Field-Based Procedures for Screening Diver's Air

The U.S. Navy Diver's Air Sampling Program coordinates use mandatory semi-annual air purity testing of compressors used to supply diver's air in the Fleet The current approach of sending gas-sampling kits to the field followed by return to the laboratory for analysis and subsequent reporting of results back to the field is expensive, cumbersome, and potentially unreliable. Advancements in portable instruments for gas analysis during use past 15 years have made reliable field testing of diver's air a practical alternative. Procedures were developed here that allowed screening of compressor air on-site using 3 portable analyzers: 1) O(2)/CO(2)/CO analyzer developed in collaboration with the manufacturer, 2) total hydrocarbon analyzer utilizing flame ionization detection, and 3) aerosol monitor adapted for monitoring compressor oil. It is expected that these test procedures should 1) eliminate current logistical requirements associated with ensuring sampling kit delivery, 2) eliminate potential sampling problems associated with collection of gas for later analysis, 3) provide credible data immediately to the person in the field, and 4) allow immediate re-testing in case of questions and for troubleshooting problems. These procedures could replace or supplement present methods that encompass the U.S. Navy Diver's Air Sampling Program. However, these procedures will need to be field tested under actual sampling conditions to determine what modifications should he made prior to possible transition to the Fleet.