Principles of the Boyle's Law Emergency Pressure Suit and Their Application

Book excerpt: An urgent requirement exists for a simple, reliable emergency pressure suit, permeable to air and comfortable while unpressurized, the condition in which the pressure suit is worn most of the time. The Boyle's Law Suit meets these essential requirements. It uses the expansion of gas sealed in multiple tubes for producing mechanical counterpressure on the skin. Oxygen is used in the mask or helmet only for breathing, thus reducing vulnerability and fire hazard to a minimum. This report analyzes the physical and technical principles of the Boyle's Law Suit and their practical application toward improving design of the tube system, minimizing bulk, tube charging procedures, and sizing and adjustment possibilities. Finally, recommendations for redesigning the oxygen regulator to minimize breathing effort are given. (Author).