http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/137475114

Storage stability of lithium hydroxide used in the submarine force

We examined several issues concerning the use of lithium hydroxide as a non-regenerative carbon dioxide absorbent on operational submarines. Specific questions concerning the storage of the compound and stability under various storage conditions were addressed. We found that canisters over 10 years old were significantly less effective than new canisters for our measures of effectiveness which included total carbon dioxide absorptive capacity and rate of carbon dioxide absorptive capacity at 4 and 8 hours. Canisters stored in warmer areas such as the engine room appeared to be slightly less effective than those stored in other areas although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Amount of damage to the canister and air velocity through the canister did not appear to decrease performance. It was not possible to predict effectiveness of canisters rejected because they exceeded 10% of their initial weight. We conclude that the shelf-life of operational lithium hydroxide canisters is approximately 10 years and canisters older than this should be replaced. Canisters should be stored throughout the boat with a smaller number kept in warmer compartments. Severely damaged canisters should be replaced because of potential difficulties when inserting these into the hoppers and possible breach in absorbent integrity. The procedure of discarding canisters exceeding 10% of their initial weight should be continued because it is not possible to easily determine on board if this weight change is attributed to water or carbon dioxide absorption. Lithium hydroxide, Carbon dioxide, Submarines, Absorbent, Shelf-life.

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