A Review of the Currently Available Methods for Ambient Temperature Carbon Monoxide Removal in a Disabled Royal Navy Submarine

Laura Mallon

doi:10.4271/2008-01-2126

2008-06-29

A Review of the Currently Available Methods for Ambient Temperature Carbon Monoxide Removal in a Disabled Royal Navy Submarine 2008-01-2126

The British Royal Navy has no method for removing Carbon Monoxide (CO) from a Disabled Submarine (DISSUB) when the air revitalisation, circulation and monitoring system is shutdown. There is a specific requirement to produce a portable low temperature CO removal unit that does not require power from the submarine.

CO levels could rise due to a fire or a leak in the Diesel Generator compartment. A number of incidents have shown that CO concentrations can rise above the Maximum Permissible Concentration 60 minutes continuous period (MPC₆₀) in a short time.

This study was compiled from a literature review of commercially available products, methods and techniques and catalysts that are mainly still in development. The system will be required to function in a DISSUB situation and to support the current high temperature catalytic method of CO removal, when needed. Each technique's potential for application has been investigated for this paper.

Areas studied include metals, metal oxide catalysts and photocatalysis.

The use of gold is of particular interest. Gold was considered to be un-reactive but after the recent discovery that gold nano-particles could be manipulated into a reactive catalyst, research into this particular area has grown. These catalysts work in the range of 200-350K and in high and low humidity. They have significant potential to be applied in a DISSUB situation.

Photocatalysis is considered after the development of dopants to improve the range of activity. For submarine use the source of UV light would potentially need to meet shock requirements. Possible alternatives for the UV source have been considered.

Some potential solutions are considered and compared.

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A Review of the Currently Available Methods for Ambient Temperature Carbon Monoxide Removal in a Disabled Royal Navy Submarine 2008-01-2126

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