recompression

Recompression is the process of increasing the pressure within a system after it has been reduced. The term is used in several contexts, most notably in scuba diving medicine and in industrial gas handling and energy systems. In general, recompression aims to restore or maintain a designated pressure level to reverse the effects of prior decompression or to support proper system operation.

In scuba diving medicine, recompression therapy treats decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism. A patient is placed in a hyperbaric chamber where ambient pressure is gradually increased, often with supplemental oxygen. The higher pressure reduces the size of inert-gas bubbles and promotes their dissolution and elimination from the body. Treatment protocols vary by organization and severity of symptoms, and timing is critical. Risks include barotrauma to ears or lungs, oxygen toxicity, and chamber-related complications, but when performed promptly and by trained personnel, recompression can be life-saving.

In industrial and engineering contexts, recompression refers to restoring or increasing pressure in gas systems after expansion or leakage, typically using compressors or staged pressurization. It is used to maintain storage pressures, sustain process loops, and improve energy efficiency in applications such as pipelines, gas storage facilities, and refrigeration or air compression systems. The specifics depend on the system design and safety requirements.

Recompression is distinct from simple compression or from decompression. Related topics include hyperbaric medicine and pressurized-gas engineering.