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Traditional breathing devices such as scuba use large tanks of compressed air to supply oxygen. This approach has several disadvantages. Available oxygen is limited by the size of the tank, which is heavy and bulky to use.
Tankless breathing equipment operates completely differently. Oxygen is present in all water. In the ocean, water contains up to two percent dissolved air. Because the amount of dissolved gas in a liquid varies depending on the pressure, placing seawater in a low-pressure container forces trapped air to the surface. This is why carbonated beverages bubble when they are first opened. -
The first component in tankless breathing systems is the pump. This operates from battery power and pulls water into the air separator. Here, air is separated using a centrifuge. As the centrifuge spins at a very high rate, a low-pressure area forms in the center and causes air to be extracted. Remaining water is separated back into the ocean.
Once air has been isolated from water, it moves into a flexible storage bag, which expands as it is filled. This bag serves as a buffer, helping the air flow to remain consistent. A mouthpiece attaches to the air bag and allows the user to breath air normally. -
During normal operation, the water separator device and air bag are worn on the back of the user, just as with conventional scuba gear. Because the tankless design is smaller, however, large buoyancy control vests are not needed.
A belt on the waste holds weights and batteries used to power the water pump. Additionally, an emergency air supply is at the front of the belt. This small tank contains a limited amount of compressed air and serves as a backup in case any part of the system fails.
