Atmosphere contamination following repainting of a human hyperbaric chamber complex

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · Undersea Biomedical Research; (USA)

OSTI ID:6175374

Lillo, R S; Morris, J W; Caldwell, J M; Balk, D M; Flynn, E T ^[1]

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1. Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, MD (USA)

The Naval Medical Research Institute currently conducts hyperbaric research in a Man-Rated Chamber Complex (MRCC) originally installed in 1977. Significant engineering alterations to the MRCC and rusting of some of its interior sections necessitated repainting, which was completed in 1988. Great care was taken in selecting an appropriate paint (polyamide epoxy) and in ensuring correct application and curing procedures. Only very low levels of hydrocarbons were found in the MRCC atmosphere before initial pressurization after painting and curing. After pressurization, however, significant chemical contamination was found. The primary contaminants were aromatic hydrocarbons: xylenes (which were a major component of both the primer and topcoat paint) and ethyl benzene. The role that pressure played in stimulating off-gassing from the paint is not clear; the off-gassing rate was observed to be similar over a large range in chamber pressures from 1.6 to 31.0 atm abs. Scrubbing the chamber atmosphere with the chemical absorbent Purafil was effective in removing the contaminants. Contamination has been observed to slowly decline with chamber use and is expected to continue to improve with time. However, this contamination experience emphasizes the need for a high precision gas analysis program at any diving facility to ensure the safety of the breathing gas and chamber atmosphere.

• OSTI ID: 6175374
• Journal Information: Undersea Biomedical Research; (USA), Vol. 17:5; ISSN 0093-5387
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BENZENE
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
EXPOSURE CHAMBERS
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
XYLENES
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
PAINTS
PRESSURIZATION
AIR POLLUTION
ALKYLATED AROMATICS
AROMATICS
COATINGS
HYDROCARBONS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
540120* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)