The EMPU specializes in researching human performance in extreme environments. We are also capable of meeting specific requirements for hyperbaric, aerospace, and environmental testing of various degrees and equipment. Previous projects include, but are certainly not limited to: pilot high altitude training (hypoxia), monitoring human operational parameters, acclimatization training, testing of survival suits, life-support systems, electronics and fuel cells.
The Environmental Medicine and Physiology Unit at Simon Fraser University is the only civilian research hyper/hypobaric facility in Canada. It is capable of pressurizing or, “diving,” to 305 meters (30ATA, 445psi, 1000’) of sea water as well as drawing a vacuum, or “flying” the unit, to 33.5km Above Sea Level (ASL), which is equivalent to the atmospheric pressure on Mars (0.011ATA, 0.159psi, 100,000’ ASL).
Constructed to PVHO-1 standards, the chamber is a triple-lock, multi-place Class “A” Hypo/Hyperbaric complex that contains an Entry Lock (EL), Main Lock (ML), and Wet Pot (WP). There is an environmental control system for air/water temperature, and humidity, as well as carbon dioxide scrubbing capabilities. The ML will accommodate up to seven participants (including one inside tender) and contains four fold up bunks for longer duration or sleep tests/studies.
We also house a walk-in 4m X 5m (13’ X 16’) climate control chamber with a range of -26⁰C to + 50⁰C (-14.8⁰F to 122⁰F). A built-in treadmill with speed adjustments of up to 24km/h (15mph) and grade adjustments of up to 40% or 21.8 degrees; as well as standard treadmills and bicycle ergometers are stock equipment within the climate control chamber.
Another feature of the EMPU is the ability to provide hot and cold immersion testing. A single person tub can accommodate one person and a bicycle ergometer; and the six person tub can be either chilled or heated to various specifications for survival, immersion, dry, semi dry and wetsuit testing.
Contact us for information on scheduling your R&D projects in the Environmental Medicine & Physiology Unit.