Automatic compensation by capillary gauge for altitude decompression
Mackay, R.S.
Undersea Biomedical Research 3(4): 399-402
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0093-5387 PMID: 10897866 Document Number: 109520
According to simple theory, the indications of a capillary depth gauge are such that ascent rate and decompression-stop position are correct to give unaltered gammas (tissue overpressures) and a safe dive profile, independent of the density of the medium or of surface altitude, if position indications are used directly in a standard decompression table. The usual dial depth gauges must be doubly corrected for altitude but not medium before tables can be used, while distance-measuring systems should be corrected for both altitude and medium. The capillary-gauge dive profile is theoretically conservative when timed step decompression rather than continuous ascent is used if .gamma. increases with altitude.