Inflatable life jackets work by rapidly filling an air chamber with gas, typically carbon dioxide (CO2), to provide buoyancy and keep a person afloat. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Key Components
All inflatable life jackets rely on the following components:
- Air Holding Chamber: This is the inflatable bladder, usually made of a durable, airtight material, that provides buoyancy when inflated.
- Compressed Gas Cylinder: This cylinder contains the CO2 gas under pressure, ready for release.
- Inflation Mechanism: This mechanism punctures or opens the CO2 cylinder valve, releasing the gas. It can be activated manually or automatically.
- Inflation Tube/Mouthpiece: A tube allows for oral inflation (blowing air in) if the CO2 cartridge fails or needs topping off. It also allows for deflation after use.
- Manual Inflation Cord: A pull cord connected to the inflation mechanism. Pulling this cord activates the mechanism manually.
Inflation Methods
There are two main methods for activating the inflation mechanism:
1. Manual Inflation
- The user pulls the manual inflation cord.
- This action triggers the inflation mechanism, puncturing the CO2 cylinder.
- The compressed CO2 rushes into the air chamber, rapidly inflating the life jacket.
2. Automatic Inflation
- These life jackets contain a water-sensitive trigger, often a small bobbin or dissolvable pill.
- When the trigger gets wet (e.g., when immersed in water), it dissolves or activates.
- This then activates the inflation mechanism, puncturing the CO2 cylinder.
- As with manual inflation, the compressed CO2 fills the air chamber.
Some automatic inflatable life jackets also include a hydrostatic inflator which uses water pressure rather than a dissolving bobbin to activate, reducing the risk of inadvertent inflation from rain or spray. These typically require being submerged to at least 4 inches.
Oral Inflation
In addition to CO2 inflation, inflatable life jackets include an oral inflation tube. This allows you to:
- Add more air if the CO2 inflation isn't sufficient.
- Inflate the life jacket if the CO2 cartridge is depleted or damaged.
- Deflate the life jacket after use or for adjustment.
Deflation
To deflate, simply open the valve on the oral inflation tube and squeeze the air chamber.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is critical for inflatable life jackets:
- Regular Inspection: Check for wear and tear on the fabric, straps, and buckles.
- Cartridge Check: Inspect the CO2 cylinder for corrosion and ensure it's properly secured. Check expiration dates.
- Inflation Test: Periodically inflate the life jacket orally to check for leaks.
- Re-arming: After use (or if the CO2 cartridge is expired), replace the CO2 cartridge and any dissolving bobbin with a re-arming kit.
By understanding how inflatable life jackets work and performing regular maintenance, you can ensure they are ready to perform when needed, potentially saving your life.
