Arne Zetterström

Swedish engineer and inventor

Arne Zetterström

Arne Zetterström

Arne Zetterström (1917–1945) was a Swedish engineer and inventor known for his pioneering work in the field of underwater breathing apparatus. His contributions significantly advanced the development of diving technology, particularly in the use of gas mixtures for deep-sea diving.

Early Life and Education

Arne Zetterström was born in 1917 in Stockholm, Sweden. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in engineering and technology. He pursued his studies in engineering at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, where he developed a strong foundation in mechanical and electrical engineering.

Career and Inventions

Zetterström's most notable work was in the development of the breathing apparatus for deep-sea diving. During the early 1940s, he began experimenting with different gas mixtures to improve the safety and efficiency of underwater breathing systems. His research focused on the use of oxygen and helium mixtures, which were less likely to cause decompression sickness compared to the traditional air mixtures used at the time.

Development of the Gas Mixture

Zetterström's experiments led to the creation of a new breathing gas mixture that combined oxygen and helium, known as "Zetterström's mixture." This innovation allowed divers to reach greater depths with reduced risk of nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness. His work laid the groundwork for modern technical diving practices.

Tragic Death

In 1945, while conducting a test dive using his new gas mixture, Zetterström tragically lost his life. The dive was intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of his invention, but unforeseen complications led to his untimely death. Despite this tragedy, his contributions to diving technology have had a lasting impact on the field.

Legacy

Arne Zetterström is remembered as a pioneer in the field of underwater exploration. His work on gas mixtures for diving has been instrumental in the development of safe deep-sea diving techniques. Today, his contributions are recognized by divers and engineers worldwide, and his legacy continues to inspire advancements in diving technology.

Related pages

• Diving equipment
• Decompression sickness
• Technical diving
• Royal Institute of Technology