A Collector of Dissolved Air Using Centrifugal Separation for Underwater Breathing

Abstract

This paper investigates a novel underwater breathing apparatus which has no air tank. Instead, it uses centrifugal separation to collect dissolved air. First, a prototype collector is proposed and fabricated. Then, the basic characteristics of various shape parameters are experimentally investigated using tap water to ascertain the optimal design. Next, to confirm the validity of the proposed mechanism, CFD analysis on collection ratio is done using the commercially available STAR-CD tool. After that, a suction device without an additional power source is developed to improve the air collection ratio. Finally, the redesigned collector is tested at different water temperatures, and the air collection results obtained are compared with the results of analysis.