DE2638277A1 - Respirator gas heating and humidifying device - uses oxygen hydrogen mixt. with catalyst to produce heat and humidity - Google Patents

Abstract

The respirator is fitted with a device, which ensures that the inhaled gas mixture reaches the respiratory tracts in a preheated and humidified condition. The respirator is operating with oxygen with 3% hydrogen added. This ratio keeps the mixture well below the safe level. The mixture is stored in cylinder (10) fitted with flow valve (12) and connected by hose (14) to the heater unit (18). The outlet (20) of the heater unit is connected by hose (21) with mouthpiece (22) of the respirator. The heater unit consists of a cylindrical canister (26) with tube-shaped inlet and outlet (20). The canister (26) contains a catalytic material (28) in granulated form consisting of aluminium oxide granules with a 0.5% platinum coating. The granule charge is prevented from penetrating into the inlet or outlet connection of the canister by wire mesh inserts (30).

Description

Heater and humidifier for a breathing mask or another

Breathing apparatus The invention relates to a heater and humidifier for a breathing mask or other breathing apparatus that provides controlled amounts of heat and moisture supplies a breathing gas.

During the normal breathing process, the inhaled air is released during passage warmed and moistened through the nasal, tracheal and bronchial canals. These Basic body function slits the delicate embrances in the lungs that can but not sufficient if very cold, dry air is breathed heavily or quickly will. When exhaled, some heat and moisture is added to the walls of the airways returned. Most of the heat and moisture, however, goes into the exhaled Gases lost.

In rest and at a comfortable room temperature, the energy loss is on the order of one kilocalorie per hour. This is done through normal body functions slightly compensated.

At a temperature of -300C and an altitude of 5500 m, however, at a low humidity and a low work rate of sixty breaths per minute and an average volume of approximately two liters per breath the loss is about 230 kcal and 250 g of water per hour. This is a considerable one Part of the body's energy production. Only the use of warm clothes can do then it will no longer be sufficient to retain the necessary amount of energy. In addition, since the feeling of thirst is suppressed by extreme cold, a dessication become a problem.

Various techniques have already been developed, a breath gas to warm and humidify. These procedures are usually complex, the devices are heavy. Thermal heaters need energy sources and go with their energy not particularly effective around. A humidifier must be in a dry atmospheric environment Store water in some form and is therefore heavy and bulky. For convenience and for reasons of reliability, such an apparatus should be simple, compact and require a minimum of stored, energy-generating medium.

The apparatus created by this device is for breathing masks, Mouthpieces and the like suitable for use underwater or in an atmosphere will. Typical areas of application are Diving, mountaineering, activities in the Artik or under severe winter or other cold conditions, in the airspace and in space missions. The use is generally everywhere there possible where air or breathing gas at extreme values of cold and low humidity must be used.

The apparatus uses a source of hydrogen, preferably in gaseous form for reasons of storage and usability. The amount used is very small. A small high-pressure cylinder contains enough hydrogen for long-term use Use. In the simplest form of the device, the hydrogen is converted into suitable Relationships with the air or breathing gas in a pressurized container premixed. A heater is directly in line from the supply source to the Breath outlet, for example a mouthpiece or mask, installed. The stoker preferably works catalytically, which means that no energy source is required. Suitable Catalysts are, for example, metallic platinum, palladium, vanadium, chromium, Copper, manganese, cobalt, nickel or the oxides of these metals. The catalysts can be coated or supported by aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, silica gel, Asbestos, diatomaceous earth or metal wires arranged like a sieve are held.

When the breathing gas containing hydrogen over the catalyst drops, the hydrogen is burned and heats the gas. Additionally connects the hydrogen with oxygen in the breathing gas and generates water vapor, which the Gas humidified. So long the amount of hydrogen below 3% the total amount of gas is maintained, there is no risk of explosion and combustion is easy to control. This amount is by far sufficient, among all conceivable conditions for which the device is built for the necessary energy to care.

In other embodiments, in particular for use in the Atmosphere, the hydrogen is stored in a container and in a regulated one Amount injected into a breathing gas stream. The hydrogen gets into the catalytic Material injected or near the catalyst or other heating element. The heating unit can expediently be built into the breathing mask itself. the Flow is controlled by a valve that responds to the condition of the breathing gas. This can be a valve that is actuated by the breathing process itself is, or a temperature-sensitive device that has a certain, stable Maintains warmth. The catalytic heater is the simplest and most convenient for a portable system. Hot wires, flames, or other ignition devices can be used when circumstances permit.

The main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a new, to provide improved heaters and humidifiers for breathing apparatus. This is supposed to be the combustion of hydrogen in breathing gas can be used to generate heat and moisture.

The hydrogen should be regulated so that the required Maintains the degree of warmth. The heater and humidifier should be in a Breathing mask can be built in. Catalytic heating is said to be able to be used so that no energy source is needed.

The invention is illustrated below with the aid of exemplary embodiments Referring to the drawing explained in more detail; They show: Fig. 1 the system in its simplest form Shape with parts of the heating unit cut away; 2 shows the side view, partly in section, a breathing mask that has a heating unit with a temperature-controlled Contains control valve for hydrogen flow; Fig. 3 is a side view of a similar breathing mask, but with a control valve in the heating unit that is Addressing needs; Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between hydrogen supply and shows temperature; Fig. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between hydrogen supply and shows moisture.

In the simple form shown in Fig. 1, hydrogen is used with breathing gas premixed and stored in a pressurized cylinder or container 10. This container has a flow control valve 12. A supply hose 14 leads from valve 12 to inlet 16 of a heating unit 18. Another hose 21 leads from the outlet 20 of the heating unit 18 to the breathing apparatus, which is shown as a mouthpiece 22 is. The mouthpiece has a valve 24 that responds when required, the breathing gas when required lets through when the user takes a breath. The container 10, the control valve 12, the Mouthpiece 22 and valve 24 are standard parts used in diving equipment will.

The heating unit 18 comprises a simple cylindrical canister 26 with a tubular inlet 16 and a tubular outlet 20. At these are the hoses are fastened in the tried and tested manner. Canister 26 contains a catalytic Material 28 in granulated or pelletized form, causing the gas to flow through can. Nets 30 or similar perforated retaining devices on opposite sides Ends of the canister prevent catalytic material 28 from passing through the inlet or outlet. A suitable material for the catalyst consists of aluminum oxide balls, which are coated with 0.5% platinum.

The beads are approximately 3 mm in diameter.

Other catalytic materials are indicated above; different Combinations can be used.

For one particular system, approximately 10-15 grams became platinum coated Alumina spheres used. It took 15-20 minutes to stabilize Operating temperature was reached. The initial warm-up can be due to external warming be accelerated. The amount of heat required is small and can can be obtained, for example, by placing the canister under the user's arm is held. If the hydrogen in the breathing gas is mixed from the start, is the temperature increase achieved is predetermined. You can to a certain extent can be controlled by adding insulation 32 around canister 26 or Will get removed.

The amount of hydrogen in the breathing gas is small and not explosive; the maximum amount is around 3%. As from the illustration shown in FIG is shown, the addition of 0.1t of hydrogen to the basic breathing gas creates an ideal Temperature increase of 7.80C or of 780C with the addition of 1% hydrogen. The actual Temperature increase depends on the effectiveness of the system and the control of heat losses away. From the representation shown in Fig. 5 it can be seen that the addition of 1% hydrogen means supplying 1% water vapor.

The temperature change is constant at any ambient pressure.

It is therefore essentially at any altitude on land or at any Predictable depth in the sea. However, the change in humidity depends on the temperature and the pressure according to the equation:% H20 / 100 x Pa x = x 100 Pv where: r - the relative humidity, Pa = the ambient pressure of the inhaled gas in mm of mercury; Pv = the vapor pressure of the water at the present Gas temperature.

At sea level and at room temperature, an increase in the Water vapor by 0.1% approximately 3% increase in relative humidity. After above equation becomes 1.5% at an altitude of 5500 m and about 6% at double atmospheric pressure, for example under water. Using the same The ratio of hydrogen to breathing gas is therefore a diver who breathes more saturated with moisture Air as a climber.

During the production of the water vapor, the hydrogen consumes the Half of its own amount of oxygen. In air or at atmospheric pressures With an oxygen content of up to 20% in the breathing gas, this does not have any consequences.

However, when diving deep under high pressures, the oxygen content is low of the breathing gas is quite low, on the order of 1%.

A diver who uses 0.5% hydrogen in the breathing gas must therefore use 0.25% Add oxygen to the basic mixture to combine with the hydrogen.

The following figures are an example of the effect of the system in air specified: at a temperature of -30 ° C and a relative humidity of 10%, at a breathing rate of 60 breaths per minute with an average volume of 1.5 liters per breath, the water loss is approximately 190 g and the 1 Energy loss about 250 kcal per hour. To reduce the temperature of the breathing gas To raise 600C or + 300C, 0.77% hydrogen would have to be added. This would at the same time add 0.778 water vapor to the breathing air, resulting in the addition of 34 g of water and 105 kcal of heat per hour would result. Approximately 1 liter of hydrogen at 2500 psi would allow this energy boost for about 10 hours. It is recognizable, that a large part of the energy loss is replaced. The loss can still be reduced by adding more hydrogen, up to 3%, to the breathing gas. The border is the maximum gas temperature that can still be comfortably breathed. The heating unit can be extended and incorporated into part of a diving suit or other clothing be incorporated, so that the generated heat can also be used for warming the body is made.

If the hydrogen should be regulated instead of a specific one premixed amount, the arrangement shown in Figure 2 can be used. This Apparatus is built for use in air and includes a container 10 with a Regulator 12 and a supply hose 14. Contains in this embodiment the container only hydrogen; it can be quite small for ease of portability.

The heating unit 34 is attached directly to the breathing outlet, which acts as a face mask 36 with fastening straps 38 is shown. The face mask has a Diaphaggenius release valve 40 of conventional design from which the exhaled air emerges. Other types of exhaust valves are equally suitable depending on the overall design and purpose of the mask.

The heating unit 34 includes a canister 42 with a diaphragm inlet valve 44 or similar one-way valve in closed end 46. The other or outlet end 48 is open and fits into face mask 36. A baffle 50 is from the open Used at the end of 48 and has perforations 52, the channels for the breathing gas form. The one enclosed between the closed end 46 and the baffle plate 50 Chamber contains the pelletized catalytic material 54. The hose 14 is with the hydrogen inlet 56 of a valve 58 attached to the canister 42 or is built into it. A tube 60 extends from inlet 59 into the canister and has perforations 60 which direct the hydrogen across the full width of the canister to distribute.

In the valve 58 there is an actuating arm 64 which is attached to a bracket 66 is hinged. At one end of the arm 64 are the back to back Valve parts 68 and 70. The valve part 68 is arranged so that it the inlet 56 closes. The valve part o is arranged in such a way that it closes the openings to the pipe 60. The other end of the arm 64 is via a link 72 with a temperature sensor 74 connected to the baffle plate 50 or another suitable location is attached in the canister. The temperature sensor works preferably mechanically, is for example a bimetallic strip or coil that fits onto the connector 72 applies movement when the temperature changes. Such arrangements are well known. The entering hydrogen flow is low. Even the pressure that controlled by the controller 12 is usually very small, so the seal of the valve is not a problem.

The connecting member 22 extends through a seal 76, whereby no Hydrogen can get directly into the face mask. The temperature sensor 74 is adjusted so that it causes the valve member 70 to close the tube 60 when the temperature of the breathing gas exceeds a certain comfortable value. The temperature control thus creates a safety factor when operating the device. With a certain lower temperature, the valve 68 closes the inlet 56. This stops the flow of hydrogen turned off and a protection against poor functioning of the catalyst achieved. this means that the hydrogen inlet is closed when the unit is cold. Therefore a start button 78 is provided which opens the inlet and the hydrogen flow sets in motion. The button 78 contacts the arm 64 so that the holding action of the temperature sensor 74 overcome and the valve part 68 can be opened. The head 80 of the button 78 serves as a stop for the valve 58 and limits the movement of the arm 64.

In this way, the valve part 70 is not closed unintentionally, when starting. Both inlets 56 and 59 are open at the same time. A small Seal 82 over button 78 prevents hydrogen from escaping.

In operation, air is drawn through inlet valve 44 and 44 with each breath the canister 42 pulled. Hydrogen is emitted from tube 60 and reacts in the catalytic material 54. He heats the air, where he with oxygen in the air burns and creates moisture. The heat surge that comes with every breath occurs is mitigated by the heat capacity of the catalytic material. The starting temperature is essentially constant.

If the temperature gets too high, the temperature sensor 74 lets that Close valve 70 and turn off the hydrogen supply. That way you can do not build up an explosive mixture. The heat that remains in the catalytic material warms up the incoming air until the temperature is at a safe operating level falls off. The device shown is suitable for use in air, which is sucked in directly through the inlet valve 44. Any suitable source of breathing gas however, it can be connected to the inlet of the canister if necessary.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the flow of hydrogen is regulated by a device that responds to requirements is actuated by the breathing process. The face mask 36 is as described above; Hydrogen is supplied through a hose 14 as in FIG. 2.

In this configuration, the heating unit 84 comprises a canister 86 with an air inlet 88 at the outer end and an inlet valve 90 in the open End 92 that fits into mask 36. Air enters from inlet 88 through a venturi port 94 with a throat 96. This creates a pressure drop in the air stream. In the Throat 96 is a flexible diaphragm 98, which by the pressure drop that occurs with every breath, is drawn into the throat.

A valve 100 is attached to the canister 86, with which a supply hose 14 is connected. A tube 102 extends across the canister from the valve. hydrogen flows into the pipe on and is controlled by a needle valve 104, which is attached to one end of an arm 106. It sits in the hydrogen inlet 107. The other end of the arm 106 is connected to the diaphragm via a link 108 98 connected. The arm runs through a resilient wall 110, which also acts as a pivot point for the arm 106 is used. However, another pivot point can be used.

Each breath pulls the diaphragm 96 inward, releasing the needle valve 104 open. In doing so, hydrogen is admitted into the pipe 102. In the vicinity of the In the tube is a catalytic element 112 shown as a wire screen. This can be coated with the catalytic material. Another type of catalyst or an ignition device can be used, which burns the hydrogen initiates. In this way, the hydrogen is passed through the breathing process as required self fed. The amount can be controlled by calibrating the needle valve. Because the hydrogen content is regulated precisely in accordance with the breathing process the temperature can be properly balanced. It is not necessary that a heat sink smooths the heating effect. It goes without saying that a temperature safety device as in FIG. 2 can be used in conjunction with the pressure actuated valve of FIG can.

As shown, the hydrogen is stored in a pressure cylinder. However, it can also be obtained from other sources, for example metal hydrides or from other sources received various chemical reactions, if.circumstances permit. In some In some cases, light hydrocarbons can be used. The lightest hydrocarbons, such as methane and ethane, give water and carbon dioxide when burned in air. They generate in low Concentrations sufficient heat so that the amount of carbon dioxide supplied to the air does no harm at low atmospheric pressures.

Obviously, the device described can be used for controlled hydrogen combustion can be built into a wide variety of breathing apparatus. This will make the required Achieved degree of warming, whereby the breathing mixture is additionally moistened. The construction can be adapted to many existing systems. It's easy to use and wait.

Claims (21)

PATENT CLAIMS heaters and humidifiers for breathing masks or other breathing apparatus, which supplies a regulated amount of heat and moisture to a breathing gas, characterized in that that it comprises: means (10,12,14) which contain a supply of hydrogen and oxygen Form breathing gas, the hydrogen content being less than 3% of the total mixture; one Heating unit (18) with an inlet (16) which is connected to the gas source (10) can be and with an outlet (20) which is connected to the breathing apparatus (22,24) can be; a valve (12) which is connected to the heating unit (18) and which Regulates the flow of hydrogen and breathing gas; Catalyst (28) in the heating unit (18), which leads to the combustion of the hydrogen in the breathing gas and heat and moisture adds to the passing gas. 2. heater according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating unit (18) comprises a canister (26) and the catalyst is a catalytic material, which can cause the combustion of hydrogen. 3. Heater according to claim 2, characterized in that the catalyst (28) is in pelletized form and the canister (26) has perforated retention devices (30) which hold back the catalytic material (28) in the canister (26). 4. Heater according to claim 2, characterized in that the catalyst is a perforated screen (112). 5. Heater according to claim 2, characterized in that the inlet has a Hydrogen inlet (59) to the canister (42) and a manifold (62) containing extends across the catalyst from the hydrogen inlet (59). 6. Heater according to claim 5, characterized in that the valve is a valve (70,68) attached to the hydrogen inlet (56,59), and that an actuating device (64) is connected to the valve (68,70), which the Hydrogen inlet (56,59) optionally opens and closes. 7. Heater according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (58) includes a hydrogen control valve (70) attached to the heater (34), that a heat sensor (74) in the heating unit (34) with the hydrogen control valve (70) is connected and the hydrogen supply at certain extreme values of the temperature turns off. 8. Heater according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve a hydrogen control valve (104) included in the heating unit (84) mounted, and a pressure actuator (98) in the heating unit (84) is attached, which is exposed to the breathing gas flow therein and with the hydrogen control valve (104) is connected and causes a hydrogen flow with every pressure change, which is based on the breathing process. 9. heater according to claim 1, characterized in that the heater (34) comprises a canister (42) having an enclosed end (46) with one therein located breathing gas inlet (44) and an open outlet end (48) for attachment on a face mask (36) that the inlet has a hydrogen inlet (59) in the canister (42) contains that the valve contains a valve (70) which on is attached to the canister (42) and closes the hydrogen inlet (90), the Valve also has an inlet (56) for hydrogen coming from the source. 10. Heater according to claim 9, characterized in that a water distributing, perforated pipe (60) from hydrogen inlet (59) across the canister (42) runs. '11. Heater according to Claim 10, characterized in that the catalytic lytic material (54) is in the form of small spheres that form the tube (60) surround. 12. Heater according to claim 10, characterized in that the catalytic Material is in the form of a perforated screen (112) extending across the Canister (86) extends between the tube (102) (102) and the open end (92). 13. Heater according to claim 9, characterized in that the valve (58) has a valve part (70) which is movably mounted in the valve (58) and optionally the hydrogen inlet (59) opens and closes with an actuator (72,64), which is responsive to the state of the breathing gas in the canister (42), with the valve part (70) is connected. 14. Heater according to claim 13, characterized in that the actuating device a temperature sensor (74) responsive to the temperature of the breathing gas and disposed between the catalytic material (54) and the open end (48) is. 15. Heater according to claim 14, characterized in that it has a further Includes valve member (68) mounted in valve (58) and optionally the inlet the coming from the source hydrogen (56) opens and closes and with the Actuating device is connected. 16. Heater according to claim 15, characterized in that it has a contains manually operated starting device (80) in the valve (58), which with the actuating device is connected and holds both valve parts (68,70) in the open position at the same time. 17. Heater according to claim 13, characterized in that the actuating device a pressure sensor (98) which responds to the flow of breathing gas through the canister (86) appeals, which is generated by the breathing process. 18. Heater according to claim 13, characterized in that a Venturi opening (94) is provided with a throat (96) near the gas inlet (88), which the breathing gas flow leads that the actuating device is a flexible diaphragm (98) which is mounted in the throat (96) and connected to the valve member (104) so that the hydrogen inlet (107) is opened when a pressure drop occurs, caused by the gas flow through the throat (96). 19.Methods for heating and humidifying breathing gas in a breathing apparatus, characterized by the following steps: introducing hydrogen into the breathing gas flow when using; Igniting the hydrogen so that the breathing gas is heated and the hydrogen combines with the oxygen in it, so that water vapor is produced. 20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the hydrogen flow is controlled according to the state of the breathing gas, so that stable heating is maintained. 21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the amount of hydrogen is less than 3% of the resulting mixture with the breathing gas.