Steam Machines, Inc. Updates .

Steam Machines was invited to visit the N.E.D.U.(Navy Experimental Diving Unit) in November 1999 for a quick-look study.
A quick look study does not include a full test and approval, only that the Navy has evaluated our unit.

View original letter sent to Steam Machines, Inc

Transcripts:# NEDU Itr 3963/TA 98-10 Ser 034 06 Dec 99

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
NAVY EXPERIMENTAL
DIVING UNIT
321 Bullfinch Road
Panama City, Florida 32407-7015

From: Commanding Officer, Navy Experimental Diving Unit

To: Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command (N9)

SUBJECT: QUICK-LOOK EVALUATION OF STEAM MACHINES' PRISM TOPAZ

Ref:(a) COMNAVSPECWARCOM Itr 4790 ser N9/1418 of 3 Nov 99

Encl:(1) Photos of the Prism Topaz UBA

1. Reference (a) provides guidance to monitor advances in the commercial diving industry to find the
next generation Naval Special Warfare(NSW) mixed-gas Underwater Breathing Apparatus(UBA). To that end, NEDU conducted a quick-look test to evaluate the form, fit, and function(FFF) of the PrismTopazUBA. Enclosure (1) provides photos of this UBA.

2. The Prism Topaz is a mixed-gas, computer controlled closed circuit UBA with an adjustable oxygen partial pressure level. This UBA was developed and manufactured by Steam Machines of Hermosa Beach, CA. The Prism Topaz is the result of a series of significant improvements in rebreather technology which may be of particular interest to the NSW community. These features include (1) an adjustable PO2 set point that can be manually set between 0.7 and 1.4 ATA, (2) the primary electronics are powered by eight AA batteries, (3) an on/off switch and (4) the pre-dive calibration accomplished in less than one minute by the onboard computer and has an independent secondary display requiring no batteries.

3. The Manufacturer makes the following claims: the UBA is routinely dove to 300 feet; has a canister duration of 4-5 hours in 40 degrees F water using 8-12 mesh sodalime; primary battery life is 120 hours; UBA weight is 47lbs full of gas and absorbent; secondary display gives set point reading ,battery life, and all three sensor readings allowing you to dive the UBA manually in the case of primary electronics failure. The commercial version of this UBA retails for $7,500.00.

4. In an effort to compare the FFF to the Prism Topaz with the MK27, sixteen experienced closed circuit divers conducted familiarization dives in the NEDU test pool. Some of the more favorable comments included the simplicity of the UBA, easy calibration procedures, low breathing resistance, ease of operation and comfortable swim characteristics. Based on our observations, with minor modifications, this UBA may also be a potential candidate to replace the current MK 27 UBA.

Enclosure: Photos of the Prism Topaz UBA

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