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Read more here.
Analox are specialists in two distinct areas of the submarine atmosphere challenge.
We provide top class atmosphere monitoring systems, ranging from single gas atmosphere monitoring with the COSAMS unit (carbon monoxide atmosphere monitor system), to multi gas atmosphere monitoring with the AA (centralized Atmosphere Analyzer) and the DAMS (Distributed Atmosphere Monitoring System). Not forgetting the importance of a portable atmosphere monitor, the Sub Aspida, which provides portable carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) monitoring around the submarine.
We also support the submarine escape and rescue process with our top of the range dissub monitor – the Sub Mk3P, and with our fixed atmosphere monitoring system for submarine rescue vehicles (SRV’s) – the Sub MkIIIF.
We are proud to have been working in these areas for over 2 decades. Dedicated to working with the world’s submarine nations, learning and understanding the complex needs of your atmosphere monitoring requirements. Whether a boat is nuclear-powered or diesel propelled, we fine tune our systems to be responsive to the changes in temperature, pressure and humidity that occur inside your submarine.
The solutions to atmosphere monitoring and dissub support that Analox provides are second to none, and we aim to be the number one choice for submarine nations across the globe, ensuring the safety of every submariner is our number one priority.
Submarine Atmosphere Monitoring
Having worked in partnership with Navies from around the world, Analox has an extensive knowledge of providing submarine atmosphere monitoring systems.
Submarine build times range from 5-10 years and they have an even longer lifecycle, with boats being in active service for over 30 years. The submarine atmosphere monitors that Analox build need to work just as effectively from when they were commissioned, to when the boat comes in from its final voyage. Analox ensures that the submarine that leaves the shipyard is the best in class in atmosphere monitoring until the day it comes home.
Analox’s brilliant engineering and manufacturing team design and make atmosphere monitors that offer modular configurations and bespoke systems. We design these systems to have a flexible architecture that meets all technical requirements from the boat manufacturer.
The AA – Centralized Atmosphere Analyzer
Capable of measuring up to 30 gasses, from up to 20 compartments via sample lines, the AA ensures crew safety throughout the submarine.
Utilizing 3 gas sensing modules including SIL2 O2, a functionally safe oxygen monitor, mass spectrometer and FTIR spectrometer, the AA monitors for;
- Life support gasses which include oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
- Fire gasses which are monitored include hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and nitrogen oxide (NO).
COSAMS – Carbon Monoxide Submarine Atmosphere Monitoring System
Carbon monoxide (CO) can be generated onboard a submarine in many different ways;
- routine operations such as cooking
- fumes of a diesel engine
- emergency operations such as an onboard fire incident
The COSAMS system offers continuous, real time monitoring of CO in the living accommodation and machinery spaces onboard a submarine. The system also has a 90 day data logging facility, allowing for records to be stored should they ever be needed.
CO can be incredibly dangerous, you cannot smell, taste or see it and the side effects of CO poisoning can be devastating. At 35 ppm, with exposure around 6-8 hours, you may see physical symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dizziness and/or nausea. At 200 ppm these symptoms can happen with only 2-3 hours of exposure. When you reach 400 ppm the symptoms will come within 1-2 hours of exposure, but fatality may occur around 3 hours. As the levels rise the time it takes for symptoms to show becomes less and less, and so does the time it takes for the exposure levels to become fatal. It is vital for submariners safety that there is continual monitoring of carbon monoxide onboard.
Why should you use a specialist CO monitor like the COSAMS?
Off the shelf carbon monoxide detectors use standard electrochemical sensors that are extremely cross-sensitive to hydrogen. This means that they are not suitable for use on submarines as they will give out false CO readings. Using infra-red measuring techniques, instead of electrochemical sensors, Analox engineers managed to solve this problem, ensuring the safety of all submariners onboard. (Read more in depth information about that on the COSAMS product page)
DAMS – Distributed Atmosphere Monitoring System
The DAMS was created by Analox engineers to effectively monitor a range of gasses (up to 5) in multiple locations onboard a submarine that is more than 197ft (60m) long. It uses a PLC (programmable logic controller) in a centralized location to monitor all gasses simultaneously.
Each DAMS build uses various gas testing technologies to ensure that it meets the specifications for the submarine, including:
- gas filter correlation (GFC) to monitor carbon monoxide (CO)
- electrochemical for oxygen (O2) enrichment and depletion
- nondispersive infrared (NDIR) for carbon dioxide (CO2)
- R134a (refrigerants)
- catalytic bead technology for hydrogen (H2).
This system is proven in use and the Analox team are proud to be able to share (what little we can!) about the project. In 2018 Saab awarded Analox a contract to supply gas monitoring systems for the Blekinge-class (A26) next generation submarines. Read more about it here.
Throughout the project the Analox team was dedicated to providing exceptional service, working closely with Saab, engaging in detailed discussions to solve their specific challenges. We are proud to be part of the system spec, build and installation of that project.
Sub Aspida: A portable life line for atmospheric monitoring
The Sub Apida is designed to be a portable emergency backup to the main atmosphere monitoring system. The rugged and compact Sub Aspia offers both partial pressure oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring in one. Meaning that in an emergency situation, you have your main gasses covered, ensuring the safety of the submariners in the area.
The Sub Apida may be small, but it was designed with the pressure sensitivities in mind. Both sensors in the monitor are pressure corrected, meaning that you get accurate readings over a pressure range of 700 – 1200MB.
Sub Escape and Rescue
Analox is very proud to have worked with the Submarine Escape and Rescue community for over 20 years. We have built a reputation on providing solid gas analyzers in DISSUB situations which deliver reliable information allowing for trusted decisions to be made.
We regularly work with submarine nations from around the globe to understand what their specific requirements are to ensure we not only meet them, we exceed them!
Analox DISSUB products are used in annual submarine escape and rescue exercises, where submarine nations come together to test their DISSUB capabilities. Analox analyzers are fitted to the SRV’s and chambers completing these exercises and some can be seen in these NSRS Forces News videos:
Sub Mk3P, the new generation of DISSUB monitors
The Sub Mk3P is the newest monitor in the Analox submarine escape and rescue product line. The Sub Mk3P is the next generation of DISSUB monitors, replacing the widely successful Sub MkIIP DISSUB analyzer in 2021. The Sub Mk3P monitors the partial pressure of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) along with measuring the depth, pressure and battery life – all of which are key factors within a DISSUB emergency situation.
Meeting the NATO STANAG 1476:2014 (ANEP/MNEP-86) for submarines with an escape capability, the Sub Mk3P now allows for maintenance staff to perform routine servicing and sensor updates in the dockyard – saving costs and reducing downtime.
Designed in conjunction with submariners and submarine agencies, the unit’s highly recognizable orange housing ensures the Sub Mk3P is easy to identify in case of emergency.
Sub MkIIIF, an effective hyperbaric monitor for SRV’s
The Sub MkIIF provides hyperbaric monitoring systems for use within the submarine rescue vehicles (SRV) and surface decompression chambers. It is a fixed atmosphere monitoring system which not only provides the partial pressure O2 and CO2 readings but it also displays pressure, temperature and relative humidity of the environment too, giving you all the information you need when taking part in a rescue operation. The unit’s bright red illuminated display makes it simple to use and easy to read in tense DISSUB situations.
Custom solutions, your challenge is our passion
The Analox team has worked with numerous Navies and Prime Contractors globally. Each individual submarine has its own unique gas monitoring needs in order to achieve efficient, effective and safe operations.
The Analox submarine product portfolio provides effective gas monitoring solutions, but we understand that unique and specialized requirements are also needed and Analox has a custom design and development team available to solve your challenge.
Our dedicated team will guide you through a consultation process, ensuring we fully understand what your challenge is and what you need from us. As part of the custom build, Analox offers:
- Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)
- Commissioning
- Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT)
- User/operator training
- Maintenance training
- Through-life support packages
Every submarine has its own needs and standards, trust Analox to help you meet them.
Always by your side
Analox takes pride in the design, manufacture and service support of our submarine product range.
Should you need support at any time of the day, in any location around the world, we are ALWAYS available.
If you have a product emergency, we have a dedicated helpline providing 24/7 support. One of our specialist team members will be able to take your call, no matter where you are or what time it is.
We also offer training for all of our products, making sure that you have full confidence in the full life of your Analox product.
For more information on our submarine monitoring capabilities please contact the defense team on:
+44 (0)1642 711400
Multi Gas Solutions
For over 20 years Analox has worked with the submarine community on sub escape and rescue and submarine atmosphere monitors. We are proud of our range of multi-gas monitors which have been developed with a cradle to grave philosophy.
AA ATMOSPHERE ANALYZER
A fixed monitor capable of measuring up to 30 gases using SIL oxygen (O2), mass spectrometer and FTIR spectrometer gas sensing modules.
DAMS
A fixed Distributed Atmosphere, capable of monitoring gas levels via a modular system architecture.
SUB MKIIIF
A fixed hyperbaric or hypobaric atmosphere monitor, detecting carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), pressure, temperature and humidity.
Carbon Monoxide Solutions
Carbon monoxide (CO) is difficult to detect using standard industrial sensors due to the cross-sensitivity to hydrogen (H). Analox provides solutions specific for the submarine market.
Oxygen Solutions
Oxygen (O2) is a critical gas but too much oxygen (O2) can cause potential fire hazards and too little can cause breathing difficulties. Analox offers various oxygen (O2) analyzers to assist you in ensuring your submariners are safe in their post.
Carbon Dioxide Solutions
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is toxic, add in the complexity of a submarine environment and it becomes life-critical. Analox offers a range of analyzers suitable to warn on rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels.
Obsolete Products
Products in this section are now obsolete. Click on the unit/s to find the replacement:
Fun Fact
The first military submarine was Turtle in 1776. During the American Revolutionary War, Turtle tried and failed to sink a British warship, HMS Eagle in New York harbor on September 7, 1776.