The NHC has been involved as a prime contractor or as a key partner in many R&D projects. From early days with the Centre being used for physiological studies on divers and diving techniques, to chemical and bacteriological research and their effects within hyperbaric environments.
The chambers within the NHC can also be used to simulate hypobaric (negative pressure or attitude) conditions. Recent trials and training have involved investigations into deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Partnering with European Community contracts and contractors are also key parts of the business and activity.
The following organisations have also been undertaken with Aberdeen University:
- Medical Studies
- Altitude Trials
- Environmental Monitoring
The following organisations have also been undertaken with Unimed Scientific:
- Igloo '88 450 msw saturation diving trials.
The specific aim of this project was to determine the viability of diving operations at this depth, to conduct a comparative evaluation of life support and associated equipment and to collect data related to a variety of biomedical research projects. - Oxygen toxicity study - sponsored by the HSE.
A quantitative study to determine whether or not exposure to elevated PPO2 produced measurable changes in peripheral sensory functions. - Effect of saturation diving on divers' pulmonary function - sponsored by the HSE.
A project to measure lung functions recovery in a group of saturation divers pre and post operational diving in the North Sea. - Noise exposure limits under hyperbaric conditions - sponsored by the HSE.
A subjective study designed to determine a simple and pragmatic method to assess the potential of noise, in wet and dry hyperbaric conditions, to induce hearing damage.
Accelerated Decompression studies
- Development of an ROV-deployed pipeline connection tool (MATIS) - sponsored, in part, by the EU.
This project has built, tested and trialed offshore, a diverless tie-in system for the connection of subsea pipelines. - Development of an ROV-deployed friction stitch-welding tool - sponsored in part by the EU.
This ongoing project will develop underwater robotic welding technology based on the friction stitch welding process for inspection and maintenance contractors, operating in the offshore, maritime and nuclear industries. - Aurora '93 - 470msw saturation diving demonstration programme - sponsored in part by the EU.
A 35 day deep saturation dive for testing, demonstration and evaluation of diving equipment and compression/decompression procedures. - Heliox and Oxygen Used in Decompression from Air Dives - sponsored by British Gas, HSE, NHC, Shell and EC.
The objective of the project was to study the use of switching to heliox on decompression from a 40msw air dive to minimise blood-borne gas bubbling. - Air Dives with Surface Decompression - sponsored by HSE.
A subjective study comparing a newly developed (IFEM) table and existing USN tables for the same exposure. 141 dives were conducted and monitored using ultrasound.
