITY OF LITHIUM HYDROXIDE

USED IN THE SUBMARINE FORCE

P. L. Perrona

Naval Submarine Medfical Research Laboratory

A. Davis and A. McCarrick

Carderock Division -Naval Surface Warfare Center

94-02071DTIC

94-02071LECTE

Released by

P. K. WEATHERBY, CAPq, MSC, USN "WI P4

Commanding Officer7

Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory 2

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited
Best

Available

Copy
Storage Stability of Lithium Hydroxide Used in the Submarine Force

P. L. Perrotta

A. Davis

and

A. McCarrick

Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory

Report 1190

Naval Medical Research and Development Command

Work Unit 63713N M0099.01A-5201

A redand Aelema ed by

P. K. Weathersby, CAP MSC, USN

Commanding Officer

NAVSUBMEDRSCHLAB

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited
SUMMARY PAGE

PROBLEM

Lithium hydroxide is the only non-regenerative carbon dioxide absorbent available aboard United

States submarines for use during emergency scenarios. Several questions have arisen concerning the

use of this material under actual operational conditions. The canisters have no documented shelf-life

and relative change in effectiveness of carbon dioxide removal with storage is unknown. It is also

uncertain whether extremes in temperatures occurring in various boat compartments affects absorptive

capacity.

FINDINGS

We found that canisters 10 years old (from the date displayed on the canister) were significantly less

effective than new canisters. Canisters 4 to 9 years old were not statistically different than new canisters

although performance slightly decreased. Although lithium hydroxide stored in warmer compartments

(e.g. engine room) appeared to be sl~ghtly less effective that those stored in other areas, again, this

difference was not significant. Absorbent effectiveness was independent of air velocity through the

canister and amount of external damage to the container. Canisters which were rejected because they

exceeded 10% of their initial labeled gross weight sometimes performed well and sometimes were

inadequate for use.

APPLICATION

From these results we recommend that canisters greater than 10 years of age be replaced. Canisters

should be distributed throughout the boat as much as possible with a smaller number stored in areas

expected to be exposed to higher temperatures. Severely damaged canisters should be replaced because

of potential difficulties when inserting them into the hoppers and because of questions concerning the

integrity of the container. The procedure of discarding canisters exceeding 10% of their initial weight

should be continued because it is not possible on the boat to distinguish whether the weight increase is

due to water or carbon dioxide absorption.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

This work was completed under Naval Medical Research Development Command Research

Work Unit 63713N-M0099.OlA-5201, "Submarine related decompression problems." The

views expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or

position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the U. S. Government. This

report was approved for publication on 23 October 1993 and designated Naval Submarine

Medical Research Report 1190.

ii
Abstract

We examined several issues concerning the use of lithium hydroxide as a non-regenerative carbon

dioxide absorbent on operational submarines. Specific questions concerning the storage of the compound and stability under various storage conditions were addressed. We found that canisters over 10

years old were significantly less effective than new canisters for our measures of effectiveness which

included total carbon dioxide absorptive capacity and rate of carbon dioxide absorptive capacity at 4 and

8 hours. Canisters stored in warmer areas such as the engine room appeared to be slightly less effective

than those stored in other areas although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Amount of

damage to the canister and air velocity through the canister did not appear to decrease performance. It

was not possible to predict effectiveness of canisters rejected because they exceeded 10% of their initial

weight. We conclude that the shelf-life of operational lithium hydroxide canisters is approximately 10

years and canisters older than this should be replaced. Canisters should be stored throughout the boat

with a smaller number kept in warmer compartments. Severely damaged canisters should be replaced

because of potential difficulties when inserting these into the hoppers and possible breach in absorbent

integrity. The procedure of discarding canisters exceeding 10% of their initial weight should be

continued because it is not possible to easily determine on board if this weight change is attributed to

water or carbon dioxide absorption.

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[Blank Page]

iv
Storage Stability of Lithium Hydroxide Used in the Submarine Force

Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) continues to be the Background

only non-regenerative carbon dioxide (CO2) Reaction of LiOH with CO2 typically requires

absorbent used aboard United States (U.S.)

submarines. In the event of loss of the regen- water (H2 0) in an amount sufficient to proerative monoethanolamine (MEA) CO2 scrubber, LiOH would be utilized in a portable

canister receptacle blower assembly, or if LiOH(s)+1120(5) ->LiOH.H20(s) (1)

power was not available to this unit, would be

spread out in thin beds'. The electrically pow- where (s) and (g) denote solid and gaseous

ered canister receptacles are designed to hold phases respectively. The monohydrate and

five individual canisters each containing 6.3 non-hydrated compounds both react with

pounds of LiOH. CO2 to produce the carbonate and water in

exothermic reactions:

The supply of LiOH is typically divided and

stored in forward and aft compartments al- 2LOH -120(s) + C02Q) -+ (2)

though this is not always the case. Storage i2CO3(s) + 3H20(g) + beat

conditions vary in terms of temperature, with

aft spaces generally being warmer than those

forward, with temperatures reaching 120*F in 2LiOH(s) + C02(g) -4 (3)

some areas. There is currently no standard L2CO3(s) + H20(g) + heat

expiration date for canisters of LiOH, so canisters may be older than 10 to 15 years. The can- th knt to which drive equas

isters are reported to be "air-tight" (Personal through (3) to the right include higher gas

communication with Cyprus Foote Mineral, partial pressure of CO2, high vapor pressure 1993) but are not drawn to vacuum when of water,3 and removal of heat.4 Bed dynam- sealed. Canisters are required to be weighed ics, including absorbent bed length and linear and if they exceed 110% of their initial gas velocity, also have significant effects on weight, are discarded, rates of LiOH consumption.5 Residence time, defined as the time CO2 is exposed to LiOH,

The primary objective of this study was to test is a convenient meas of expressing bed dythe CO2 absorbent performance of a variety of namics and has been studied for several CO2

canisters of LiOH obtained from operational absorbents.! Particle characteristics such as

boats stored under normal conditions of granule porosity alter the surface area and subhumidity, temperature, and carbon dioxide sequently affect the reaction rate significantly.

concentration, and determine the effects of Optimal reaction bed temperatures and water

factors such as age and storage conditions. vapor pressure ranges for absorption of CO2

Results will be used to make specific recon- have been examined for uiOHI The effect of

mendations to the submarine force, changes in temperature and humidity in a

disabled submarine (DISUB) on absorptive

capacity is expected to be small because
changes in these parameters is usually small

in the normal submarine environment. cuM-M,, EiTF

Methods

Approximately 80 LiOH canisters were obtained from Atlantic and Pacific fleet submarines. These canisters were of various ages,

weights and conditions of external damage.

The canisters were stored in different compartments prior to being collected for testing.

New canisters were also obtained. The canis- N

ters tested were selected by taking a cross-section from the various grouping characteristics. Figure 1. Expeimenal setup.

The overall experimental design is to measure

the gain in canister weight as the LiOH is con- was inserted into the remaining slot and reverted to the heavier Li2CO3. The experimental acted for 8 hours in an atmosphere containing

setup was similar to that in a previous study.s 2% C02 .

Two aluminum enclosures were used to contain the hoppers and the test canisters. Figure

1 illustrates the setup of one enclosure during Canister age, weight, damage and original

testing. These enclosures were approximately storage location were recorded at the begin64 ft3 with an external supply of CO2 and an ning of each test run. The canister was inexhaust fan. A Central Atmosphere Monitor- serted into the test slot of the hopper, and the

ing Unit (CAMS MK1) was used to measure Plexiglas cover of the enclosure bolted in

the partial pressure of CO2 in each of the en- place. The flow of C02 was then introduced

closures. The percentage of C02 was main- into the hopper enclosure, and regulated until

tained at 2% by manual regulation for the 2% concentration was achieved. Typically, it

duration of all individual canister testing. Pre- took less than 2 minutes to stabilize the presliminary tests showed that a 2% level of CO2 sure of C02 in the chamber. The hopper and

coupled with the air flow from the exhaust fan exhaust fan were energized when the chamber

allowed reaction of the LiOH over an 8-hour CM2 concentration reached 2%. Weight

shift without creating excessive heat and mois- change, humidity, temperature and partial

ture. Temperature and humidity inside the pressure of C02 were measured for eight

enclosures were recorded but were not used in hours. After this eight hour period, the C02

the final analysis. The goal was to maintain concentration was increased by approximately

chamber temperature less than 100I F and 20% until there was no change in weight for

relative humidity less than 90%. approximately 1 hour. Final weight of the

canisters was then recorded.

Since a hopper is designed to expend 5 canisters simultaneously, it was necessary to block Several of the canisters obtained from the

air flow to all but one of the slots. One canister boats were identified as "heavy". Heavy

2
canisters were those whose weights exceeded of 1.69 (1 molecule of CO2 is gained for each

110% of the manufacturer's labeled gross molecule of H20 lost by equation (3))

weight. Small samples (< 20g) were extracted

from each of the heavy canisters prior to test- = - )1.69 (5)

ing; these samples were weighed and carefully heated (temperature not controlled) to A absorption rates in Ibm/hr were calcudetermine if the excess weight could be attrib- l at 240 minutes (rate2) and 480 minutes

uted to water or CO2. The remainder of these (ratew). The total mass increase over 4 and 8

samples were tested in the experimental hours was calculated from the fitted exponenchambers as previously described. tial curve and then divided by time to obtain

Datta.Anagl.'average absorption rates:

Weight change over time data was first examined for each canister test run. Several mathe- A e• ---- +B Be"-N (6)

matical equations were evaluated with pilot data ratre = 240

to model the test data. The final equation which

appeared to give excellent fit through the data

had smooth limits at both short and long times A • - (7)

and subsequently used for data analysis was: rate 4 = Ale 4, + Be 4m

480

- (4) Differences in effectiveness for various groupmass(increase)5 = Ate ' + Bte' ings of canisters (e.g. age, storage conditions,

damage) were measured by paired samples

The constants A, A2, B1, and B 2 were esti- t-test with SYSTAT statistical software. All

mated for this non-linear equation using least reported p-values are two-sided and signifisquares to minimize deviations in the estimated cant differences are reported when p < 0.05.

mass. The Quasi-Newton estimation method

which uses numeric estimates of the first and Results

second derivatives of the least squares function

was used. Initial parameters were estimated A total of 45 canisters were tested over 5

from Multiple inspection of the raw time/mass data. weeks. Each canister was exposed to 2% CO2 runs with differn~t starting • for 8 hours. Seven canisters were excluded

were performed to assure that the coefficients because of equipment difficulties, leaving 38 obandwere 

obtained performetophal. 

were optimal. G Goodness-of-fit des-oefficnts 

was 

canister data sets available for analysis. Tem- eau o th c am rr ng df m60

determined by ple calculating dnots whch th the prporton squared multi- f vai- peralure 100'F and of generally the chamber was ranged maintained from 60- from

ple Rn mass wichbuetedst the pmefntion 85-90OF throughout the majority of the test.

ance in mass attributed to the time functions. Humidity ranged from 25-90%, usually beThree measures of LiOH effectiveness were tween 30-40%. The weight change test data

defined to compare differences between for each canister is available in Appendix A.

individuals canisters and groupings. Total

capacity per canister was defined as the final Fienw.c aniste

weight change after expending the canister in Five new canstrs w eteed toe used

a high CO2 atmosphere multiplied by a factor

3
groups. Each set of mass(time) data was fitted individually to equation (4) and constants

obtained (Table 1). Overall fit to the equation was excellent (R2 > = 0.999) and is 10

shown graphically for a single new canister -i

(canister 1) in Figure 2. The initial and final7.

masses and the calculated coefficients .

"showed little variation among the new canisters (Table 1). Total capacity, ratem0 and 5

rate4w are listed in Table 2. The sum of the 49

constants Al and B, was significantly greater 0 -

than the total capacity (p < 0.0001). U 2.5 FITTED S...ACTUAL

Individual coefficients were averaged to 0 I I I

obtain the mass(time) equation that is used to 0 2 4 6 8

compare other groups: TIME (hours)

Figure 2. Comparison of test data and titted equation

- - (8) for a single new canister.

masi- =2.77e ' + 4.88e £

TABLE I

Summary of New Canisters

Can Initial Mass Final Mass Al A2 Bi B2

(Ibm) (ibm) (lbm) (hr) (lbm) (hr)

1 7.50 10.94 2.38 0.32 5.06 2.46

2 7.54 11.07 2.46 0.31 5.11 3.08

3 7.28 11.02 3.23 0.40 4.49 4.46

4 7.45 10.94 2.99 0.50 4.30 2.94

5 7.50 10.98 2.79 0.37 5.34 4.93

TABLE 2

New Canister Effectiveness

Canister Total

Capacity Rate240 Rate480 Avg. Vel.

(Ibm) (lbm/br) (lbm/br) (fminn)

1 5.81 1.23 0.75 200

2 5.96 1.16 0.73 230

3 6.33 1.09 0.70 522

4 5.88 1.17 0.72 317

5 5.88 1.02 0.69 397

4
Coefficients of variations for A,, A2, B1, and

I_ E B2 were 0.128, 0.197, 0.091, and 0.297 respec-

, I tively.

3 -Instantaneous absorption rate for a single canister can be calculated by taking the derivative

2 of equation (4):

40

Amass -A, A2. -Bo Bz2 (9) - L 2 ea8 + i e

fr tAte t

40 z 01 Figure 3 shows the instantaneous CO2 absorpz 0) 0 I 2 3 4 5 6 7 e tion ratebnm/hr) curve for a representative

TIME (hours) new cannister. This curve does not represent

Figure 3. Instantaneous absoton rate over time for average absorption rates. These are calculated

a single new canister (canister 1). by equation (6) and (7).

6

E

:9 5-

w 4- ----- NEW -- 4-6 YRS _ 7 -9 YRS

<m2 10-- I012 YRS

- >20YRS > 

0 A

0 1 2 3) 4 5 6 T 8

TIME (hours)

Figure 4. Mass change over time for canisters grouped by age.

TABLE 3

Relative Effectiveness (Standard Deviation) by Age

Age Number of Capacity Rate240 Rate4g0

(yr.) Canisters (Ibm) (Ibm/br) (Ibm/hr)

New 5 5.98 (0.20) 1.13 (0.07) 0.72 (0.02)

4-6 7 5.77 (0.12) 1.09 (0.16) 0.73 (0.07)

7-9 10 5.62 (0.50) 0.94 (0.20) 0.62 (0.11)

10-12 9 4.07 (0.22) 0.75 (0.13) 0.45 (0.06)

> 20 3 5.44 (0.32) 0.88 (0.19) 0.58 (0.07)

5
Old Canise

Twenty-nine canisters ranging from 4 to 23

years old were tested and relative effectiveness compared against new canisters (Table

3). Mass versus time curves are shown in.

Figure 4 for canisters grouped into various 0

ranges of age. Measures of effectiveness E 1.2

were averaged within age groups for compari- : e .

son. Canisters 10 to 12 years old were sig- W

nificantly less effective than new canisters in 1- 1.0 *

z terms of total capacity (p < 0.001), average i 0.9- *

absorption rate at 240 minutes (p < 0.001) o

V" 0.8 - °

and average rate at 480 minutes (p < 0.001). N 0.•

The three canisters greater than 20 years old t 0.7 - 0

appear more effective than those 10 to 12 i 0 !a• 0.6- •-

years old but are still significantly less effec- cc.6

tive than new canisters for total capacity 0.5 I I I

(p = 0.027), rate20 (p = 0.037), and rate410 0 5 10 15 20 25

(p = 0.008). Canisters 4 to 6 years old were AGE (yrs)

not different than new canisters for rateuo, Figure 6. Average rate2o of individual canisters and

rate48o, or total capacity. Similarly, canisters

7 to 9 years old showed no significant difference in any of the measures of effectiveness

I I I ! I I

•; :.s _*.- . 8

T 0. S

f= 0.7

ES 1 0.6

4 z

.0 h0

00.

0.4

n I I I IIti

0 5 I0 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 '25

AGE (yrs) AGE (yrs)

Figure 5. Capacity of individual canisters and age. Figure 7. Average rate4bo of individual canisters and

age.

6
TABLE 4

Relative Effectiveness (Standard Deviation) by Storage Conditions

Storage Capacity Rate240 Rate4o

Location (Ibm) (Ibm/hr) (Qbm/hr)

Engine Room 5.39 (0.46) 0.79 (0.10) 0.50 (0.02)

Torpedo/OPS 5.81 (0.17) 0.93 (0.14) 0.67 (0.06)

stored in the torpedo room or operations of

the same boat (Table 4). All canisters were

from 4 to 8 years old. Several of these canisters were also used in the age comparisons.

No significant difference was found in total

capacity and rate0, although the relative effectiveness of those stored in the engine room

was decreased at 8 hours (p=0.002 ). When

the mean values for constants (A,, A2, B1, B2)

derived for these groups are obtained, no significant difference is demonstrated.

Effects of External Damag=

Seventeen canisters from 4 to 8 years old

were subjectively divided into 2 groups based

on external damage (none/mild, moderate/severe). Figure 8 shows representative samples

Figure 8. Representative samples of canister damage. from each group. Several of these canisters

were used in the age comparisons. No significant difference was found between these two

although there was greater variability within groups for total capacity, rateuo or rate4s (Tathe group. Plots of capacity, mte2o and ble 5). It was subjectively noted that the serate480 versus age for individual canisters is verely damaged canisters were more difficult

shown in Figures 5-7. to insert in the hopper. It is uncertain how

this would impact actual submarine use.

Storage Location

Four canisters stored in the engine room of a Air Velocity Effects

640 class boat were compared with 5 canisters To study the effects of air velocity on effectiveness, seventeen canisters matched for age

TABLE 5

Relative Effectiveness (Standard Deviation) and Canister Damage

Amount of Capacity Rate24 Rate480

Damage (Ibm) (1bm/hr) (Ibm/hr)

None/Mild 5.84 (0.27) 0.95 (0.19) 0.66 (0.11)

Moderate/Severe 5.54 (0.43) 1.05 (0.20) 0.67 (0.11)

7
I I I I I I ' I • I

6 1.25 -

6.000

E E

-- S S 1.0

5.55

4 0 0.5 5.0 ••

Sa i I I"0 I I 0 5.

100 200 300 400 500 600 100 200 300 400 500 600

AIR VELOCITY (FT/MIN) AIR VELOCITY (FT/MIN)

Figure 9. Air velocity and total capacity. Figure 10. Air velocity and average rate24o.

were compared. No correlation was found be- when gently heated over approximately 2

tween air velocity and total capacity, ratewo, hours (Table 6). No correlation could be

or rate4so as demonstrated in the scatter plots found between the weight loss during heating

(Figures 9 and 10) and suggested by regression and our various measures of effectiveness.

analysis (slope of regression analysis = 0.001 No significant differences were found when

and R2 > 0.30 for each correlation), the averages for this group were compared to

the group of new canisters although canister

Heavy Canisters 35 performed extremely poorly.

Four canisters rejected from operational units

because of an increase in weight during storage were tested. Samples from all of the canisters decreased in weight from 5% to 23%

TABLE 6

Heavy Canister Effectiveness

Capacity Rate24o Rate480 Weight Loss

Canister (Ibm) (lbm/M) (Gbnmhr) (%)

35 3.13 0.56 0.34 22

36 5.96 1.07 0.75 23

37 5.66 1.16 0.73 15

38 5.66 1.08 0.71 5

8
Discussion capacity would be highly dependent on air

flow and a large amount of time was spent at- The most important aspect of this study was tempting, unsuccessfully, to standardize air

considered the determination of a shelf-life

for canisters of lithium hydroxide. We have flow. The hoppers may be generating more

than sufficient flow of air though the canisshown that there appeared to be a significant therebyfimit in thefec tha mayibe

decrease in absorptive capacity for canisters

that have been stored on boats for more than seen if smaller air velocities were examined.

10 years. Although there is a mild drop in ef- time Although instead only of a 5, single we expect canister the was results tested wereat a

fectiveness for canisters over 5 years of age not affected, because of the tight control of

(mean decrease in capacity for those 7 to 9 not cncation.

years old was only 0.21 Ibm), these changes

were not statistically significant and are not We also found that the amount of external

expected to dramatically effect actual use sce- damage did not negatively impact canister pernarios. formance. This would be expected as long as

There are several possible explanations for there with subsequent was no breach exposure in the to canister's ambient integrity carbon

this drop in effectiveness of older canisters. It oid e. Fxpoaus e tanpint thou

was observed that the LiOH of the oldest can- woulde roasabe tondisa severel dm

istes ganulr ws les tan nw cnistrs, would be reasonable to discard severely damisters was less granular than new canisters, aged canisters because they may not be able

and was slightly "caked". This could cer- to be inserted into the hopper if both ends are

tainly effect absorptive area and decrease flow damaged ince of idbthve am e

throgh ateial he Thesafty mplcatons damaged. Evidence of oxidative damage

through the material. The safety implications (rust) may also suggest a higher risk of loss of of contacting the older material are unknown, canister integrity although quantitative data is

but include the same caustic effects on skin not ibe for cf ation.

and mucsa.not espiator available for confirmation. and respiratory mucosa.

Although Interpretation of the results of heavy canisters canisters that were stored in warmer ms edn ihgetcuin h e

areas (e.g. engine room), appeared to be

slightly less effective than those stored in crease in weight of the LiOH on heating is asother areas, the differences were not statisti- sumed to be due to loss of water since the

cally significant. It was expected that LiOH hydroxide and carbonate compounds should

be stable at the temperatures used. No chemi- would remain stable at the temperatures ex- cal analysis of the compound was performed.

pected in the worst conditions, but there may Hydration of LiOH should not degrade effec- be mild degradation. From an operational tiveness since the hydrate is formed prior to

standpoint, it appears logical to store canisters reaction with COe by equation (1). The

throughout the boat, forward and aft Our re- amon water in eioH H 0 ar

sults suggest that it may be reasonable to store

smaller amounts in the warmest compart- mately 43%. Therefore, the decrease in

me aits. weight found probably indicates the presence of partially hydrated material which does not

A surprising result was that canister effective- decrease the material's CO2 absorbant capacness was independent of measured air veloc- ity. Effectiveness of three of the four canisity. It was originally thought that absorptive ters were quite good although the number of

canisters may have been too small for a good

9
analysis. Since it is not possible to unambigu- estimate the asymptote. The process may not

ously determine whether the increase in truly reach a smooth asymptote, and instead

weight is due to absorption of C02, water or may more quickly reach an endpoint. As menother contaminants without chemical analysis, tioned previously, the effects of water vapor

it appears reasonable to continue the practice on lithium hydroxide were not accounted for.

of replacing canisters that are over 10% of If water reacted with lithium hydroxide by

their initial labeled weight. equation (2) in a significant amount, there

would be a small weight loss associated with

There were several assumptions made which the formation of carbonate.

could be interpreted as weaknesses in our

experimental design. It was assumed that the We did not feel that the asymptote was the

beds of lithium hydroxide were hot enough to most critical aspect of this model because lithevaporate all of the liberated water. If this ium hydroxide canisters would not be used

were not true, then water condensing within until they were totally expended under normal

the bed or on the wall of the canister would use. For example, if one person produces

cause a greater increase in weight. The 0. 10 lbm/hr of C02, 10 men would produce

chamber temperature, not the bed tempera- 1.0 Ibm/br. To keep up with this production,

ture, was measured during the runs. LIOH would need to remove this 1.0 lb/hr.

When the C02 absorbency rate drops below

The weight gain measured was assumed to this value, C02 would start to accumulate in

be a function only of carboi. ,;ioxide uptake the atmosphere. This change will occur long

by equation (3). Water vapor formed when before the asymptotic value is approached.

C02 reacts with LIOH should be immediately

expelled from the chamber by the high air We do not feel that these weaknesses impact

flow, therefore making the contributions of our final recommendations concerning the

equation (2) insignificant. Relative humidities relative effectiveness of the canisters tested.

were recorded as high as 90% during the runs All conditions were controlled as well as

despite attempts to keep this humidity down possible and operating conditions were the

by using a muffin fan and running the tests same for each canister. Previous studies in

at a reasonable C02 concentration (2%). No the Navy examining lithium hydroxide have

control runs of 0% C02 in a humid environ- generally used the weight gain method and

ment were run to further examine these should therefore also be looked at critically.

aspects. Lithium hydroxide scrubbing efficiency

could be examined by smaller bench studies,

Our series of exponential terms equation (4) but this was not our intent from the beginning.

that we used to model the change in weight Rather, we were more interested in larger

of the canisters for each run consistently over- scale studies using lithium hydroxide as it is

estimated the total capacity of each canister. used in the submarine force in hopes of

The sum of Al and BI should be equal to the providing information that could help add

weight of the expended canister. This is prob- to current standard operating procedures.

ably a combination of both weaknesses in the

experimental design and the model. Each

canister was run for only 8 hours which may

not have been long enough for the model to

10
Recommendations 5. Boryta DA, Maas AJ. Carbon Dioxide

Absorption Dynamics of Lithium Hydrox- 1. Discard all canisters of lithium hydrox- ide. from Characterization of Carbon

ide 10 years after the date stamped on Dioxide Absorbing Agents for Life

the canister by the manufactures. Support Equipment-OED-Vol.10, 83-101.

2. Store lithium hydroxide in both forward 6. Wang TC. Residence time and carbon

and aft compartments, with a smaller dioxide scrubbing efficiency in life

proportion of canisters being stored in support systems. Aviation, Space, and

engine rooms or areas expected to Environmental Medicine 1981:104-108.

have higher temperatures.

7. Boryta DA, Maas AJ. Factors Influencing

3. Discard canisters that appear severely Rate of Carbon Dioxide Reaction with

damaged. Lithium Hydroxide. Ind. Eng. Chem.

Process Des. Develop., Vol. 10, No. 4,

4. Continue replacing canisters that ex- 1971,489-94.

ceed 10% of their initial weight. 8. NAVSSES ltr 9550 021C Ser 037 of 28 Feb

References 90. Subj "CO2 Canister Receptacle Tests."

1. Naval Sea Systems Command. SUBMA- Acknowledgments

RINE ATMOSPHERE CONTROL The authors would like to thank HM1 K. King

MANUAL (NAVSEA S9510-AB-ATM- and HM3 D. Knudsen for their technical assis010). Washington, DC: Department of

the Navy. tance with data collection.

2. Chief of Naval Operations. MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT CARD (OPNAV 4790 (Revised 2-82). Washington,

DC: Department of the Navy.

3. Williams DD, Miller RR. The Effect of

Water Vapor on the LiOH-CO2 Reaction,

Part 1 - Dynamic Isothermal System

(NRL Report 6937). Washington, DC:

Naval Research Laboratory.

4. Wang TC, Bricker JL. Combined Temperature and Water Vapor Effects on the

Lithium Hydroxide - Carbon Dioxide

Reaction in Underwater Life Support

Systems. Environment International, Vol.

2, 1979,425-30.

11
APPENDIX A

LITHIUM HYDROXIDE TEST DATA

This appendix shows all canister test data analyzed. Tume is in minutes and weight is in lb-n.

12
TIAE

(minutes) CAN 1 CAN 2 CAN 3 CAN 4 CAN 5 CAN 6 CAN 7 CAN 8

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 0.13 0.18 0.15 0.11 0.11 0.09 0.13 0.18

10 0.26 0.31 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.18 0.22 0.26

15 0.35 0.40 0.42 0.29 0.37 0.22 0.31 0.35

20 0.49 0.53 0.53 0.37 0.51 0.26 0.35 0.44

25 0.62 0.62 0.71 0.49 0.64 0.31 0.44 0.53

30 0.71 0.75 0.79 0.62 0.77 0.31 0.53 0.62

40 0.93 0.93 1.04 0.79 0.95 0.40 0.71 0.79

50 1.15 1.10 1.21 1.01 1.08 0.49 0.84 0.97

60 1.37 1.28 1.34 1.19 1.17 0.53 0.97 1.10

75 1.59 1.46 1.46 1.48 1.30 0.62 1.19 1.28

90 1.72 1.59 1.59 1.70 1.43 0.75 1.32 1.41

105 1.90 1.76 1.74 1.90 1.52 0.84 1.50 1.54

120 2.03 1.90 1.90 2.05 1.65 0.93 1.63 1.63

135 2.16 2.03 2.01 2.16 1.76 1.01 1.76 1.76

150 2.29 2.12 2.09 2.25 1.87 1.06 1.85 1.85

165 2.38 2.25 2.14 2.29 1.96 1.15 1.98 1.94

180 2.51 2.34 2.18 2.38 2.01 1.23 2.07 2.03

195 2.60 2.47 2.29 2.43 2.09 1.30 2.16 2.12

210 2.73 2.56 2.36 2.49 2.20 1.39 2.25 2.20

225 2.82 2.65 2.49 2.58 2.20 1.41 2.34 2.25

240 2.87 2.73 2.54 2.65 2.29 1.46 2.38 2.34

255 3.09 2.87 2.67 2.80 2.54 1.59 2.51 2.38

270 3.13 2.91 2.76 2.89 2.62 1.68 2.51 2.43

285 3.20 2.98 2.82 3.00 2.77 1.76 2.56 2.47

300 3.26 3.04 2.89 3.06 2.87 1.85 2.60 2.51

315 3.31 3.09 2.98 3.13 2.91 1.90 2.65 2.56

330 3.31 3.13 3.02 3.17 2.95 1.98 2.69 2.60

345 3.35 3.17 3.06 3.24 2.98 2.03 2.73 2.65

360 3.40 3.17 3.11 3.28 2.98 2.12 2.73 2.69

375 3.40 3.26 3.15 3.31 2.98 2.16 2.78 2.91

390 3.40 3.31 3.20 3.33 2.98 2.20 2.78 2.91

405 3.40 3.31 3.20 3.33 2.98 2.20 2.82 2.91

420 3.44 3.35 3.20 3.33 2.98 2.25 2.82 2.95

435 3.44 3.35 3.20 3 33 2.25 2.82 3.00

450 3.44 3.40 3.24 3.33 2.29 2.87 3.00

465 3.44 3.40 3.24 3.33 2.29 2.87 3.04

480 3.44 3.44 3.24 3.33 2.29 2.91 3.04

13
TIME

(minutes) CAN 9 CAN 10 CAN 11 CAN 12 CAN 13 CAN 14 CAN 15 CAN 16

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 0.09 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.15 0.13 0.22 0.18

10 0.13 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.24 0.22 0.40 0.33

15 0.22 0.31 0.26 0.26 0.40 0.31 0.46 0.46

20 0.26 0.35 0.31 0.35 0.49 0.35 0.57 0.62

25 0.31 0.40 0.40 0.44 0.60 0.40 0.66 0.71

30 0.35 0.49 0.44 0.49 0.68 0.49 0.75 0.82

40 0.44 0.57 0.53 0.62 0.79 0.57 0.90 1.01

50 0.53 0.71 0.62 0.71 0.90 0.62 1.06 1.23

60 0.66 0.84 0.66 0.79 0.99 0.71 1.19 1.37

75 0.79 0.97 0.75 0.93 1.12 0.79 1.37 1.52

90 0.97 1.10 0.84 1.01 1.21 0.93 1.52 1.65

105 1.10 1.23 0.93 1.10 1.32 1.01 1.61 1.81

120 1.23 1.28 0.97 1.19 1.37 1.06 1.72 1.90

135 1.37 1.37 1.06 1.28 1.41 1.15 1.83 1.98

150 1.50 1.46 1.10 1.37 1.48 1.19 1.92 2.07

165 1.59 1.50 1.15 1.46 1.52 1.23 1.98 2.14

180 1.68 1.59 1.19 1.50 1.54 1.28 2.03 2.23

195 1.76 1.63 1.28 1.54 1.59 1.37 2.12 2.23

210 1.85 1.68 1.32 1.59 1.65 1.41 2.14 2.29

225 1.90 1.72 1.37 1.68 1.68 1.41 2.14 2.31

240 1.94 1.76 1.41 1.72 1.70 1.50 2.20 2.36

255 2.03 1.81 1.46 1.72 1.74 1.50 2.20 2.40

270 2.07 1.85 1.50 1.76 1.76 1.54 2.23 2.40

285 2.07 1.90 1.50 1.81 1.76 1.54 2.25 2.45

300 2.12 1.94 1.54 1.85 1.81 1.59 2.25 2.45

315 2.12 1.94 1.59 1.85 1.83 1.63 2.27 2.47

330 2.16 1.98 1.63 1.90 1.85 1.63 2.29 2.49

345 2.16 2.03 1.68 1.90 1.87 1.68 2.31 2.51

360 2.16 2.03 1.68 1.90 1.90 1.68 2.31 2.56

375 2.20 2.07 1.72 1.94 1.94 1.72 2.34 2.58

390 2.20 2.16 1.76 1.98 1.96 1.72 2.34 2.60

405 2.20 2.16 1.76 1.98 2.03 1.72 2.34 2.65

420 2.25 2.20 1.81 1.98 2.05 1.76 2.34 2.65

435 2.25 2.20 1.85 1.98 2.03 1.76 2.38 2.71

450 2.25 2.20 1.85 2.03 2.01 1.76 2.38 2.69

465 2.25 2.25 1.90 2.03 2.01 1.81 2.38 2.71

480 2.29 2.25 1.90 2.07 2.03 1.81 2.40 2.76

14
TIME

(minutes) CAN 17 CAN 18 CAN 19 CAN 20 CAN 21 CAN 22 CAN 23 CAN 24

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 0.13 0.22 0.22 0.18 0.04 0.18 0.18

10 0.18 0.31 0.33 0.26 0.15 0.26 0.26 0.26

15 0.22 0.44 0.49 0.31 0.22 0.33 0.35 0.31

20 0.26 0.60 0.64 0.40 0.33 0.42 0.44 0.40

25 0.31 071 0.75 0.49 0.46 0.51 0.49 0.49

30 0.35 0.79 0.88 0.53 0.55 0.60 0.57 0.53

40 0.40 1.06 1.12 0.66 0.73 0.75 0.71 0.71

50 0.49 1.32 1.34 0.79 0.93 0.90 0.84 0.88

60 0.53 1.52 1.50 0.93 1.10 1.06 1.01 1.01

75 0.66 1.74 1.70 1.10 1.34 1.28 1.19 1.23

90 0.75 1.96 1.92 1.23 1.50 1.52 1.32 1.41

105 0.84 2.09 2.12 1.37 1.63 1.68 1.50 1.63

120 0.93 2.18 2.23 1.50 1.76 1.85 1.63 1.85

135 1.06 2.27 2.34 1.63 1.87 1.96 1.76 2.03

150 1.10 2.36 2.43 1.76 1.96 2.07 1.94 2.20

165 1.19 2.43 2.51 1.90 2.05 2.18 2.07 2.38

180 1.23 2.51 2.62 1.98 2.14 2.29 2.16 2.51

195 1.28 2.58 2.73 2.12 2.23 2.38 2.29 2.65

210 1.32 2.69 2.84 2.20 2.29 2.43 2.38 2.78

225 1.37 2.82 2.95 2.29 2.36 2.51 2.47 2.87

240 1.41 2.91 3.06 2.38 2.43 2.60 2.51 3.00

255 1.46 3.00 3.17 2.43 2.47 2.69 2.60 3.09

270 1.46 3.06 3.22 2.51 2.49 2.78 2.65 3.13

285 1.50 3.15 3.28 2.56 2.56 2.89 2.69 3.22

300 1.54 3.22 3.33 2.60 2.60 2.95 2.78 3.26

315 1.59 3.31 3.42 2.65 2.65 3.02 2.82 3.31

330 1.59 3.37 3.44 2.69 2.69 3.06 2.82 3.35

345 1.63 3.42 3.48 2.73 2.71 3.09 2.87 3.40

360 1.63 3.46 3.51 2.78 2.76 3.13 2.91 3.44

375 1.72 3.62 3.59 2.82 2.93 3.37 3.04 3.53

390 1.76 3.66 3.62 2.82 2.98 3.42 3.09 3.53

405 1.76 3.68 3.64 2.87 3.04 3.53 3.13 3.53

420 1.81 3.70 3.66 2.87 3.06 3.59 3.17 3.53

435 1.81 3.66 3.66 2.91 3.13 3.64 3.22 3.53

450 1.85 3.70 3.66 2.91 3.17 3.70 3.26 3.57

465 1.85 3.73 3.66 2.95 3.17 3.70 3.31 3.57

480 1.85 3.73 3.68 2.95 3.73 3.31 3.57

15
TIME

(minutes) CAN 25 CAN 26 CAN 27 CAN 28 CAN 29 CAN 30 CAN 31 CAN 32

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 0.20 0.09 0.20 0.20 0.15 0.15 0.13 0.15

10 0.29 0.13 0.35 0.37 0.24 0.18 0.22 0.24

15 0.37 0.18 0.44 0.44 0.33 0.22 0.26 0.31

20 0.49 0.20 0.53 0.51 0.44 0.31 0.31 0.35

25 0.57 0.26 0.60 0.55 0.51 0.40 0.35 0.44

30 0.68 0.31 0.68 0.64 0.62 0.46 0.44 0.53

40 0.90 0.42 0.86 0.79 0.82 0.62 0.53 0.66

50 1.10 0.51 1.01 1.01 0.93 0.73 0.62 0.79

60 1.32 0.57 1.19 1.15 1.10 0.86 0.71 0.88

75 1.59 0.73 1.39 1.34 1.28 0.95 0.84 1.04

90 1.85 0.86 1.46 1.48 1.41 1.06 0.97 1.17

105 2.05 0.93 1.50 1.54 1.52 1.12 1.10 1.32

120 2.23 0.99 1.57 1.61 1.65 1.19 1.23 1.34

135 2.36 1.10 1.59 1.68 1.79 1.28 1.37 1.41

150 2.45 1.15 1.65 1.74 1.85 1.30 1.46 1.48

165 2.56 1.19 1.68 1.83 1.94 1.41 1.59 1.57

180 2.69 1.30 1.68 1.94 1.98 1.48 1.68 1.74

195 2.80 1.34 1.70 2.03 2.05 1.52 1.76 1.90

210 2.91 1.39 1.72 2.20 2.09 1.63 1.85 2.03

225 3.00 1.43 1.76 2.31 2.12 1.72 1.85 2.20

240 3.13 1.52 1.81 2.40 2.16 1.76 1.94 2.36

255 3.26 1.57 1.87 2.47 2.18 1.85 2.03 2.51

270 3.28 1.63 1.92 2.47 2.20 1.94 2.12 2.67

285 3.40 1.70 1.96 2.58 2.23 2.01 2.16 2.84

300 3.46 1.74 1.98 2.67 2.25 2.09 2.20 3.00

315 3.53 1.81 1.98 2.67 2.29 2.18 2.20 3.09

330 3.55 1.87 2.01 2.71 2.38 2.29 2.25 3.15

345 3.59 1.92 2.05 2.76 2.36 2.38 2.29 3.22

360 3.62 1.96 2.07 2.80 2.34 2.47 2.34 3.28

375 3.66 2.01 2.09 2.82 2.40 2.56 2.34 3.31

390 3.68 2.05 2.12 2.84 2.43 2.67 2.38 3.33

405 3.68 2.07 2.16 2.87 2.40 2.82 2.43 3.37

420 3.70 2.09 2.18 2.84 2.43 2.91 2.43 3.40

435 3.73 2.14 2.20 2.87 2.45 3.00 2.43 3.42

450 3.75 2.16 2.27 2.89 2.45 3.11 2.47 3.44

465 3.75 2.20 2.31 2.89 2.47 3.15 2.47 3.48

480 3.73 2.20 2.36 2.89 2.47 3.20 2.51 3.51

16
TIAE

(minutes) CAN 33 CAN 34 CAN 35 CAN 36 CAN 37 CAN 38

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 0.13 0.18 0.11 0.13 0.20 0.18

10 0.18 0.24 0.18 0.26 0.31 0.26

15 0.26 0.37 0.24 0.35 0.42 0.31

20 0.31 0.46 0.29 0.40 0.53 0.40

25 0.35 0.55 0.33 0.49 0.64 0.44

30 0.40 0.64 0.37 0.57 0.68 0.53

40 0.49 0.82 0.49 0.75 0.82 0.62

50 0.57 0.93 0.57 0.88 0.97 0.75

60 0.66 1.10 0.66 1.01 1.15 0.84

75 0.79 1.30 0.77 1.23 1.30 1.01

90 0.97 1.48 0.86 1.41 1.59 1.19

105 1.06 1.65 0.88 1.59 1.76 1.37

120 1.19 1.81 0.95 1.72 1.87 1.50

135 1.28 1.92 1.01 1.85 1.98 1.68

150 1.37 2.05 1.06 1.94 2.12 1.81

165 1.46 2.18 1.10 2.03 2.23 1.98

180 1.54 2.27 1.17 2.12 2.34 2.12

195 1.63 2.36 1.21 2.20 2.43 2.29

210 1.72 2.43 1.26 2.29 2.45 2.43

225 1.76 2.54 1.28 2.38 2.60 2.51

240 1.85 2.60 1.32 2.47 2.67 2.60

255 1.94 2.69 1.34 2.56 2.73 2.69

270 2.07 2.73 1.37 2.65 2.87 2.78

285 2.16 2.80 1.39 2.78 2.98 2.82

300 2.20 2.84 1.41 2.87 3.06 2.91

315 2.29 2.89 1.43 2.95 3.11 2.95

330 2.38 2.93 1.46 3.04 3.17 3.00

345 2.47 2.98 1.48 3.13 3.17 3.09

360 2.56 3.00 1.52 3.22 3.28 3.13

375 2.60 3.00 1.52 3.31 3.33 3.17

390 2.65 3.04 1.54 3.35 3.35 3.17

405 2.73 3.04 1.54 3.40 3.37 3.22

420 2.78 3.09 1.57 3.44 3.40 3.22

435 2.82 3.11 1.59 3.44 3.42 3.26

450 2.82 3.13 1.61 3.48 3.44 3.26

465 2.87 3.15 1.63 3.48 3.44 3.31

480 2.91 3.15 1.63 3.53 3.44 3.31

17
APPENDIX B

LITHIUM HYDROXIDE RESULTS

Coding of columns is as follows:

CAN: # of canister

AGE: Age of canisters in yrs

DAMAGE: 0: No damage

1: Mild damage

2: Moderate damage

3: Severe damage

STORED: 0: Unknown

1: Engine room of 640 class

2: Torpedo room or OPS of 640 class

HEAVY: 0: Normal

1: Exceeded 10% of initial weight

18
AGE DAMAGE STORED HEAVY VELACITY INITIAL EXPENDED

CAN (yrs) (ft/min) WT (lb-m) WT (lb-m)

1 1 0 0 0 200 7.50 10.94

2 1 0 0 0 230 7.54 11.07

3 1 0 0 0 522 7.28 11.02

4 1 0 0 0 317 7.45 10.94

5 1 0 0 0 397 7.50 10.98

6 24 3 0 0 59 8.16 11.16

7 23 3 0 0 171 7.72 11.02

8 21 1 0 0 306 7.76 11.11

9 12 2 0 0 179 7.50 10.01

10 12 3 0 0 125 7.89 10.41

11 12 1 0 0 217 7.72 9.97

12 11 2 0 0 222 6.79 9.30

13 11 1 0 0 353 7.72 10.10

14 11 3 0 0 220 7.85 10.05

15 11 1 0 0 412 7.50 9.83

16 11 1 0 0 743 7.58 10.19

17 10 2 0 0 109 8.29 10.67

18 8 0 0 0 488 7.89 11.51

19 8 2 0 0 354 7.80 11.51

20 7 2 0 0 595 7.63 10.72

21 7 2 0 0 422 7.58 10.58

22 5 2 0 0 181 7.89 11.33

23 5 2 0 0 280 7.89 11.29

24 4 1 0 0 275 7.94 11.51

25 4 2 0 0 465 7.89 11.33

26 7 2 1 0 112 7.85 10.72

27 7 0 1 0 247 7.72 11.24

28 7 1 2 0 372 7.72 11.24

29 7 2 1 0 134 7.72 10.94

30 7 1 2 0 248 7.80 11.38

31 7 1 1 0 284 7.85 10.98

32 6 1 2 0 202 7.85 11.24

33 6 1 2 0 125 7.98 11.33

34 6 3 2 0 291 7.76 11.11

35 10 3 0 1 154 8.73 10.58

36 9 2 0 1 671 7.76 11.29

37 9 2 0 1 366 7.94 11.29

38 5 2 0 1 129 8.07 11.42

19
Al A2 B, B2 RESIDUAL R2 CORR R 2

CAN (lb-m) (hour) (lb-m) (hour)

1 2.38 0.32 5.06 2.46 0.169 0.999 0.997

2 2.46 0.31 5.11 3.08 0.07 1.000 0.998

3 3.23 0.40 4.49 4.46 0.105 0.999 0.997

4 2.99 0.50 4.30 2.94 0.206 0.999 0.996

5 2.79 0.37 5.34 4.93 0.185 0.999 0.994

6 1.19 0.31 5.29 4.93 0.08 0.999 0.996

7 1.24 0.20 4.85 2.13 0.033 1.000 0.999

8 2.77 0.43 4.32 4.36 0.126 0.999 0.996

9 0.58 0.11 4.31 1.95 0.059 0.999 0.997

10 1.32 0.23 3.35 2.48 0.052 0.999 0.997

11 1.41 0.28 3.02 4.11 0.033 0.999 0.997

12 1.24 0.21 3.02 2.33 0.021 1.000 0.999

13 2.07 0.28 2.06 2.96 0.041 1.000 0.997

14 1.11 0.17 2.64 2.43 0.016 1.000 0.999

15 1.11 0.08 3.46 1.21 0.019 1.000 0.999

16 1.73 0.18 3.39 1.46 0.038 1.000 0.998

17 0.79 0.15 3.26 2.72 0.031 1.000 0.998

18 4.25 0.50 5.05 5.75 0.214 0.999 0.996

19 3.01 0.32 4.95 2.91 0.122 1.000 0.998

20 1.29 0.18 5.25 2.60 0.041 1.000 0.999

21 4.22 0.76 4.50 8.41 0.102 0.999 0.997

22 3.61 0.61 6.32 6.13 0.262 0.999 0.995

23 1.78 0.28 5.54 3.01 0.054 1.000 0.999

24 1.05 0.13 6.88 2.24 0.106 1.000 0.998

25 1.60 0.20 6.30 2.03 0.115 1.000 0.998

26 1.93 0.61 4.11 5.91 0.048 0.999 0.998

27 3.21 0.44 3.81 11.76 0.158 0.999 0.99

28 1.94 0.23 4.55 3.00 0.212 0.999 0.993

29 1.02 0.13 3.77 1.40 0.018 1.000 0.999

30 2.65 0.58 13.33 11.95 0.075 0.999 0.998

31 0.94 0.15 4.62 2.61 0.024 1.000 0.999

32 1.91 0.33 8.40 5.21 0.422 0.998 0.992

33 1.82 0.43 6.41 5.51 0.096 0.999 0.997

34 1.52 0.20 5.14 2.23 0.029 1.000 0.999

35 1.13 0.25 2.23 2.58 0.024 1.000 0.997

36 2.93 0.49 6.32 5.23 0.171 0.999 0.996

37 1.92 0.23 5.78 2.86 0.112 1.000 0.998

38 1.11 0.14 6.58 2.81 0.071 1.000 0.999

20
CAPACTIY RATEmO RATEh

CAN (lb-m) (lb-m/hr) (b-r/br)

1 5.81 1.23 0.75

2 5.96 1.16 0.73

3 6.33 1.09 0.70

4 5.88 1.17 0.72

5 5.88 1.02 0.69

6 5.06 0.66 0.50

7 5.58 1.00 0.61

8 5.66 0.98 0.64

9 4.24 0.80 0.49

10 4.24 0.76 0.46

11 3.80 0.60 0.39

12 4.24 0.71 0.43

13 4.02 0.72 0.42

14 3.72 0.62 0.38

15 3.94 0.91 0.51

16 4.39 1.00 0.56

17 4.02 0.60 0.38

18 6.11 1.23 0.80

19 6.25 1.29 0.79

20 5.21 0.99 0.63

21 5.06 1.01 0.67

22 5.81 1.11 0.78

23 5.73 1.06 0.69

24 6.03 1.23 0.78

25 5.81 1.32 0.80

26 4.84 0.65 0.47

27 5.96 0.76 0.49

28 5.96 0.99 0.62

29 5.44 0.91 0.52

30 6.03 0.74 0.68

31 5.29 0.82 0.53

32 5.73 1.01 0.77

33 5.66 0.81 0.61

34 5.66 1.09 0.67

35 3.13 0.56 0.34

36 5.96 1.07 0.75

37 5.66 1.16 0.73

38 5.66 1.08 0.71

21
UNcLASSgFIED

SCURHIIY COM[,, -KA•I. ION -TIN PAIM

REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE FOM. 0-0M

1t REPORT SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 1b. RESTRICTIVE MARKINGS UNCLASSIFIED_

21L SECURITY CLASSIFICATION AUTHORITY 3. DISTRIBUTIONAVAILABILrTY OF THE REPORT

Approved for public release;

2b. DECLASSFICATKINrOWNGRADING SCHEDULE distribution unlimited

4. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBE R(S) 5. MONITORING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER(S)

NSMRL REPORT 1190 NA

SIL NAME OF PERFORMING ORGANIZATION 6b. OFFICE SYMBOL 7&. NAME OF MONITORING ORGANIZATION

Naval Submarine Medical (iAqoc") Naval Medical Research and Development Research Laboratory Command

6C. ADDRESS (Gay, Waft, ZCO 7b. ADDRESS (City, State, ZOi Code)

Box 900, Naval Submarine Base NLON, 8901 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD

Groton, CT 06349-5900 20889-5606

8L NAME OF FUNDINGOSPONSORING 8b. OFFICE SYMBOL 9. PROCUREMENT INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

ORGANIZATION (if Ap4icabb)

Same as 7a _ ft ADDRESS (Cty State. Zp Code) 10. SOURCE OF FUNDING NUMBERS

Same as 7b PROGRAM PROJECT NO. TASK NO. WORK UNIT IELEMENT NO. ACCESSION NO.

63713N M0099 01A DN242606

11. TITLE pInc*,d Secunly Classirlcaton)

Storage stability of lithium hydroxide used in the submarine force

12. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S)

P. L. Perrotta. A. Davis. and A. McCarrick

13a. TYPE OF REPORT 13b. TIME COVERED 14. DATEOFREPORT (YeO A4Yrft 15. PAGE COUNT

Interim I FRO• TO.. . 1993 October 23 21

16. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTATION

17. COSATI CODES 1i. SUBJECT TERMS (Continue on reverse if necesswy and identify by block number)

FIELD GROUP SUB-GROUP Lithium hydroxide; carbon dioxide; submarines;

I Iabsorbent; shelf-life

19. ABSTRACT (Continue on reverse if necessy and identify by block number)

We examined several issues concerning the use of lithium hydroxide as a non-regenerative carbon dioxide absorbent

on operational submarines. Specific questions concerning the storage of the compound and stability under various

storage conditions were addressed. We found that canisters over 10 years old were significantly less effective than

new canisters for oueasures of effectiveness which included total carbon dioxide absorptive capacity and rate of

carbon dioxide absorptive capacity at 4 and 8 hours. Canisters stored in warmer areas such as the engine room

appeared to be slightly less effective than those stored in other areas although this difference did not reach statistical

significance. Amount of damage to the canister and air velocity through the canister did not appear to decrease

performance. It was not possible to predict effectiveness of canisters rejected because they exceeded 10% of their

initial weight. We conclude that the shelf-life of operational lithium hydroxide canisters is approximately 10 years

and canisters older than this should be replaced. Canisters should be stored throughout the boat with a smaller

number kept in wanner compartments. Severely damaged canisters should be replaced because of potential

difficulties when inserting these into the hoppers and possible breach in absorbent integrity. The procedure of

discarding canisters exceeding 10% of their initial weight should be continued because it is not possible to easily determine on board if this weight change is attributed to water or carbon dixoide absorption.

20. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY OF ABSTRACT 21. ABSTRACT SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

[qUNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED [:]SAME AS REPORT []DTIC USERS

22a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL 22b. TELEPHONE (ftne Area Code) 22C. OFFICE SYMBOL

Susan B. Monty, Publications Office (203)449-3967

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