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Type XXI water distillation plant
Posted by: Marcello ()
Date: March 23, 2013 04:53PM

As far as I understand the type XXI was fitted with the same plant of the type IX.
The problem was that not only the need for water was greater than the IX due to more batteries being installed but the distillation plant was designed to be run on the surface; underwater the piping would be hard pressed to cope with the increased pressure and if snorkeling the effect of the sudden atmosphere pressure changes on boiling temperature could result in some saltwater contamination. Topping batteries with brackish water would be a bad idea for obvious reasons.This meant that freshwater could not have been replenished at sea, which would create endurance issues.
Does anybody know if something like the postwar distilling plants for snorkel boats (sealed units with reinforced piping etc.) was in the works to fix this issue?

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Type XXI water distillation plant Marcello 03/23/2013 04:53PM


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