Atmospheric diving suit

Atmospheric diving suit (ADS) is a small one-person articulated submersible of anthropomorphic form which resembles a suit of armour, with elaborate pressure joints to allow articulation while maintaining an internal pressure of one atmosphere. The ADS can be used for very deep dives of up to 2,300 feet (700 m) for many hours, and eliminates the majority of physiological dangers associated with deep diving; the occupant need not decompress, there is no need for oxygen to prevent nitrogen narcosis, and no danger of decompression sickness or barotrauma. The suit can be equipped with a variety of tools for undersea work and can be fitted with manipulators and floodlights.

History

The concept of an atmospheric diving suit can be traced back to the 18th century. The first properly documented design was in 1797 by the British inventor John Lethbridge. This design made use of a large barrel as the pressure vessel with two arm holes and a viewing port. The suit was reportedly used to recover objects from shipwrecks at depths of up to 60 feet (18 m).

Design and Function

The atmospheric diving suit is designed to maintain an internal pressure of one atmosphere despite external pressures, eliminating the problems associated with breathing high-pressure gases. The suit is constructed to withstand high pressure, using a hard metal shell and joints that allow movement while resisting pressure. The suit is typically equipped with a built-in communication system, and can be fitted with manipulators for handling objects, and lights for illuminating the underwater environment.

Applications

Atmospheric diving suits are used in various fields such as marine archaeology, deep-sea exploration, offshore construction, and underwater salvage. They are also used in the military for tasks such as mine disposal.

See Also

• Deep diving
• Diving suit
• Submersible