Technology and Operations
This forum is for discussing technological & operational matters pertaining to U-boats.
RE:measures and countermeasures.
Posted by:
Tom Manson
()
Date: July 01, 2000 02:31AM
Robert,
In regards to the oxygen supply on a U-boat, all you had was in the amount of air (at one atmosphere of pressure) which was in the boat when you closed the hatches prior to diving. To the best of my knowledge, any compressed air in the compressed air tanks (which were recharged by running compressors while surfaced) was used for launching torpedos and blowing sea water out of the ballast tanks. I don't know if there was even a valve which would allow you to divert air from the compressed air tanks in the living spaces even if you wanted to do so.
If breathing became difficult after a long period underwater, the crew may use a simple breathing mask with potash cartridges. I am sure someone on this forum could explain how they worked. I am under the impression that they were used to filter out carbon dioxide, rather than being any source of oxygen.
In regards to the oxygen supply on a U-boat, all you had was in the amount of air (at one atmosphere of pressure) which was in the boat when you closed the hatches prior to diving. To the best of my knowledge, any compressed air in the compressed air tanks (which were recharged by running compressors while surfaced) was used for launching torpedos and blowing sea water out of the ballast tanks. I don't know if there was even a valve which would allow you to divert air from the compressed air tanks in the living spaces even if you wanted to do so.
If breathing became difficult after a long period underwater, the crew may use a simple breathing mask with potash cartridges. I am sure someone on this forum could explain how they worked. I am under the impression that they were used to filter out carbon dioxide, rather than being any source of oxygen.
