If nuclear submarines can stay 'under' for months, where do they get the oxygen from?
by 
wickedwillie
ANSWERS: 4
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According to the U.S. Navy FAQ on submarines- Outside air is brought on board the submarine through access hatches while in port and through a snorkel mast while submerged at periscope depth. Once the submarine submerges below periscope depth, there are machines that continuously clear the air of contaminants. There is also oxygen-generating equipment on board the submarine to further replenish the air that Submariners breathe. The air on a submarine is continuously monitored and maintained for habitability. Also, Vehicles which are underwater for a long period of time (nuclear submarines for example) can't carry enough oxygen for the trip: it would weigh too much and take up too much space. Nuclear submarines use "electrolysis" to supply oxygen. Water is made from atoms of hydrogen and atoms of oxygen. When electricity passes through water, it can split the water molecule apart, forming hydrogen and oxygen gases. Nuclear submarines have plenty of electricity and sea water available to do this. They throw away the hydrogen, and let the crew breathe the oxygen.
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Nuclear submarines don't need oxygen, as they have electric engines which are powered by the nuclear cell.
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Oxygen is easily extracted from sea water. An electric current of sufficient voltage separates H2O (water) into gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen. Nuclear submarines generate plenty of electricity.
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As has been pointed out elsewhere, nuclear submarines are NOT lacking in electrical power. The nuclear power plant does not require oxygen to function. So the sole use of oxygen aboard nuclear submarines is the crew itself. The submarine can make all the oxygen required for the entire crew's use without ever having to surface or come to PD (Periscope Depth) and ventilating. It is, in fact, entirely capable of going for months at a time completely submerged while doing this. The ONLY limitation on the submerged operating capabilities of a nuclear submarine is the amount of food that can be stored prior to getting underway.
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