What is a Decompression Chamber and How Does it Work?

There are technologies so useful that they can be used for completely different purposes and are therefore even known by different names.

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The case we will address today is that of the decompression chamber or hyperbaric chamber, an instrument so particular that it can be encountered both in a hospital and in an American Marine barracks.

What is a Decompression Chamber?

Unlike most climatic chambers which are primarily intended for materials testing, the decompression chamber is intended exclusively for humans and is technically referred to as chamber walk-in.

It was developed in the early twentieth century thanks to the efforts of various submarine engineers from different countries. Its first application was in submarine navigation. As is well known, the human body struggles to tolerate the sudden and progressive changes in pressure caused by rapid diving to great depths.

This can cause various discomforts, including actual "decompression sickness." Thanks to the decompression chamber, divers can be treated and recovered directly on the underwater vehicle.

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How is the Decompression Chamber Made and How Does It Work?

Decompression chambers can vary in size, but all are spacious enough to accommodate at least one person. They typically take the form of large metal cylinders constructed to withstand medium or high pressures, depending on the type. 

The environment is sealed by hermetic doors and connected to cylinders of breathable compressed air and oxygen and possibly other gases which are introduced in order to produce an atmosphere different from the outside one.

Inside the decompression chamber, pressure levels are generated that are significantly higher than those outside, and for this reason it is also called a hyperbaric chamber.

The Hyperbaric Chamber for Medical Use

Hyperbaric chamber is actually the conventional name for a decompression chamber used in the medical field. The technology is identical, although its appearance can vary to suit its intended use.

The hyperbaric chamber is present in many hospitals and clinics, performing various therapeutic functions.

So-called hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or treatment inside a hyperbaric chamber, is prescribed for a variety of conditions including decompression accidents, arterial embolisms, crush injuries, and high-risk fractures.

Some hyperbaric chambers are for individual treatment while others are actual operating chambers for performing surgery in the safest possible way.

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Types of Decompression Chambers

Decompression chambers differ based on theiruse and size:

• Studio chambers: a single chamber for treating one person at a time, commonly used in clinics
• Multi-chamber chambers: multiple connected chambers allow for the simultaneous treatment of multiple patients and the entry of medical staff
• Portable (field) chambers: Used by the military and at remote dive sites for emergency treatment
• Saturation chambers: used in the offshore industry for prolonged deep dives

Military and Underwater Applications

In the military and aerospace sectors , decompression chambers play a crucial role in several contexts:

• Navy: Emergency treatment for divers and decompression training
• Aviation: Simulating high-altitude conditions for pilot training
• Special Forces: Underwater Mission Preparation and Post-Dive Treatment
• Offshore industry: support for deep-sea operations for oil and gas extraction

Regulations and Standards for Decompression Chambers

The use of decompression chambers is regulated by specific regulations that guarantee their safety:

• PVHO-1 (ASME): Standard for Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy
• EN 14931: European standard for hyperbaric pressure systems
• NFPA 99: Requirements for Healthcare Facilities, Including Hyperbaric Chambers

Decompression Chamber Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a decompression chamber and a hyperbaric chamber?

They're essentially the same technology with different names depending on the context. They're called "decompression chambers" in diving and military settings, and "hyperbaric chambers" in medical and hospital settings.

What pressure does a hyperbaric chamber operate at?

Medical hyperbaric chambers typically operate at pressures between 1.5 and 3 ATA (atmospheres absolute), equivalent to the pressure experienced 5–20 meters underwater.

How long does a hyperbaric chamber session last?

A hyperbaric oxygen therapy session generally lasts between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Treatments for decompression sickness may require longer sessions.

Is the decompression chamber a climate chamber?

No, they are different instruments. A decompression chamber controls atmospheric pressure, while a climatic chamber controls temperature and humidity. However, both are used to simulate specific environmental conditions in testing and research settings.

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Authoritative Sources

• IEC 60068-2-13 — Test M: Low air pressure.
• RTCA DO-160G Section 4 — Temperature and altitude for avionics.
• MIL-STD-810H Method 500.6 — Low Pressure (Altitude).
• EASA CS-25 — Large airplanes certification specifications.