CHAPTER 11.
CHAMBER OPERATING CONTROL SYSTEMS
1.
SCOPE. This chapter presents criteria for the design, fabrication, and
protection of the hyperbaric facility control system. Performance of the
facility in providing the required environment in the chamber throughout the
mission is dependent upon the correct and timely operation of the chamber
indicators and controls in the control system. Generally, a mission will
require many hours or weeks of continuous duty of operators at the control
system to perform assigned tasks. Consequently, the control system design
should provide for operator work requirements which foster effective
procedures, work patterns, personnel safety and health, and which minimize
discomfort, distraction, and any other factors which degrade human
performance or increase error. This will be accomplished by applying human
engineering design criteria, principles, and practices in the design of the
control system. Appropriate human engineering information is contained in
MIL-STD-1472, Human Engineering Design Criteria for Military Systems,
Equipment, and Facilities (see Reference (1)), Van Cott, H.P., and Kinkade,
R.G., Human Engineering Guide to Equipment Design, (see Reference (2)), and
Woodson, W.E., and Conover, D.W., Human Engineering Guide for Equipment
Designers (see Reference (3)). Figures 11-1 and 11-2 illustrate human
engineering information available to the designer.
Section 1.
OPERATING CONTROL SYSTEM TYPES
1.
CHAMBER CONTROL
SYSTEM TYPES. The control system for the chamber may be
the manual type, the
automatic computer operated type, or a combination
automatic and manual
type. The type of control system is determined by the
purpose and duration
of the expected missions.
2.
MANUAL CONTROL SYSTEM. The manual control system is generally used on
relatively short-duration missions and on missions requiring numerous
alterations of the in-chamber environment during the missions. The
recompression chamber is generally operated by manual controls.
3.
AUTOMATIC COMPUTER-OPERATED CONTROL SYSTEM. The automatic
computer-operated control system takes readings, makes comparisons, and makes
corrections in fractions of a second throughout the mission. The large
memory storage and direct interaction of a mainframe computer make it the
unit of choice. A microprocessor can be programmed to do the same job at a
smaller cost. Saturation hyperbaric chambers are generally operated by
automatic computer-operated controls. The control system should permit the
operator to override the automatic controls when necessary.
4.
COMBINATION AUTOMATIC-MANUAL CONTROL SYSTEM. A combination
automatic-manual control system may be used on all chambers in hyperbaric
facilities as it provides pre-programmed automatic control, allows operators
to monitor the indicators and controls, permits the operators to override the
automatic controls to make corrections as necessary, and permits complete
manual operation with the computer shut down.
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