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The materials used in closed environmental systems must be carefully chosen and tested for stability and interactions with other materials to insure the safety of crew and machinery. This process can be difficult and time consuming, but provides a finished product that meets the requirements needed. However, even minor changes in a materials composition by the vendor can have significant impact on closed environments. The US Navy has had several experiences with product reformulation or modifications that caused unexpected results.

In the event of a mine emergency that prevents escape, shelter and await rescue may be the best option. Shelter systems have been used in numerous applications over the decades; fall out shelters, control room shelters, and submarine escape compartments to name a few. This paper will report the atmosphere control capabilities of manned shelter tests conducted at the Logan, West Virginia coal mine in September 2007 and at the Cameco McArthur River uranium mine in August 2008. Micropore teamed with Mine Lifeline LLC to support the Logan test and with Cameco Corp. to conduct the McArthur River test. For these manned tests, carbon dioxide was controlled by deploying ExtendAir® brand CO2 absorbent lithium hydroxide curtains manufactured by Micropore, Inc.. Oxygen was supplied into the shelter from high pressure cylinders via pressure regulators. The ExtendAir® lithium hydroxide curtains and the make-up oxygen were set out based on a predetermined schedule.

Within the total submarine system, the life support system assumes a position which is equal in importance to the propulsion, weapons, and navigation systems. Without an efficient and reliable life support system, the other ship systems and the personnel who operate and maintain them cannot function to their full capabilities during extended periods of submergence. As a result of new requirements, new technology, and poor fleet performance, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has developed new life support equipment that improves reliability, safety, operability, and capability. NAVSEA has developed, prototyped, successfully tested, and placed into production a new atmosphere analyzer and a new oxygen generator. This paper will address the US Navy's life support system design parameters, an overview of existing life support system, reasons for change, concept development and testing of new equipment, transition to production, and production and fleet implementation.