Development of Gas Generators for Submarine Ballast Blowing

1The present submarine ballast blow system utilizes high pressure air stored in flasks to quickly deballast the submarine, should the need arise. This system, albeit very reliable and saft since the implementation of SUBSAFE requirements, requires a multitude of potentially noisy high pressure air compressors, dessicant stacks, and connecting piping, etc., and once used, necessitates spending many hours at or near the surface for recharging. In addition, due to the high hydrostatic pressure they are capable of removing less than 20% of the water in the ballast tanks at or near the submarines maximum operating depth. For Phase I OSR plans to submit a design for a compact, fast acting gas generator that can produce several times as much gas as a comparably sized high pressure air flask. It will be totally self-contained requiring virtually no maintenance, and will be designed for easy regeneration at sea from on-board resources. No toxic, corrosive, or explosive gases will be produced.