air consumption and N2 loading

[wardric]

I have a debate with some fellow divers about the relation between air consumption and the absorption of Nitrogen.

The question is: for a given dive on air, will the body absorb nitrogen faster if your air consumption is high than if it's low. Since many computers and the tables dont account for it, does it means consumption is not related to N2 absorption.

Thanks

 

[knotical]

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=148998

I'm sure there are other threads too.

edit: found another: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=127455

And there's a (somewhat mis-titled) article here: http://www.scuba-doc.com/faqphys.html#SAC

 

[wardric]

thanks

 

[Dr Deco]

Hello wardric :

Air consumption and tissue nitrogen absorption are not strongly related. Virtually all of the nitrogen inhaled is also exhaled. The amount dissolved in the blood with each breath is very small.

The main governing agent in tissue nitrogen uptake is the flow of blood that that tissue. If the gas consumption is high because the diver was exercising at depth (swimming, etc), then the blood flow will increase to the muscle tissues. In this case, gas consumption will be indicative because it reflects oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production.

In two resting divers, and “air hog” will not take up any more tissue nitrogen than a gentle breather.

Dr Deco :doctor:

The next class in Decompression Physiology for 2006 is September 16 – 17. :1book: http://wrigley.usc.edu/hyperbaric/advdeco.htm

 

[wardric]

Thank you Dr Deco.