A Novel CO2 Sensor for Closed Circuit Mixed Gas Rebreathers

A new, solid-state, carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor for use with closed circuit mixed gas rebreathers is proposed. This novel, polymer composite sensor will be small, low power, and low cost. This sensor will be incorporated with closed circuit rebreathers, allowing the NOAA Advanced Diving Program to perform longer, deeper dives. The use of closed circuit rebreathers provide many advantages over diving using traditional open circuit SCUBA, the major one being increased gas efficiency. However, safety related issues limit the use of closed circuit rebreahters, one being the lack of a reliable CO2 sensor that can warn the diver when CO2 levels in the loop are becoming too high. Currently, divers must rely on training and experience to identify when conditions are becoming unsafe. Use of an electronic sensor to monitor CO2 would offer a substantial improvement in diver safety.