Imagine being trapped in a metal tube with limited air, water, and food for months at a time. This is the reality for crew members on nuclear submarines. But how do they survive for so long without fresh air, water, and nourishment?
Submarines rely on a few sources for oxygen and air. Oxygen generators produce oxygen through water electrolysis, while pressurized tanks and oxygen canisters release oxygen through a chemical reaction. In case of an emergency, submarines have large oxygen tanks that can be filled quickly. The air inside the submarine has a lower oxygen concentration than on land, reducing the risk of fires.
Getting rid of carbon dioxide is a challenge. Submarines use amines, chemicals that absorb CO2 when cold and release it when heated. Waste CO2 is disposed of in the ocean when possible. While amines have a strong smell, many submariners say they get used to it. Living quarters are cramped and poorly ventilated, with smells from cooking, hydraulic oil, amines, and trash filling the air.
Submarines collect water from the ocean or use desalination machines to remove salt from seawater. Food is stored in cans, dried, or frozen, and meals are prepared in a small kitchen. Water is recycled and reused to conserve resources.
The environment inside a submarine is tightly controlled and monitored. With no plants to recycle CO2, advanced technologies are used to sustain life. Crew members must adapt to a unique set of smells and living conditions. While it’s possible to survive without water for days, lack of oxygen can be fatal within minutes.
Life on a nuclear submarine is challenging, but crew members rely on advanced technologies and careful resource management to survive for months underwater….S££ MOR£
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