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http://dx.doi.org/10.14346/JKOSOS.2020.35.1.70

A Study on Optimal Nitrox for Safe Underwater Works: Diving Simulation-Based Assessments  

Lee, Woo Dong (Department of Ocean Civil Engineering, Gyeongsang National University)
Publication Information
Journal of the Korean Society of Safety / v.35, no.1, 2020 , pp. 70-78 More about this Journal
Abstract
Nitrox diving was introduced by the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to increase the oxygen content and lower the nitrogen content in respiratory gases. The commercial diving sector specializing in underwater operations has recently introduced regulations on the use of Nitrox. Because the respiratory gas for Nitrox diving has a lower nitrogen content than the normal air, the amount of nitrogen dissolved in the body is small, which not only significantly reduces the decompression time compared to air diving, but also reduces the chance of exposure to decompression sickness. In this study, we applied the VPM (Varying Permeability Model) algorithm to virtual diving with air and Nitrox as a respiratory gas, respectively, to study the optimal Nitrox diving for the safety at the underwater works. The results showed that Nitrox diving had a longer NDL (No-Decompression Limit), a much shorter depression time. In other words, Nitrox diving in underwater works is safer from decompression sickness than commonly used air diving.
Keywords
nitrox diving; underwater work; commercial dive; decompression model; underwater safety;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 10  (Citation Analysis)
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