Respirator canister testing for radioiodine

Abstract

Radioiodine canisters, cartridges, and their sorbents were tested with vapors of iodine compounds. The purposes were (1) to select a species for use in performance testing, (2) to determine how useful nonradiometric species would be for such testing, (3) to study effects of humidity and other parameters on sorbent performance, and (4) to make limited comparisons of canisters and cartridges currently available from U.S. manufacturers. An experimental apparatus was constructed to generate normal iodine and radioiodine vapors and to detect their penetrations through test beds. Methyl iodide was found to be the most penetrating vapor form. It provides an upper limit to methyl radioiodide penetration. At high humidity, methyl iodide removal deteriorates rapidly. Triethylenediamine-impregnated charcoal is the most effective charcoal tested. Larger beds give higher efficiencies.