How Do Nuclear Submarines Make Oxygen?- Smarter Every Day 251 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Submarines use electrolysis and oxygen candles to generate oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere inside the submarine.

Key Insights

• 🚣 Submarines heavily rely on the central atmospheric monitoring system (CAMS) to monitor and maintain a livable atmosphere throughout the boat.
• ✊ Electrolysis and oxygen candles are both used to generate oxygen on submarines, providing a backup method in case of power loss.
• 💠 Monoethanol amine (MEA) and lithium hydroxide are used for scrubbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere inside submarines.
• 🎟️ The ability to continuously generate oxygen and remove carbon dioxide is vital for prolonged underwater missions.
• 🍵 Submariners are trained extensively to handle and maintain the systems responsible for oxygen generation and carbon dioxide removal.
• ✊ Oxygen candles are a passive means of generating oxygen that requires no external power source.
• 🦺 Submarines employ various safety measures and protocols, such as monitoring alarms and leak detection systems, to ensure the crew's safety during oxygen generation processes.

Transcript

hey it's me destin welcome back to smarter every day this is a lunar lander that's a different series we're starting on smarter every day this is a nuclear submarine we are now really far into the nuclear submarine deep dive here on smarter every day and today we're going to answer a question that i've always wanted to know submarines are designed ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How do submarines monitor the atmosphere on board to ensure it remains suitable for breathing?

Submarines use a central atmospheric monitoring system (CAMS) to measure and monitor various gases, including oxygen and carbon dioxide, at different locations in the boat. This helps in creating a safe and breathable atmosphere for the crew.

Q: What are the two methods used to create oxygen on submarines?

The two methods to create oxygen on submarines are electrolysis and the use of oxygen candles. Electrolysis breaks down water into hydrogen and oxygen using a nuclear reactor, while oxygen candles release oxygen when burned.

Q: How does electrolysis work on submarines to generate oxygen?

Electrolysis on submarines involves using a nuclear reactor to power electrodes that break down water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is removed, and the resulting oxygen is used for breathing on board.

Q: What is the purpose of oxygen candles on submarines?

Oxygen candles are used as a backup method to create oxygen on submarines. These candles contain chemicals that, when burned, release oxygen, ensuring a continuous supply of breathable air in case of power loss.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Submarines rely on a central atmospheric monitoring system (CAMS) to monitor the atmosphere at different locations in the boat and ensure it remains livable throughout.

• Electrolysis is one method used to create oxygen on submarines by using a nuclear reactor to power electrodes that break down water into hydrogen and oxygen.

• Oxygen candles, containing chemicals like iron and sodium chlorate, are another method employed to produce oxygen by burning these candles and releasing oxygen as a byproduct.