Measurements of carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations in a diffusion respirator on the basis of track membranes

Abstract

Concentrations of CO2 and O2 in the breathing hose and inside the mask of the diffusion respirator have been measured using an atomic emission spectrometer. The gas exchange system of this respirator efficiently, within 1 min, restores oxygen concentration in the inhaled air from 18.5 vol % to its atmospheric concentration (21 vol %) and carbon dioxide concentration from 2.9 vol % to a stationary concentration of ∼0.12 vol %. In the optimal configuration of the respirator, CO2 concentration inside the mask during breath is 0.23 vol %. The time resolution of the method is 200 ms and the CO2 detection limit is 0.08 vol %.