Development of a Self Powered Carbon Dioxide Absorption Unit for use in a DISSUB

This paper reports the results of work carried out by Molecular Products on behalf of the UK MoD to develop a replacement system for CO₂ removal in a disabled submarine (DISSUB). The system is required to be independent of submarine services and to be at least as volumetrically efficient as the current system. An additional target was for the new system to offer 7 days endurance at up to 5 bar and down to 5°C.

The CArbon Dioxide Self Powered Absorber (CASPA) has been designed to meet these requirements using soda lime as the CO₂ absorbent. This paper describes the development process and presents the results of all testing and trials. The final design can achieve in excess of 80 % utilization of the theoretical absorption capacity of the soda lime. It is an extremely flexible solution which offers a number of operational advantages over other passive absorption systems and shows great potential for use in many other closed atmosphere environments.

The CASPA is currently under consideration by the UK MoD as a replacement system for use in Royal Navy submarines.