Artificial gills
Under artificial gills is meant a device with which it is possible, oxygen from the water to remove and carbon dioxide in the the diver surrounding water using special membranes dispense. The theoretically possible, but currently not practically applicable technology for breathing underwater would mean a significant extension of the diving time.
The process was successfully tested on animals in the laboratory at the end of the 1960s. Golden hamsters temporarily survived in a space in a goldfish aquarium that was delimited by silicone rubber membranes. The American Walter Robb, employed by General Electric , was in charge.
Unsolved problems
- The larger amount of oxygen necessary for humans must be taken from the water by the device. Extrapolated to humans, a membrane area of around 25 m² would be necessary, based on oxygen-enriched, clean aquarium water. In oxygen-poor waters, the oxygen content can be significantly lower.
- The necessary larger membrane area to achieve this amount must be taken into account.
- The necessary water circulation on the membrane to achieve this amount must be taken into account.
- The durability of the membrane must be taken into account.
- The need for breathing gas mixtures must be taken into account.
- The functions of the artificial gills must also be performed under difficult conditions such as B. be guaranteed with dirty water.
The surgical implantation of gills, as suggested in science fiction , for example by Flash Gordon or based on Homo Aquaticus , often bears the same name.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Gills made of rubber TECHNOLOGY , Der Spiegel , edition 44/1964.