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4-4 DIVER’S AIR SAMPLING PROGRAM

DIVER’S AIR SAMPLING PROGRAM

NAVSEA Code 00C manages the diver’s breathing air sampling program in accordance with OPNAVINST 3150.27 (series). The purpose of the air sampling program is to:

  • Provide technical support for the operation and maintenance of diver’s breathing air compressors and diving air storage systems.
  • Provide general guidance concerning use of local commercial air sampling sources, including the evaluation of commercial air sampling capabilities and equipment.
  • Perform program management for centrally funded air sampling services as directed by CNO Code N873D.
  • Collaborate with other government agencies and commercial industry on gas purity standards and sampling procedures related to diver’s breathing gases.

    • Maintenance Requirements

    Taking periodic air samples is a required maintenance action and shall be performed in accordance with the PMS card(s) applicable to the compressor or system producing diver’s breathing air. Each diver breathing-air source in service must be sampled approximately every 6 months (within the interval between 4 and 8 months following the last accomplishment), when contamination is suspected and after system overhaul.

    Do not use a compressor that is suspected of producing contaminated air or that has failed an air sample analysis until the cause of the problem has been corrected and a satisfactory air sample analysis has been obtained validating the production of acceptable air.

    Diving systems that do not have a high-pressure (HP) air compressor within the scope of certification shall only be charged with air produced by HP air compressors listed on the ANU list and must have all applicable PMS completed up to date, including air sample requirements. Examples of these types of systems include MK 3 LWDS, Roper Cart, and various diving boats. HP banks on these systems need not be sampled unless contamination is suspected.

    Air drawn from submarine HP air storage banks for use as diver’s breathing air shall be sampled in accordance with the PMS maintenance requirement card applicable to the system, i.e., dry deck shelter system, submarine escape trunk, scuba charging station. See paragraph 4-4.2 for additional information on system line-up for sampling compressors where a sampling connection cannot be made immediately downstream from the last air filtration device.

    Table 4-1 shows the minimum purity requirements for diving air produced by ANU-approved and certified diving air compressors. Air sampling services may be procured locally from government or commercial air analysis facilities, or may be acquired by utilizing analysis services coordinated via Coastal Systems Station (CSS), Panama City, Florida.

    General Air Sampling Procedures

    The following general information is provided to assist commands in managing air sample analysis programs.

    Ensure all applicable PMS has been completed on the compressor and associated filtration system prior to taking an air sample.

    • When sampling from HP charging systems, separate samples should be taken from each compressor supplying the system. Samples from the compressors should be taken as close to the compressor as possible but down stream of the last compressor-mounted air treatment device (moisture separator, filter, etc.). Some systems do not have fittings that allow samples to be taken from the system at a location other than the charging connection. In this case, the storage flasks should be isolated from the system, the system purged with air from the compressor to be sampled and the sample taken at the charging connection.
    • When sampling from a low-pressure (LP) breathing-air system, separate air samples shall be taken from each LP compressor connected to the system. Samples shall be taken from each LP compressor as close to the compressor as possible, but downstream of the last compressor installed air treatment device (moisture separator, filter, etc.). Some systems do not have fittings that allow samples to be taken at connections other than the diver’s manifold. In this case, a HP source should be isolated from the LP system, the system purged with air from the LP compressor to be sampled, and the sample obtained from the diver’s manifold.
    NOTE  The most recent air sample analysis report shall be maintained on file for each air compressor (by compressor serial number) used to produce diver’s breathing air.

    NOTE  Failure to purge the system line-up of air produced from other compressors or storage flasks will lead to an invalid air sample for the compressor being sampled.
    • Ensure that the compressor being sampled has reached full operating status (proper operating temperature, oil pressure, and air pressure) and is properly lined up to deliver air to the sample kit.
    • Ensure that the compressor’s intake is clear of any potential sources of contamination (including consideration of ambient smog levels in areas where smog is a problem).
    • Follow the procedures on applicable air sample MRC card.
    • Follow the instructions for operation of the air sampling kit.

      CSS Air Sampling Services

      The following applies to centrally funded air sampling services coordinated by CSS. Due to limited funding, commands are requested to schedule all compressors and associated samples to be taken at the same time. CSS coordinates air sampling services with a commercial contractor. Commands are not authorized to communicate directly with the commercial contractor. Sampling services are provided at no cost to the command. To request air sampling services, fill out and fax Air Sampling services request to COASTSYSTA (Attn: Air Sampling). Telephone numbers are listed in Appendix 1C.

      • The user must provide the sample expiration date, the number and type (HP or LP) of samples required, a complete mailing address, user point of contact and phone number. Air sample kits will not be shipped until the required information is received.
      • Allow a minimum of 5 working days after submitting a properly filled out request form for delivery of a sampling kit in CONUS. Kits will be sent via commercial air with a prepaid return mailer. Incomplete sample requests cannot be acted on and will result in delay of shipping of sample kit.
      • Allow a minimum of 3 weeks after submitting a properly filled out request form for delivery of a sampling kit if overseas. Kits will be sent via certified priority mail for overseas/FPO-APO addressees with prepaid return mailing. Incomplete sample requests cannot be acted on and will result in delay of shipping of sample kit.
      • Detailed instructions are included with each sample kit. It is imperative to follow those instructions and the instructions on the applicable compressor air sampling MRC card.
      • Air samples shall be taken and returned to COASTSYSTA within 5 working days of receipt of the air sample kit to preclude incurring late fees.
      • Air sample analysis reports for samples that meet air purity standards will be mailed to the command. Commands will be notified by quickest means possible, normally via fax, of any samples that do not meet minimum purity requirements.
      • The user will be contacted immediately by phone and/or message by COASTSYSTA if the sample fails to meet established purity standards. The user will discontinue use of the air source until cause of contamination is corrected. Corrective action must be taken prior to laboratory retest.

        • Local Air Sampling Services

        Commands may use local government (e.g., shipyards, ship repair facilities, government research laboratories) or commercial laboratories to analyze diver’s air samples. Commands are required to bear the cost of locally procured air sample services. Local sampling facilities must be able to analyze to U.S. Navy air purity standards.