Ten Atmospheres

by wjw on July 20, 2010

When I was learning scuba, I was being forever warned about the kind of stuff that many atmospheres of water pressure could do to you.

Mythbusters had an episode that illustrated this very nicely, and Carrie kindly pointed out the relevant video on YouTube.

They stuffed a dead pig in a hardhat diving suit, dropped it to 100 meters depth, then drained the air pressure from the suit, subjecting Mr. Porker to 10 whole atmospheres of pressure.

The entire pig was shoved up into the diving helmet, and then the helmet caved in. Much blood ensued.

I should issue a gore warning here. Otherwise, enjoy!

Lance Larka July 20, 2010 at 11:17 pm

In my lab when I train new employees I tell them the most dangerous thing in the whole lab is the compressed gas (argon or helium) cylinder strapped to the bench. Why? Because it might fall over and crush their foot.

Of course I set the regulator at 25 PSI usually. The Compressed Pig test was over 1400 PSI. A whole different animal altogether.

As an aside I tell them the next most dangerous thing in the lab is them after 3 months when they think they know what they're doing.

EFKelley July 21, 2010 at 12:50 am

Brilliant episode. Absolutely loved that one.

The Great and Powerful Oz July 21, 2010 at 8:17 am

Isn't that also about the point where oxygen toxicity becomes acutely dangerous as well?

Bruce July 22, 2010 at 10:41 pm

Is that how they get Spam in the can?

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