Sorption processes in the filtering protective mask regeneration cartridge

Abstract

Protection of respiratory organs is of paramount importance both in the NBC battlefield and in N & C accidents in the time of peace. The decisive role in the filtering protecting masks and respirators is played by sorption (adsorption and absorption) processes in the regenerating cartridge. The mechanism of their functions is described in this article. The water adsorbed on the active carbon positively affects the sorption of compounds that can be hydrolyzed (phosgene). An excessive quantity of the ad­sorbed water, however, has a negative impact to the sorption, because it fills a major part of the sorption space, which is the case when the protective mask is used in an environment of highly humid air or when the fog is present.

Keywords

• aerosol
• active carbon
• aerodynamic resistance
• dynamic adsorption
• catalytic additive
• sorption capacity
• chemical sorption