Advanced Air Quality Control and Regulation for Next-Generation Rebreathers

Mainstream Engineering will demonstrate continuous, reliable long-term active removal of CO2 without any appreciable heat generation, addressing issues of limited-capacity adsorbent scrubber materials. Breath monitoring micro-sensors incorporated into the rebreather will feedback information to a microcontroller that regulates and balances closed circuit rebreather (CCR) components, providing a synergistic system enhancement and ensure the reliable operation of the CO2 removal system. To further enhance the performance capacity of the CCR, Mainstream will integrate our smart monitoring and respiratory tracking (SMART) system into the next-generation rebreather. Our SMART technology continuously monitors CO2, O2, and breathes per minute (BPM) and tidal volume (VT) to regulate the rate of CO2 removal and supply of O2 to balance the amount consumed by the user; ultimately extending and maximizing the O2 supply, minimizing the venting of bubbles and maximizing the usable operation. The Phase I will address the feasibility of each technology and allow for the design of the next-generation rebreather, size, weight, and power analysis, as well as a technological and economic assessment. Phase II will culminate in prototype evaluation under a simulated environment with anticipated operational conditions.