Quote: (Originally Posted by UWSojourner)
Maybe not, but you clearly attempted to raise concern about its appropriateness as a life support system
. While doing so you then tout a military study that must have supported the idea that a nuclear device was detonated next to PRISM - and the thing survived and protected the diver too ( Wow, turns out I can do hyperbole too
!)
I'd like to see the military study though. Sounds interesting. Do you have a copy, or a website, I could get for review?
Funny you should say that about the nuclear device, the "test" PRISM was subjected to just about everything else. There is a fascinating photo of the PRISM bolted into a cage for a high intensity radiation test somewhere ( imagine a CCR in a S & M pose ! ). For anyone interested in exactly what it was put through can view the test at SMI's new shop in TN. They usually have the results at DEMA, etc... There are a few photo's on SMI's website, although they were "officially" requested NOT to post the final results on the internet, they are usually very happy to show the results as it's a VERY favorable report. A certain number of units were purchased for diver testing, fit and function, etc. However an extra unit was acquired for "torture" testing that was expected to be tested to destruction, however at the end of testing that unit was still fully functional. As you've pointed out, the majority of the testing was well beyond the ability of the poor diver that would potentially be connected the rig to survive. The goal was apparently to see within reason what would break the unit.
As I recall the testing performed included:
1. Frozen for 48 hours, thawed and verified operational
2. Heated to 100 - 125F ( I forget ) and verified operational
3. Volatile offgassing. To test for harmful chemicals leaching out into the atmosphere or into the diver.
4. Table shake test ( to see if bits fly off )
5. Radiation test. Informally a coast guard strobe was fired into the electronics, formally a high intensity radiation source was aimed at it, the test results tell the frequency and power. ( It was extremely high )
6. Source code for the electronics was reviewed line by line by the US Navy
7. The electronics were connected to a testing device and fed values determined by the Navy which simulated failed sensors, battery, etc... Thousands of hours were logged.
8. Breathing machine to test WOB
9. Canister duration
10. Setpoint control
11. Drop test
A lot more was tested, this is what comes to mind right away. If this testing were performed by a civilian agency it certainly would have cost in the multi-million dollar range - imagine a facility the size of NEDU focused for six months on testing a rebreather.
If you own a competitors CCR this probably sounds like PRISM divers crowing, maybe it is ! However if you are looking to purchase a new CCR this truly independent test information is rare simply due to the prohibitive cost. Imagine ( insert your favorite auto manufacture here ) telling you THEY crash tested their new car and it's great, VS. Car and driver buying one from the lot and independently testing it.