ES2675359T3 - Determination of effluent concentration profiles and lifespan of air purification respirator cartridges - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for determining an effluent concentration profile (204), the method comprising: receiving at least one input parameter; determine the effluent concentration profile (204) based on at least one input parameter and at least one mathematical model applied to the input parameter by one of calculating a position of a chemical wave breaking wavefront across of the filter bed (606), the position being a function of at least one of an evolution rate in which the front of the rupture wave evolves from the filter bed (606) and the time raised to a power of a factor of acceleration, the acceleration factor being less than one for rupture wave fronts that have a deceleration evolution velocity and being greater than one for rupture wave fronts that have an accelerated evolution velocity; and calculate a position of the chemical species through the filter bed (606) according to, where ζ is the position, t is a time within the period of time, and is an acceleration factor, the acceleration factor being less than one for rupture wave fronts that have a deceleration evolution velocity and being greater than one for rupture wave fronts that have an accelerated evolution velocity; and graphically show the effluent concentration profile as a plot of a concentration of a chemical species over a period of time through a filter bed (606) of a filter cartridge (600).

Description

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Determination of effluent concentration profiles and lifespan of air purification respirator cartridges

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to systems and methods for determining effluent concentration profiles.

The determination of the service life of filter cartridges or filter beds in the air purification respirator filter cartridges is a regulatory requirement in the United States. In addition, many users of air purification respirators wish to have change data and / or an estimated calculation of the useful life. Change data may include, for example, a calendar for when the cartridges in air purification respirators must be changed, or replaced, with new cartridges. The estimated useful life calculation may include a determination of how long the cartridges should last in an air purification respirator. Both the exchange data and the estimated calculation of the useful life can be based in whole or in part on the entry of the conditions in which the cartridges and respirators are used.

The known methods and systems used to determine the change data and the life calculations for air purification respirator cartridges have several shortcomings. For example, the known systems and methods do not provide a graphical output of an effluent concentration profile, a rupture time or a useful life of a filter cartridge. Also, these systems and methods do not provide dynamic calculation of an effluent concentration profile, a rupture time or a useful life based on user inputs that change dynamically. In addition, to the extent that these systems and methods determine a rupture time or useful life, the mathematical models on which the rupture time or the useful life are based do not precisely determine the rupture time or the useful life for many pollutants, including many pollutants that have relatively low molecular weights and / or low boiling points.

WO2009 / 029326, which is considered to represent the closest prior art, describes an associated method and system for determining a condition of a component coupled to an article of personal protective equipment, the method comprising providing at least one coupled component of detachable way to an item of personal protective equipment; provide a smart tag coupled with the component or item; monitoring the use of the component, said tracking comprising recovering data from the smart tag; and, determine a condition of the component based on comparing the monitoring data of the component against at least one predetermined criterion.

Therefore, there is a need for a system and method to determine change data and life calculations for air purification respirator cartridges that provide a graphical output of effluent concentration profiles, allow dynamic calculations of the calculations of the shelf life and rely on more accurate models.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for determining an effluent concentration profile according to claim 1.

The present invention further provides a system for determining an effluent concentration profile according to claim 4.

In order that the invention may be well understood, an embodiment thereof will now be described, given by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an effluent concentration calculation system according to the invention;

Figure 2 is an illustration of a graphical user interface used to enter one or more parameters in the system shown in Figure 1 and to show the output shown in Figure 1 to a user according to one embodiment;

Figure 3 is an illustration of a graphical user interface used to enter one or more parameters in the system shown in Figure 1 according to one embodiment;

Figure 4 is a flow chart for a method of determination in an effluent concentration profile according to the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of examples of ways in which one or more embodiments described herein can be stored, distributed, and installed in a computer-readable medium; Y

Figure 6 is an exploded view of a filter cartridge according to the exemplary embodiment.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. To the extent that the figures illustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various embodiments, the functional blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division between the hardware circuitry. Thus, for example, one or more of the functional blocks (for example, processors or memories) can be implemented in a single piece of hardware (for example, a general purpose signal processor or random access memory, hard disk, or similar). Similarly, the programs can be independent programs, they can be incorporated as subroutines in an operating system, they can be functions in an installed software package, and the like. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

As used herein, it should be understood that an element or step mentioned in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "a" does not exclude the plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. In addition, references to "an embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the aforementioned features. In addition, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" an element or a plurality of elements that have a particular property may include other such elements that do not have that property.

It should be noted that although one or more embodiments may be described in relation to a filter cartridge for an air purification respirator, the embodiments described herein are not limited to air purification respirators. In particular, one or more embodiments can be implemented in relation to different types of filtration systems, including, for example, air filtration systems for buildings. In addition, while one or more embodiments may be described as implemented using one or more devices or computer systems, the embodiments described herein are not limited to computer-based systems and methods. In particular, one or more embodiments can be implemented in relation to non-computer based devices and methods. For example, while one embodiment includes calculating a rupture time or a service life of a filter cartridge based on one or more parameters entered by a user in a computer-based system, the rupture time or useful life can be calculated using a calculation rule or a wheel calculator. The calculation rule or wheel calculator can provide a break time or service life based on various known inputs.

Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for calculating and displaying information are described in detail below. In particular, a detailed description of exemplary systems and methods for dynamically determining and displaying effluent concentration profiles, rupture times and filter cartridge recommendations is provided. A technical effect of one or more of the embodiments described herein includes at least one of graphically showing a rupture time and / or effluent concentration profile based on one or more parameters entered by a user, dynamically adjusting the time of rupture and / or effluent concentration profile based on a user's modified entries, recommend a filter cartridge to a user based on a user's input, and dynamically alter a recommended filter cartridge based on modified inputs of an user.

Figure 6 is an exploded view of a filter cartridge 600 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter cartridge 600 includes upper and lower bodies 602, 604 that house a filter bed 606. The filter bed 606 may include, for example, activated carbon impregnated with one or more chemicals. A plurality of additional filter layers 608, 610 may each include additional layers of activated carbon. The retaining elements 612, 614 can hold the filter layers 608, 610 inside the filter cartridge 600. A sieve 616 mechanically filters aerosol particles that pass through the filter cartridge 600. A sealing element 618 and an adhesive 620 are provided to seal the filter cartridge 600 in an assembled state. In operation, the air passes through an intake orifice 622 in the lower body 604 and passes through the filter layers 608, 610 and the filter bed 606. As the air passes through the layers 608, 610 of filter and the filter bed 606, one or more chemical contaminants in the air can be filtered or adsorbed to the material in the filter layers 608, 610 and / or the filter bed 606. The filtered air continues through the filter cartridge 600 and out of the filter cartridge 600 through a hole 624 in the upper body 602. The filtered air can then be communicated to a user through one or more tubes or ducts, for example. The effectiveness of the filter bed 606 may decrease with continued use. For example, as more and more contaminated air passes through filter bed 606 and / or as higher concentrations of chemical contaminants pass through filter bed 606, filter bed 606 becomes less effective in filtering chemical contaminants. Finally, the concentration of chemical contaminants that pass through the filter bed 606 can exceed a maximum permissible concentration. The moment in which this occurs can be called the rupture time or service life of the filter cartridge 600. Once the rupture time or the life of the filter cartridge 600 has passed, the filter cartridge 600 may no longer be usable to protect the user from chemical contaminants.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an effluent concentration calculation system 100 according to one embodiment. The system 100 includes a processor module 102 that receives, among other things, the input 104 of a user in a user interface 106 and determines at least one of an effluent concentration profile 204

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(shown in Figure 2 and materializing the invention), a breaking time 206 (shown in Figure 2 and outside the scope of the invention), and a recommendation 240 of filter cartridge (shown in Figure 2 and outside the scope of the invention). The effluent concentration profile 204 includes a graphical representation of the concentration of one or more chemical species that pass through a filter bed of a filter cartridge over time. In one embodiment, effluent concentration profile 204 represents the concentration of one or more chemical species at one end of the filter bed 606 (shown in Figure 6) with respect to time. For example, effluent concentration profile 204 represents the concentration of a chemical species at the end of the filter bed 606 that is closer to the hole 624 (shown in Figure 6) in the upper body 602 (shown in Figure 6) or filter cartridge 600 (shown in Figure 6). In such an example, the effluent concentration profile 204 represents the approximate concentration of the chemical species that passes through the filter cartridge 600 to the user of the filter cartridge 600. The breaking time 206 includes a time at which a given concentration of one or more chemical species breaks the filter cartridge from the surrounding environment and reaches a user of the filter cartridge. Filter cartridge recommendation 240 includes one or more filter cartridges recommended to the user based on the criteria set by the user.

In another embodiment, processor module 102 receives user input 104 at user interface 106 and determines a bed profile. The bed profile is a graphic representation of the concentration of one or more chemical species in the filter bed 606 (shown in Figure 6) with respect to the position in the filter bed 606. For example, the bed profile can be illustrated graphically the concentration of a chemical species in the filter bed 606 with respect to various positions in the thickness of the filter bed 606 in a given time. The processor module 102 determines the bed profile for a variety of times in one embodiment. The movement of the chemical species through the filter bed 606 can then be visualized by comparing a plurality of bed profiles generated by the processor module 102 in increasing periods of time.

The processor module 102 and the user interface 106 connect communicatively with each other directly or indirectly through one or more wired, wireless, or network connections (such as a LAN, WAN, internet or intranet). The user interface 106 includes a device, system or apparatus capable of communicating one or more input parameters and communicating the input parameters such as input 104 to the processor module 102. For example, the user interface 106 may include one or more of a keyboard, mouse, stylus, touch screen, microphone, and the like. In another example, the user interface 106 includes a separate computing device such as a PC, a laptop, a smartphone, and the like. In one embodiment, processor module 102 and user interface 106 communicate with each other through one or more network connections (including internet). For example, the system 100 may be an internet-based system that uses a web browser as the user interface 106.

In the illustrated embodiment, the processor module 102 communicatively engages a computer readable storage medium 110. The computer readable storage medium 110 may include one or more computer readable memories capable of storing data, such as a hard disk, RAM, ROM, flash memory, CD drive, DVD drive, and the like. The computer-readable storage medium 110 can communicate directly or indirectly with the processor module 102 through one or more wired, wireless, or network connections (such as a LAN, WAN, internet, or intranet). In another embodiment, a plurality of computer readable storage media is communicatively coupled to the processor module 102. For example, an additional computer readable storage media 112 can be communicatively coupled to the processor module 102. The readable storage medium 112 By computer, it can include a database 114 that stores one or more parameters usable by the processor module 102 to determine at least one of the effluent concentration profile 204 (shown in Figure 2), the rupture time 206 (shown in Figure 2), and filter cartridge recommendation 240 (shown in Figure 2).

The processor module 102 communicatively engages an output device 108. The output device 108 includes a device, system or apparatus capable of receiving effluent concentration profile 204, rupture time 206, cartridge recommendation 240 filter, a bed profile and / or data representative of effluent concentration profile 204, rupture time 206, filter cartridge recommendation 240 and / or bed profile and present them to the user. For example, the output device 108 may include a CRT screen, a printer, a mobile display unit such as a Palm Pilot, mobile phone, Blackberry, and the like, a computer memory, an LCD screen, and the like. In one embodiment, the processor module 102 and the output device 108 communicate with each other through one or more network connections (including internet). For example, the system 100 may be an internet-based system that uses a web browser as the output device 108. The processor module 102 communicates the effluent concentration profile 204, the rupture time 206, the cartridge recommendation 240 of filter and / or representative data thereof as output 120 to output device 108. A plurality of processor module 102, user interface 106 and output device 108 are physically separate components of system 100 in one embodiment. Alternatively, a plurality of processor module 102, user interface 106 and output device 108 are combined into a single component. For example, the processor module 102 and the output device 108 can be provided as one or more microprocessors and an LCD screen housed within an air respirator.

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In one embodiment, the processor module 102 communicatively engages an active sensor 116. The active sensor 116 includes a powered device configured to detect or measure data relevant to one or more parameters. The data or parameters are usable by the processor module 102 to determine at least one of the effluent concentration profile 204, rupture time 206, and filter cartridge recommendation 240. The processor module 102 and the active sensor 116 can be connected directly or indirectly through one or more wired, wireless, or network connections (such as a LAN, WAN, internet, or intranet). The active sensor 116 can proactively report measured or detected data to the processor module 102 as input 122. For example, the active sensor 116 may be a powered sensor capable of communicating parameters to the processor module 102 as input 122.

In one embodiment, the processor module 102 communicatively engages a passive sensor 118. The passive sensor 118 includes a non-powered device configured to detect data relevant to one or more parameters. The data or parameters are usable by the processor module 102 to determine at least one of the effluent concentration profile 204, rupture time 206, and filter cartridge recommendation 240. The processor module 102 and the passive sensor 118 can be connected directly or indirectly through one or more wired, wireless, or network connections (such as a LAN, WAN, internet, or intranet). The processor module 102 can measure the data or parameters of the passive sensor 118 as input 124.

The processor module 102 includes a plurality of submodules, including a recommended filter cartridge submodule 126, an effluent concentration profile submodule 128, a rupture time submodule 130, and an output submodule 132. The processor module 102 is conceptually illustrated as a set of submodules 126 to 132, but can be implemented using any combination of dedicated hardware cards, DSPs, processors, etc. Alternatively, processor module 102 and / or sub-modules 126 to 132 can be implemented using a PC ready for use with a single processor or multiple processors, with the functional operations distributed among the processors. As an additional option, submodules 126 to 132 can be implemented using a hybrid configuration in which certain modular functions are performed using dedicated hardware, while the remaining modular functions are performed using an off-platform PC and the like. Submodules 126 to 132 can also be implemented as software modules within a processing unit.

The operations of submodules 126 to 132 can be controlled by processor module 102. Submodules 126 to 132 can perform central processor operations, for example. The recommended filter cartridge sub module 126 receives one or more input parameters (described below), accesses any of a list, table, database, and the like of available filter cartridges, and recommends one or more cartridges of filter in the list based on the input parameters. For example, the user can enter several criteria for a filter cartridge as one or more input parameters described below. The recommended filter cartridge sub-module 126 receives these criteria and reduces the list of all possible filter cartridges. Based on these criteria and the remaining filter cartridges, the recommended filter cartridge sub module 126 selects one or more filter cartridges to recommend to the user. The initial list of possible filter cartridges to recommend can be stored in one or more of the computer readable storage media 110, 112.

Effluent concentration profile submodule 128 ("EPC") receives one or more input parameters (described below) and calculates the effluent concentration profile or curve 204 (shown in Figure 2) and / or a profile of the bed. For example, the user can enter several parameters to calculate the effluent concentration profile for a filter cartridge in an environment with one or more chemical contaminants in one or more concentrations. ECP submodule 128 receives these parameters and calculates an effluent concentration profile 204 based on the parameters and one or more mathematical models to calculate the effluent concentration profile 204 based on the parameters. In one embodiment, ECP submodule 128 obtains one or more default values for any parameter or variable required by the mathematical model used to calculate effluent concentration profile 204 but which is not entered by the user. For example, ECP sub-module 128 can obtain the default values for any variable not entered by the user of one or more of the computer readable storage means 110, 112.

The break time submodule 130 receives one or more input parameters (described below) and calculates a break time 206 (shown in Figure 2). For example, the user can enter several parameters to calculate the life of a filter cartridge in an environment with one or more chemical contaminants in one or more concentrations. The break time submodule 130 receives these parameters and calculates a break time 206 based on the parameters and one or more mathematical models for calculating the break time 206 based on the parameters. In one embodiment, the breaking time submodule 130 obtains one or more default values for any parameter or variable required by the mathematical model used to calculate the breaking time 206 but which is not entered by the user. For example, the break time submodule 130 can obtain the default values for any variable not entered by the user of one or more of the computer readable storage means 110, 112.

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Output submodule 132 communicates the output of one or more of submodules 126 to 130 (described above) to output device 108 as output 120. Output submodule 132 can cause output 120 to graphically display output 120, print output 120, or otherwise communicate output 120 to the user of system 100.

In operation, processor module 102 receives one or more parameters and uses the parameters to generate effluent concentration profile 204, rupture time 206, a bed profile in one or more times, and / or recommendation 240 of filter cartridge In a first mode of operation referred to as a mode of calculation of the useful life, the processor module 102 obtains or receives one or more parameters to determine one or more of the effluent concentration profile 204 and the rupture time 206. In a Second mode of operation referred to as a cartridge selection mode, the processor module 102 obtains or receives one or more parameters to determine a recommended filter cartridge. The processor module 102 can perform both the life calculation mode and the cartridge selection mode simultaneously or separately.

In the service life calculation mode, effluent concentration profile 204 or rupture time 206 can be used to represent the life of a filter cartridge based on the parameters. For example, based on the input parameters, the processor module 102 can determine how long a filter cartridge can be used before one or more chemical contaminants break the filter at an unsafe level and reach the user. The input parameters used by the processor module 102 in the lifetime calculation mode include, but are not limited to, one or more parameters of use conditions. The conditions of use parameters include data or information relevant to the way in which a filter cartridge is or will be used. For example, the conditions of use parameters may include, but are not limited to, one or more of one type of cartridge, a chemical contaminant, a chemical concentration, an occupational exposure limit, and a site condition.

The cartridge type is the type of filter cartridge that is being used or that you want to use. For example, a type of cartridge that a user wishes to be included in an air respirator can be introduced by a user into the user interface 106 and communicated to the processor module 102 as input 104. In another example, the active sensor 116 can determine which filter cartridge is being used by a user and communicate the type of cartridge to processor module 102 as input 122. In another example, the type of cartridge can be determined by processor module 102 based on a User preference for a particular type of respirator and / or a particular level of particle protection. The type of respirator may include the make and / or model of the air respirator in which the filter cartridge is used or will be used. The level of particle protection may include the amount of chemical particles that the user considers to be allowed to pass through the filter cartridge to the user. The type of respirator and / or the level of particle protection can be entered by a user with the user interface 106 and communicated as input 104. Alternatively, the type of respirator can be determined by one or more of the active sensors and passive 116, 118 and communicated to processor module 102 as input 122, 124. Based on the type of respirator and / or level of particle protection, processor module 102 can reduce a list of all possible filter cartridges available for a user A list of available filter cartridges may be stored in one or more of the computer readable storage media 110, 112. The processor module 102 can access the list and remove those filter cartridges that do not meet the criteria defined by the type of respirator and / or level of particle protection. For example, some filter cartridges in the list may not work on the type of respirator introduced to the processor module 102. Based on the reduced list of possible filter cartridges, the processor module 102 can determine the concentration profile 204 of effluents and / or breakage time 206 for one or more filter cartridges in the reduced list. Alternatively, the processor module 102 may present the reduced list of filter cartridges to the user in the output device 108. The user can then select one or more filter cartridges from the list using the user interface 106.

The chemical contaminant is one or more chemical species that must be filtered by the filter cartridge. Chemical contaminants may include those chemical species that are detected by passive and / or active sensors 118, 116 and communicated to processor module 102 as input 124, 122. Alternatively, chemical contaminants may include those chemical species introduced by a user with user interface 106 and communicated as input 104.

The chemical concentration is the concentration of one or more of the chemical contaminants in an environment where the filter cartridge is used or will be used. For example, the chemical concentration may be a concentration of vapor, liquid and / or aerosol. The chemical concentration may include the concentrations that are detected by the passive and / or active sensors 118, 116 and communicated to the processor module 102 as input 124, 122. Alternatively, the chemical concentration may include the concentrations of those chemical species introduced by a user with user interface 106 and communicated as input 104. In another embodiment, the chemical concentration is the maximum concentration of one or more of the chemical contaminants that passes, or breaks, a filter cartridge. This maximum concentration can be referred to as a breaking concentration. The processor module 102 can obtain a default value for the chemical concentration parameter. For example, the processor module 102 may obtain a default value for the chemical concentration of a chemical contaminant introduced by the user of one or more of the computer readable storage means 110, 112. The default value of the chemical concentration parameter can be associated with one or more of the

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other parameters entered by the user. For example, the default value used for chemical concentration may be different for different chemical contaminants and / or cartridge types that are introduced by the user. The association between various default values for one or more of the chemical concentration parameters and the user input parameters can be stored in a table, database, or other memory structure in at least one of the means 110, 112 of computer readable storage.

The occupational exposure limit includes one or more limits on the amount or concentration of one or more chemical contaminants in an environment in which a filter cartridge is to be used. For example, the occupational exposure limit may be a legally binding limit on the amount or concentration of a chemical contaminant to which a human being can be exposed for a particular period of time. The occupational exposure limit can be entered by a user in the user interface 106 and communicated as input 104. Alternatively, the occupational exposure limit can be stored in computer-readable storage medium 110 and / or 112 and obtained by the processor module 102 thereof. The processor module 102 can obtain a default value for the occupational exposure limit parameter. For example, the processor module 102 may obtain a default value for the occupational exposure limit of one or more of the computer readable storage media 110, 112. The default value for the occupational exposure limit parameter can be associated with one or more of the other parameters entered by the user. For example, the default value used for the occupational exposure limit may be different for different chemical contaminants and / or cartridge types that are introduced by the user. The association between various default values for the occupational exposure limit parameter and one or more other user input parameters can be stored in a table, database, or other memory structure in at least one of the means 110 , 112 computer readable storage.

The site conditions parameter includes one or more parameters relevant to the environment in which a filter cartridge is being used or will be used. For example, an ambient pressure, temperature, and / or relative humidity can be communicated to processor module 102 as a site condition parameter. In one embodiment, a breathing rate is communicated to processor module 102 as a site condition parameter. The breathing rate is the breathing rate desired by a user or is a breathing rate measured by a user currently using a particular filter cartridge. One or more of the site conditions may be entered by a user in the user interface 106 and communicated to the processor module 102 as input 104. In one embodiment, the active and / or passive sensors 116, 118 measure or detect a or more site conditions and site conditions are received by processor module 102 as input 122 and / or 124. Processor module 102 can obtain default values for one or more site condition parameters. For example, the processor module 102 may obtain a default value for the ambient pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and / or breathing rate of one or more of the computer readable storage means 110, 112. The default value for the site conditions parameter can be associated with one or more of the parameters entered by the user. Different default values for one or more of the site condition parameters can be associated with different chemical contaminants and / or cartridge types introduced by the user. For example, the default value used for the breathing rate may be different for different chemical contaminants and / or cartridge types that are introduced by the user. The association between various default values for one or more of the site condition parameters and user input parameters can be stored in a table, database, or other memory structure in at least one of the means 110, 112 computer readable storage.

In one embodiment, the user enters a level of trust that is associated with one or more of the parameters. For example, the user can enter a 5% confidence level for one or more of the ambient pressure, breathing rate, temperature, relative humidity, chemical concentration, and the like. Other levels of trust can be introduced by the user. In general, a higher level of confidence indicates that the user has less confidence in the numerical value of the input parameter. For example, a 5% confidence level for an input temperature parameter of 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) indicates that the user believes that the temperature parameter is between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius (76 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit) . In comparison, a 10% confidence level for the temperature parameter of 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) indicates that the user believes that the temperature parameter is between 22 and 31 degrees Celsius (72 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit).

In the lifetime calculation mode, the processor module 102 receives one or more of the conditions of use parameters and, based on the parameters and one or more mathematical models applied to the parameters, generates the concentration profile 204 of effluents and / or the rupture time 206. Either or both of the effluent concentration profile 204 and the rupture time 206 can be used to determine how long a particular cartridge can be used by the user in an environment and manner of use described by the conditions of use parameters. For example, with a given type of filter cartridge to be used in an environment with particular chemical contaminants at given concentrations, effluent concentration profile 204 and / or rupture time 206 can be used to determine how much time can be used. the cartridge in the environment before one or more chemical contaminants break the filter cartridge and reach the user.

In one embodiment, the processor module 102 does not determine the effluent concentration profile 204 and / or the rupture time 206 until a minimum number or amount of waste is received by the processor module 102

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The conditions of use parameters. For example, processor module 102 may not determine effluent concentration profile 204 and / or break time 206 until the type of cartridge, the chemical contaminant (s) and the concentration (s) en) chemistry (s) are received by the processor module 102. In one embodiment, the processor module 102 obtains default values for any other parameter or variable that is required to generate the effluent concentration profile 204 and / or the break time 206. These default values can be obtained from one or more of the computer readable storage means 110, 112.

The processor module 102 communicates the bed profile, the effluent concentration profile 204 and / or the rupture time 206 (or data representative of any) to the output device 108 as the output 120. The output device 108 provides the Profile 204 of effluent concentration and / or break time 206 to the user. For example, the output device 108 may show the effluent concentration profile 204 and / or the rupture time 206 plotted on a graph. Alternatively, the output device 108 may show effluent concentration profile 204 and / or break time 206 as a tabular report provided to the user. In one embodiment, the processor module 102 determines the effluent concentration profile 204 and / or the rupture time 206 and the output device 108 presents the same to the user. The user can then alter, change or add to the parameters introduced to the processor module 102. The processor module 102 then determines an updated version of the effluent concentration profile 204 and / or the rupture time 206 and the output device 108 presents the same to the user. For example, the user can change the parameters introduced to the processor module 102 and the processor module 102 dynamically changes or updates the effluent concentration profile 204 and / or the rupture time 206 in response thereto. By updating the effluent concentration profile 204 and / or the rupture time 206, the user can then visually see the impact of varying one or more parameters in the effluent concentration profile 204 and / or the rupture time 206.

In one embodiment, processor module 102 determines at least one of a bed profile, effluent concentration profile 204 and / or rupture time 206 (or data representative of any of the bed profiles, concentration profiles 204 of effluents and / or rupture times 206) for each of a plurality of chemical species or contaminants and communicates them to the outlet device 108 as the outlet 120. The outlet device 108 shows the plurality of bed profiles, profiles 204 of effluent concentration, and / or rupture times 206. For example, a plurality of effluent concentration profiles 204 can be shown in a single graph, with each effluent concentration profile 204 representing the concentration of a chemical or contaminating species different. Alternatively, the processor module 102 determines, and the output device 108 shows, at least one bed profile, effluent concentration profile 204 and / or break time 206 for each of a plurality of different parameter scenarios. A parameter scenario includes a set of parameters entered by the user. Different parameter scenarios may include different permutations of the possible input parameters that are entered by the user. For example, different parameter scenarios may include one or more different chemical contaminants, different chemical contaminant assemblies, different filter cartridges, and the like. The user can then easily visually compare the bed profiles, effluent concentration profiles 204, and / or rupture times 206 for different chemical contaminants and / or parameter scenarios at the same time.

A plurality of the parameter scenarios is stored and stored in one or more computer-readable storage media and is accessible by the processor module 102 in one embodiment. For example, several parameter scenarios can be stored in computer readable storage medium 110. The user can select one or more parameter scenarios to be communicated to the processor module 102. The parameters of the parameter scenario can be communicated to the output device 108 and presented to the user. The processor module 102 may then employ one or more of the parameters in the parameter scenario selected by the user to determine a bed profile, effluent concentration profile 204 and / or rupture time 206. In one embodiment, The user selects a parameter scenario previously entered and saved by another user and then modifies one or more parameters in the parameter scenario, introduces additional parameters to the parameter scenario and / or removes one or more parameters from the parameter scenario. The processor module 102 can then determine the effluent concentration profile 204, for example, based on this modified parameter scenario.

In one embodiment, processor module 102 determines at least one of a bed profile, effluent concentration profile 204 and / or rupture time 206 (or data representative of any of the bed profiles, concentration profiles 204 of effluents and / or break times 206) for one or more values of an input parameter, the values being within the range of values that fall within the confidence level for that input parameter. For example, if the user enters the temperature parameter as 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) with a 5% confidence level, then the processor module 102 can determine a plurality of bed profiles, effluent concentration profiles 204 and / or breaking times 206 for a plurality of values that fall within 5% of 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit). These bed profiles, effluent concentration profiles 204 and / or plural break times 206 can be displayed simultaneously in the output device 108. Alternatively, the processor module 102 determines the bed profile, effluent concentration profile 204 and / or break time 206 for the value of the parameter within the confidence level that provides the safest, or most moderate, of the various bed profiles, effluent concentration profiles 204 and / or break times 206 that are determined using the interval of

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parameter values that fall within the confidence level. For example, processor module 102 may determine that for a temperature parameter of 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) with a confidence level of 5%, or 24 to 29 degrees Celsius (76 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit), the time Shortest 206 rupture for a plurality of temperatures between 24 to 29 degrees Celsius (76 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit) occurs at a temperature parameter of 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit). In such an example, the processor module 102 communicates the shortest break times 206 to the output device 108 for presentation to the user. The processor module 102 can therefore determine and the output device 108 can present a bed profile, effluent concentration profile 204 and / or break time 206 moderated as a safe limit based on the level of confidence introduced by the user .

The effluent concentration profile 204, the rupture time 206 and / or one or more bed profiles in a plurality of times can be calculated using any of a series of mathematical models that use one or more of the input parameters described above. to determine effluent concentration profile 204, rupture time 206 and / or bed profiles. For example, in one embodiment, a new model is used to determine the effluent concentration profile 204. This model, referred to as the Ding model, includes two hypotheses for an adsorption process: (a) for a well-developed, well-fed adsorption process, the dimensionless chemical potential can change exponentially with the bed location and (b ) The speed of the concentration wave accelerates over time when the wave evolves out of bed. The Ding model may be able to adjust experimental data over a wide range of concentrations of several orders of magnitude. The Ding model can be used as a predictive tool given the adsorption balance and the sensitivity of the two parameters to certain operating conditions. The Ding model can also be applied to both adsorption processes and reagents for air purification processes. The Ding model can be used to overcome several deficiencies in existing models. For example, the Ding model can be used to calculate the shelf life at different levels of toxicity, at different feed concentrations, and at different times of residual life. The Ding model can be used to re-estimate a profile of the adsorption bed at different times to aid in the design of the filters. The Ding model can more accurately calculate effluent concentration profiles and / or break times of chemical contaminants that have relatively low molecular weights and / or boiling points.

In one embodiment, the mathematical model used to calculate effluent concentration profiles and / or break times is based on a combination of parameters entered by the user (as described above) and physical properties of chemical contaminants that are They pretend to filter. Chemical contaminants can be introduced by the user, as described above. The physical properties of chemical contaminants can be obtained from a computer readable storage medium such as one or more of the computer readable storage media 110, 112. For example, computer readable storage medium 112 may include a database that stores relevant physical properties of chemical contaminants introduced by the user. The database may also include physical property data of other relevant chemicals and compounds. For example, the database can store data on physical properties of water and atmospheric air. The physical property data database can be one or more of a public database, a private database and a custom database. With respect to a public database, the database can be a publicly accessible database available through the internet. A private database can be a database that is accessible by a limited number of users. For example, the private database may be a database that is available through an intranet that is accessible only by those users who authenticate through a login and password procedure. A custom database can be a database that obtains physical property data from a public and / or private database but that organizes and / or filters the data in a personalized way, for example.

For example, a database may include one or more properties for each chemical contaminant that could be selected by the user. These properties include, but are not limited to, one or more of a Chemical Abstracts Service ("CAS") registration number, a chemical formula, a molecular weight, a density of the liquid (in grams per cubic centimeter, for example) , a molar polarity (in Pe, for example), a water solubility, a steam model (Model 0 or Model 1, for example), one or more of the steam models A, B and C, a chemical name, a nickname or alias, an immediately dangerous limit for life and health (“IPVS”) (in parts per million, for example), a recommended exposure limit (“REL”) (in parts per million, for example) a Permissible Exposure Limit (“PEL”) (in parts per million, for example), a Threshold Limit Value (“TLV”) (in parts per million, for example), and a comment. The comment may include any additional relevant information. In one embodiment, Model 0 of the steam model may be a steam model of the Antoine format and be described by the following equation:

image 1

(Equation 15)

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Model 1 of the steam model can be a steam model of the Antoine format and be described by the following equation:

image2

(Equation 16)

The properties of the chemicals can be entered by a system administrator 100. In one embodiment, one or more of the chemical properties are obtained from the NIST Web Book, available at
http://webbook.nist.gov/. One or more of the chemical properties can be obtained from the NIOSH IDLH guide or website, available at
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/intridl4.html. If a particular property is not available in the database and has not been provided by the user, the system may issue an audible and / or visual warning to the user.

Ding's model defines a chemical potential difference of a chemical contaminant that is intended to be filtered by a filter cartridge such as:

image3

- <£ /

ln C * ln Cq

(Equation 1)

where is the difference between the local chemical potential of the chemical contaminant in the filter bed of a filter cartridge and the chemical potential of the chemical contaminant in the feed concentration, or the concentration in the environment in which the filter cartridge is used; 9 is the chemical potential of the contaminant

chemical at a given location in the filter bed; it is the chemical potential of the chemical contaminant in the feed concentration; It is the chemical potential of the chemical pollutant at the wavefront, or the front of the rupture curve, of the chemical pollutant as the chemical pollutant passes through the bed

r ■

filter. Co is defined as the concentration of the chemical contaminant in the front of the rupture curve. C * and ld are defined as dimensionless variables referenced to the substantially constant or constant (Cf) feed concentration. The chemical potential (9) can be defined as follows:

image4

(Equation 2)

In one embodiment, the front of the rupture curve can be arbitrarily defined to effectively eliminate the effect of any clean region of the filter bed, or regions where there is substantially no concentration of the chemical contaminant. In such an embodiment, a dimensionless position (Z) of the chemical contaminant and a dimensionless time (t) associated with a particular position of the chemical contaminant in the filter bed can be defined

as follows:

image5

where z is a position, or location, in the filter bed expressed in meters, z0 is the position of the front of the rupture curve in the filter bed expressed in meters; zref is the reference position in the filter bed expressed in meters; t is a time expressed in seconds; t0 is the time in seconds in which the front of the rupture curve is located at the position z0 in the filter bed; and W is the reference time expressed in seconds. In one embodiment, at the front of the breaking wave, both the charge value Z and the time t are zero and a concentration (C) of the chemical contaminant in the front of the breaking wave is C0, as described above. In this embodiment, at the reference point both the position (Z) and the time (t) are 1 and the

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concentration (C) is a reference concentration (Cref). As time (t) increases and approaches infinity (~), the concentration (C) equals the reference concentration (Cref).

If the filter cartridge remains in the environment that includes the chemical contaminant, or as the constant feed of the chemical contaminant continues, ®, or the difference between the local chemical potential of the chemical contaminant in the filter bed of a filter cartridge and the potential chemical of the chemical contaminant in the feed concentration, changes with the position in the filter bed. The change in ® can be represented as follows:

ln = £ ln 4> re /

(Equation 5)

where ^ ref is the difference between the chemical potential of the chemical contaminant in the filter bed in the reference position and the chemical potential of the chemical contaminant in the feed concentration.

When the wave of the chemical contaminant evolves out of the filter bed in the filter cartridge, the position of the wave can accelerate with respect to time. The speed at which the wave evolves outside the filter bed can change with respect to time according to:

image6

image7

(Equation 6)

where v * is the velocity and zeta (P) is an acceleration factor referred to as a "cobra value". Zeta (P) is referred to as the cobra value due to the cobra form of effluent concentration profile 204 (shown in Figure 2) for many chemical contaminants. In one embodiment, waves of chemical contaminants that evolve outside the filter bed at a substantially constant or decelerated speed (v *) have values

of cobra (P) that are less than 1, while the waves that evolve outside the filter bed with

Accelerated speeds (v *) have cobra values (P) that are greater than 1. One or more cobra values (P) can be determined empirically from the data or entered by the user. For example, a list of

Cobra values (P) can be determined from the experimental data and stored in one or more of the computer readable storage means 110, 112 to be accessed by the processor module 102.

Accordingly, the position (Z) of the chemical contaminant can be represented as follows:

(Equation 7)

image8

Substituting Equation 6 in Equation 4 gives the following relationship:

ln <1 = t1 ’ln <!>,„ /

(Equation 8)

Equation 7 is used with the Ding model to represent the general shape of a bed profile and can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other equations described herein to generate an effluent concentration profile. For example, the concentration of chemical contaminants at the end of the filter bed (606) (shown in Figure 6) that is closer to the hole 624 (shown in Figure 6) of the filter cartridge 600 (shown in Figure 6) It can be calculated using the Ding model for a plurality of times. The concentration of chemical contaminants at the end of the filter bed 606 can then be plotted with respect to time to illustrate the concentration of the chemical contaminants that break the filter bed 606.

A stoichiometric time (fr) of the

Ding model from the following:

image9

(Equation 9)

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In one embodiment, the reference point used for Equation 7 is defined arbitrarily. For example, for an arbitrary point 1 in an effluent concentration profile similar to effluent concentration profile 204, Equation 8 becomes:

image10

(Equation 10)

Applying Equation 8, the reference point can be represented in the following:

ln # = - lri $

i -

(~ ——Y in <j> i = ln # ',

\ t i - t-o /

(Equation 11)

where the superscript 'denotes a new reference point for the Ding model. Therefore, different reference points can be selected for different applications without having to alter the values of one or more parameters in the Ding model.

In one embodiment, the Ding model can be used to determine the rupture time 206 by determining the effluent concentration profile 204 and comparing the effluent concentration profile 204 with a breaking concentration introduced by the user. For example, once an effluent concentration profile 204 is created by the processor module 102, the time at which the rupture concentration occurs in the effluent concentration profile 204 can be the rupture time 206. Alternatively, The Ding model can be used to directly calculate the breaking time 206. For example, the reference point described above can be set to be equal to the stoichiometric center defined in Equation 9 such that the breaking time 206 is You can define as:

t = - f A Equation 12

5 FCf ~ r

where q represents the load of the chemical contaminant (s) in the filter bed, or the adsorption equilibrium, expressed in moles per kilogram; pb represents the density of filter particles in the filter bed, expressed in kilograms per cubic meters; V represents the volume of the filter bed, expressed in cubic meters; F represents the flow rate of the chemical contaminant (s) through the filter bed, expressed in cubic meters per second; tr represents the breaking time 206, or the residence time; and A represents a separation ratio that is calculated in the feed concentration Cf. The value of the adsorption equilibrium (q) can be calculated from experimental data, simulated isothermal models, or entered by the user. From Equation 12, the separation ratio (A) and breaking time 206 (tr) can be determined using the following equations:

(Equation 13)

(Equation 14)

Alternatively, one or more other mathematical models other than the Ding model described above can be used to determine one or more of a bed profile, effluent concentration profile 204 and break time 206. For example, they can be used one or more of the models described in Wood, Gerry O., Estimating Service Lives of Organic Vapor Cartridges, American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal (January 1994), p. 11-15; Wood, Gerry O., Moyer, Ernest S .; A Review of the Wheeler Equation and Comparison of Its Applications to Organic Vapor Respirator Cartridge Breakthrough Data, Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J. 50 (8): 400-407 (1989); Wood, Gerry O., Estimating Service Lives of Air-Purifying Respirator Cartridges for Reactive Gas Removal, J. of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 2: 414-423 (2005); Wood, Gerry O., Organic Vapor Respirator Cartridge Breakthrough Curve Analysis, J. of the International Society for Respiratory Protection, Winter 1992-1993 (collectively referred to as the "Wood model").

image11

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In one embodiment, one or more of the variables described above in relation to Equations 1 to 14 may be introduced into the processor module 102 by the user in the user interface 106. Alternatively, one or more of these variables may be obtained. by processor module 102 of one or both of the computer readable storage means 110, 112. For example, a default value for a variable can be obtained from computer readable storage medium 110, as described above. In one embodiment, processor module 102 may acquire data on chemical contaminants from a public, private and / or customized database instead of requiring the user to enter this data, as described above.

In the cartridge selection mode, the processor module 102 obtains or receives one or more parameters to determine a recommended filter cartridge. In one embodiment, the processor module 102 can also determine one or more of the effluent concentration profile 204 and the rupture time 206, as described above. The recommended filter cartridge is a filter cartridge that is recommended to be used by a user based on the input parameters. The input parameters used by the processor module 102 in the cartridge selection mode include, but are not limited to, one or more cartridge selection parameters. One or more of the conditions of use parameters can also be used as input parameters. The cartridge selection parameters include data or information relevant to the functionality or utility of a filter cartridge for the user. For example, cartridge selection parameters may include, but are not limited to, one or more of a minimum useful life, a comfort indicator, a price, an empirical result, an inventory, a regional requirement, a disposal indication. gradual, an indication of gradual elimination, and a parameter of flexibility of use.

The minimum service life parameter includes the minimum service life of a filter cartridge that you want to use. For example, the user may enter a minimum service life that the user requires for any filter cartridge that will be recommended by the processor module 102. The processor module 102 may use the minimum service life to remove one or more filter cartridges from A list of all possible filter cartridges. For example, based on the minimum service life and one or more parameters of use conditions, the processor module 102 can determine the breaking time 206 for several filter cartridges that do not meet or exceed the minimum service life introduced by the user. . These filter cartridges are removed from the list of possible cartridges to recommend to the user. The useful life can be entered as a quantity of time or as a range of acceptable useful life times. The minimum service life can be entered using the user interface 106 and communicated to the processor module 102 as input 104.

The comfort indicator includes information regarding the ease of use of a filter cartridge. For example, the comfort indicator can be expressed as a weight of a filter cartridge and / or an inhalation resistance of a filter cartridge. The user can enter the comfort indicator as a maximum weight and / or a maximum inhalation resistance of the filter cartridge that will be recommended by the processor module 102. The processor module 102 can use the indicator (s) of control to remove one or more filter cartridges from a list of all possible filter cartridges. For example, based on the maximum weight and / or maximum inhalation resistance, the processor module 102 can remove several filter cartridges from the list of possible cartridges to recommend to the user. The removed filter cartridges may have a weight that exceeds the maximum filter weight and / or an inhalation resistance that exceeds the maximum inhalation resistance. The comfort indicator can be entered using user interface 106 and communicated to processor module 102 as input 104.

The price parameter includes the cost to the user of a filter cartridge. For example, the price may be the current market cost to buy a filter cartridge. The user can enter the price as a maximum cost of the filter cartridge that will be recommended by the processor module 102. The processor module 102 can use the price to remove one or more filter cartridges from a list of all possible cartridge cartridges. filter. For example, based on the maximum cost introduced by the user, the processor module 102 can remove several filter cartridges from the list of possible cartridges to recommend to the user. The removed filter cartridges may have a cost that exceeds the maximum cost entered by the user. The price can be entered using the user interface 106 and communicated to the processor module 102 as input 104.

The empirical result includes a recommendation of a filter cartridge to the user based on a previous recommendation of a filter cartridge based on one or more common input parameters. A plurality of empirical results from previous filter cartridge recommendations based on corresponding input parameters may be stored in the computer-readable storage medium 110 and / or 112 as a database or table, for example. The processor module 102 may consult the database or table to determine whether one or more cartridge selection parameters entered by the user correspond to the cartridge selection parameters previously entered by another user. If a sufficient number of cartridge selection parameters of a previous filter cartridge recommendation is substantially similar to the cartridge selection parameters currently entered by the user, the processor module 102 may recommend the same filter cartridge that was previously recommended. . In one embodiment, the number of common cartridge selection parameters that is required before a filter cartridge is recommended based on an empirical result can be modified by the user.

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The inventory parameter includes a number of available filter cartridges. For example, one or more filter cartridges that could be recommended to the user by processor module 102 may be out of stock or unavailable. The processor module 102 may consider the inventory of available filter cartridges and remove the filter cartridges that are out of stock from the list of all filter cartridges to recommend to the user. In doing so, the processor module 102 avoids recommending a filter cartridge not available to the user. The processor module 102 can access the inventory of available filter cartridges from a database or a list of available filter cartridges stored in one or more of the computer readable storage media 110, 112.

The regional requirement parameter includes a regional filter cartridge requirement. For example, various governments and / or jurisdictions may have varied minimum requirements for filter cartridges. These minimum requirements may be stored in one or more of the computer readable storage media 110, 112 and be accessible to the processor module 102. The processor module 102 may access relevant regional requirements to remove one or more filter cartridges from the set of filter cartridges available. For example, one or more filter cartridges may not meet or exceed the requirements of a particular jurisdiction. The processor module 102 can remove these filter cartridges from the list of possible filter cartridges to recommend to the user. In one embodiment, the processor module 102 can determine regional requirements for the user by obtaining the Internet Protocol ("IP") address of the user. For example, the processor module 102 can obtain the IP address of the user interface 106 used by the user to enter the cartridge selection parameters. Based on this IP address, the processor module 102 can determine which regional requirements may apply to the user and eliminate any filter cartridge that does not meet or exceed these regional requirements.

The indication of gradual elimination includes an indication that one or more filters are in the process of being removed from the market. For example, a filter cartridge can be associated with data indicating that the filter cartridge is no longer manufactured and the existing inventory of the filter cartridge is the remaining inventory of the filter cartridge. Gradual disposal indications for filter cartridges can be stored in a list, table or database stored in one or more of the computer readable storage means 110, 112. The processor module 102 may consider the gradual elimination of available filter cartridges and eliminate the filter cartridges that are being gradually removed from the list of all filter cartridges to recommend to the user. In doing so, processor module 102 avoids recommending a filter cartridge to the user that is being phased out.

The indication of gradual introduction includes an indication that one or more filters are in the process of being introduced to the market. For example, a filter cartridge may be associated with data indicating that the filter cartridge is relatively new and is being gradually introduced for use in a particular market or industry. Gradual entry indications for filter cartridges can be stored in a list, table or database stored in one or more of the computer readable storage means 110, 112. The processor module 102 may consider the gradual introduction of filter cartridges and recommend only those filter cartridges that are being gradually introduced.

The flexibility of use parameter includes an indication of the number of air respirators that a particular filter cartridge may be able to use. For example, a parameter of flexibility of use may include a series of air respirators with which a filter cartridge is compatible. Alternatively, the flexibility of use parameter may be a relative indication of how many air respirators a particular filter cartridge can use. For example, if a first filter cartridge can be used with more air respirators than a second filter cartridge, then the first filter cartridge can be associated with a greater parameter of flexibility of use than the second filter cartridge. The flexibility of use parameter can be associated with each of a plurality of filter cartridges in a list, table, database, and the like, in one or more of the computer readable storage means 110, 112, for example .

In the cartridge selection mode, the processor module 102 receives one or more of the cartridge selection parameters and, based on the parameters, recommends one or more filter cartridges to the user. For example, the processor module 102 can access a list of filter cartridges from the means 110 and / or 112 of computer readable storage. Based on the cartridge selection parameters entered by the user and / or accessed by the processor module 102, the processor module 102 removes one or more filter cartridges from the list of filter cartridges. The processor module 102 may recommend one or more filter cartridges that remain in the list after removing those filter cartridges that do not meet the parameters entered by the user. In one embodiment, processor module 102 also receives one or more parameters of conditions of use. The processor module 102 may use the conditions of use parameters to determine the breaking time 206 of one or more filters in the list. The processor module 102 may recommend only those filters that meet the criteria set in the cartridge selection parameters and have a sufficiently large rupture time 206. The rupture time 206 sufficiently large may be a minimum rupture time, for example.

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In one embodiment, the processor module 102 does not recommend a filter cartridge until a minimum number or quantity of the cartridge selection parameters and / or conditions of use parameters are received by the processor module 102. For example, processor module 102 may not determine a recommended filter cartridge until at least one cartridge selection parameter, cartridge type, chemical contaminant (s) and concentration (s) ) chemical (s) are accessible and / or received by processor module 102.

Processor module 102 communicates the recommended filter cartridge (s) (or data representative of the recommended filter cartridge (s)) to output device 108 as output 120. The device Output 108 provides the recommended filter cartridge (s) to the user. For example, the output device 108 may display an image of a filter cartridge recommended to the user. In one embodiment, the processor module 102 determines a recommended filter cartridge and the output device 108 presents the same to a user. The user can then alter, change or add to the parameters introduced to the processor module 102. The processor module 102 then determines whether the recommended filter cartridge needs to be updated. If so, the processor module 102 provides an updated filter cartridge recommendation and the output device 108 presents the same to the user. For example, the user can change the parameters introduced to the processor module 102 and the processor module 102 dynamically changes or updates the recommended filter cartridge in response thereto.

Figure 2 is an illustration of a graphical user interface 200 used to enter one or more parameters in the system 100 shown in Figure 1 and to show output 120 (shown in Figure 1) to a user according to one embodiment. The graphical user interface 200 can be displayed to a user in the output device 108 (shown in Figure 1). The user employs an input device in the user interface 106 (shown in Figure 1) to manipulate one or more buttons, sliders, menus, lists, and the like in the graphical user interface 200. While Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a graphical user interface for sending input 104 (shown in Figure 1) to processor module 102, other embodiments of graphical user interfaces with different graphic designs and presentations are possible.

The graphic user interface 200 includes a graphic window 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the graphic window 202 shows the effluent concentration profile 204 and the rupture time 206. The effluent concentration profile 204 can be represented as a plot of data on a graph defined by a time axis 208 and a concentration axis 210. The breaking time 206 can be represented on the same graph. The data used to generate the effluent concentration profile 204 can be created by the processor module 102 (shown in Figure 1) based on a mathematical model and one or more parameters entered by the user, as described above. The rupture time 206 can be determined by the processor module 102 by calculating a rupture concentration 212 and determining the time in which the effluent concentration profile 204 exceeds the rupture concentration 212. The rupture concentration 212 can be introduced by the user or can be obtained from one or more of the computer readable storage means 110, 112 (shown in Figure 1). For example, the breaking concentration 212 may be based on, or be substantially similar to, the occupational exposure limit and / or the level of protection of particles introduced by the user, as described above.

A summary window 214 provides a summary of the parameters entered by the user and / or the break time 206 calculated by the processor module 102 in one embodiment. For example, the summary window 214 may list the breaking time 206, the chemical contaminant introduced by the user, and the chemical concentration introduced by the user.

A user may enter one or more parameters described above in a plurality of parameter windows 216, 218, 220, 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can enter the ambient pressure in the parameter window 216, the breathing rate in the parameter window 218, the ambient temperature in the parameter window 220, and the relative humidity in the parameter window 222 . The user can use a keyboard, stylus, and the like to textually enter the parameters in the parameter windows 216, 218, 220, 222 and / or can select a value for a parameter from a drop-down menu. For example, the parameter window 218 may provide a drop-down menu for a user to select a breathing rate. The user can select a variance for one or more of the parameters entered in the window 216, 218, 220, 222 of parameters in one or more of the windows 224, 226, 228, 230 of variance. For example, the user can enter a percentage in one of the variance windows 224, 226, 228, 230 to indicate an acceptable variance for a parameter in a corresponding parameter window 216, 218, 220, 222. In one embodiment, the confidence value associated with the corresponding input parameter is entered by the user using the variance windows 224, 226, 228, 230. For example, the user can enter a 5% confidence value in the variance window 224 for the environmental pressure parameter that is entered in the parameter window 216, a 10% confidence value in the variance window 226 for the breathing rate parameter that is entered in the parameter window 218, a confidence value of 10% in the variance window 228 for the temperature parameter that is entered in the parameter window 220, and a confidence value of the 5% in the variance window 230 for the humidity parameter that is entered in the parameter window 222, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. One or more sliding bars 232, 234, 236, 238 are

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they can be moved or manipulated by the user to change a corresponding parameter value that is entered in parameter windows 216, 218, 220, 222.

The filter cartridge recommendation 240 is presented to the user in the graphic user interface 200 in one embodiment. As described above, filter cartridge recommendation 240 includes a recommended filter cartridge selected by processor module 102 (shown in Figure 1) based on one or more user input parameters. In one embodiment, the filter cartridge recommendation 240 may be presented as an image of the recommended filter cartridge, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, filter cartridge recommendation 240 may include one or more images of one or more filter cartridges selected by a user. A filter cartridge tag 242 may be shown in the graphic user interface 200 in one embodiment. For example, an image of the filter cartridge tag 242 that corresponds to the filter cartridge recommendation 240 may be displayed on the graphical user interface 200. Alternatively, the filter cartridge tag 242 may include one or more images of one or more labels for filter cartridges selected by a user.

A cartridge list window 244 provides a list of filter cartridges that are user selectable in one embodiment. The user can select one or more filter cartridges from the cartridge list window 244. For example, the user can enter the cartridge type parameter described above by selecting one or more cartridges provided in the cartridge list window 244. The filter cartridges listed in the cartridge list window 244 may be limited based on one or more of the cartridge selection parameters entered by a user, as described above.

A contaminant list window 246 provides a list of chemical contaminants that are user selectable in one embodiment. The user may select one or more chemical contaminants from window 246 of the contaminant list. For example, the user may enter the chemical contaminant parameter described above by selecting one or more chemical contaminants provided in the contaminant list window 246.

In one embodiment, a contaminant search window 248 allows the user to type one or more chemical contaminants so that the processor module 102 searches for a corresponding chemical contaminant. For example, instead of reviewing a list of chemical contaminants provided in the contaminant list window 246, the user can type the name of a chemical contaminant in the contaminant search window 248 to enter the chemical contaminant parameter to the module. processor 102.

A chemical concentration window 250 allows the user to enter the chemical concentration parameter described above. The user can enter an acceptable variance for the chemical concentration parameter using a variance window 254. In one embodiment, the user enters a confidence value in the variance window 254, similar to that described above with respect to the variance windows 224, 226, 228, 230. For example, the user can enter a confidence value of 0% in the variance window 254 corresponding to the chemical concentration parameter that is entered in the chemical concentration window 250. A break concentration window 252 allows the user to enter the break concentration 212 described above. One or both of the chemical concentration parameter and the breaking concentration 212 can be adjusted by the user by sliding one or both sliding bars 256, 258.

As described above, once the processor module 102 (shown in Figure 1) has determined the effluent concentration profile 204, the rupture time 206 and / or the recommended filter cartridge 240 based on input parameters of the user, the processor module 102 can dynamically update one or more of the effluent concentration profile 204, the rupture time 206 and the recommended filter cartridge 240 if the user changes or updates one or more of the input parameters. For example, if the user changes the chemical contaminant parameter by selecting a different chemical contaminant in the contaminant list window 246, the processor module 102 receives the updated chemical contaminant parameter and, if necessary, updates the concentration profile 204 of effluents, the rupture time 206 and / or the recommended filter cartridge 240 based on the updated chemical contaminant parameter.

Figure 3 is an illustration of a graphical user interface 300 used to enter one or more parameters in the system 100 shown in Figure 1 according to one embodiment. Similar to the graphical user interface 200 (shown in Figure 2), the graphical user interface 300 can be displayed to a user in the output device 108 (shown in Figure 1). The user employs an input device in the user interface 106 (shown in Figure 1) to manipulate one or more buttons and sliders, and the like, in the graphical user interface 300. While Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a graphical user interface for sending input 104 (shown in Figure 1) to processor module 102, other embodiments of graphical user interfaces with different graphic designs and presentations are possible.

The graphical user interface 300 includes a plurality of sliding bars 302, 304, 306, 308 that are manipulated by the user to enter one or more of the parameters described above. For example, the user can use an input device such as a mouse in the user interface 106 (shown in the

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Figure 1) to move one or more of the slide bars 302, 304, 306, 308 to a position corresponding to one or more input parameters. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can move the slide bar 302 to enter the minimum lifetime parameter described above. For example, the user can move the slide bar 302 to the right in the graphical user interface 300 to indicate that the minimum service life, or break time, of a filter cartridge to be recommended by the processor module 102 It is relatively important for the user. Conversely, the user can move the slide bar 302 to the left to indicate that the minimum service life, or break time, of a filter cartridge to be recommended by processor module 102 is relatively unimportant for the Username. The movement of the slide bar 302 is communicated to the processor module 102 as input 104. The processor module 102 receives the minimum lifetime parameter entered using the slide bar 302 and can limit the list of filter cartridges to be recommended to the user as the recommended filter cartridge 240 (shown in Figure 2) in response thereto. For example, if the user uses the slide bar 302 to indicate that the minimum service life of a filter cartridge is relatively important, then the processor module 102 may limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended to those filter cartridges with relatively long lifespan. On the other hand, if the user uses the slide bar 302 to indicate that the minimum service life of a filter cartridge is relatively unimportant, then the processor module 102 may not limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended based on the useful lives of filter cartridges. Alternatively, instead of indicating the relative importance of the life of a filter cartridge using the slide bar 302, the slide bar 302 can be used to introduce a minimum service life. For example, the slide bar 302 can be manipulated by the user to enter a minimum lifespan in terms of minutes, hours, or days. Optionally, another input mechanism other than the slide bar 302 is used to enter the minimum lifetime parameter. For example, a window similar to windows 216 to 222 can be used.

Sliding bar 304 can be used to enter the comfort indicator described above. For example, the user can move the slide bar 304 to the right in the graphical user interface 300 to indicate that the comfort indicator of a filter cartridge to be recommended by the processor module 102 is relatively important for the user . Conversely, the user can move the slide bar 304 to the left to indicate that the comfort indicator of a filter cartridge to be recommended by the processor module 102 is relatively unimportant to the user. In one embodiment, the comfort indicator may be expressed as one or more of the weight and inhalation resistance of a filter cartridge. The movement of the slide bar 304 is communicated to the processor module 102 as the input 104. The processor module 102 receives the comfort indicator entered using the slide bar 304 and can limit the list of filter cartridges to be recommended to the user as the recommended filter cartridge 240 (shown in Figure 2) in response thereto. For example, if the user uses the slide bar 304 to indicate that the comfort indicator of a filter cartridge is relatively important, then the processor module 102 may limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended to those filter cartridges with relatively low weights and / or low inhalation resistance. On the other hand, if the user uses the slide bar 304 to indicate that the comfort indicator of a filter cartridge is relatively unimportant, then the processor module 102 may not limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended based on the weight and / or resistance to inhalation of filter cartridges. Alternatively, instead of indicating the relative importance of the comfort indicator of a filter cartridge using the slide bar 304, the slide bar 304 can be used to introduce a comfort indicator. For example, the slide bar 304 can be manipulated by the user to introduce a maximum weight and / or resistance to inhalation of a filter cartridge. Optionally, another input mechanism other than slide bar 304 is used to enter the comfort indicator. For example, a window similar to windows 216 to 222 can be used.

Sliding bar 306 can be used to enter the cost parameter described above. For example, the user can move the slide bar 306 to the right in the graphical user interface 300 to indicate that the price of a filter cartridge to be recommended by the processor module 102 is relatively important to the user. Conversely, the user can move the slide bar 306 to the left to indicate that the price of a filter cartridge to be recommended by the processor module 102 is relatively unimportant for the user. The movement of the slide bar 306 is communicated to the processor module 102 as input 104. The processor module 102 receives the cost parameter entered using the slide bar 306 and can limit the list of filter cartridges to be recommended to the user as the recommended filter cartridge 240 (shown in Figure 2) in response thereto. For example, if the user uses the slide bar 306 to indicate that the price of a filter cartridge is relatively important, then the processor module 102 may limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended to those filter cartridges with relatively low prices. low. On the other hand, if the user uses the slide bar 306 to indicate that the price of a filter cartridge is relatively unimportant, then the processor module 102 may not limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended based on the price of the filter cartridges. Alternatively, instead of indicating the relative importance of the price of a filter cartridge using the slide bar 306, the slide bar 306 can be used to enter a price in an amount of currency. For example, the slide bar 306 can be manipulated by the user to enter a maximum price of a filter cartridge. Optionally, another input mechanism other than the slide bar 306 is used to enter the cost parameter. For example, a window similar to windows 216 to 222 can be used.

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Sliding bar 308 can be used to enter the flexibility of use parameter described above. For example, the user can move the slider bar 308 to the right in the graphical user interface 300 to indicate that the flexibility of use of a filter cartridge to be recommended by the processor module 102 is relatively important for the user . Conversely, the user can move the slide bar 308 to the left to indicate that the flexibility parameter of use of a filter cartridge to be recommended by the processor module 102 is relatively unimportant for the user. The movement of the slide bar 308 is communicated to the processor module 102 as the input 104. The processor module 102 receives the flexibility parameter of use introduced using the slide bar 308 and can limit the list of filter cartridges to be recommended to the user as the recommended filter cartridge 240 (shown in Figure 2) in response thereto. For example, if the user uses the slide bar 308 to indicate that the parameter of flexibility of use of a filter cartridge is relatively important, then the processor module 102 may limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended to those cartridges of filter with relatively high flexibility of use. For example, the processor module 102 may limit the possible filter cartridges to those filter cartridges that can be used with the most different air respirators. On the other hand, if the user uses the slide bar 308 to indicate that the flexibility parameter of use of a filter cartridge is relatively unimportant, then the processor module 102 may not limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended in based on the flexibility of use of the filter cartridges. Alternatively, instead of indicating the relative importance of the flexibility of use of a filter cartridge using the slide bar 308, the slide bar 308 can be used to introduce a parameter of flexibility of use in terms of a minimum number of air respirators with which the recommended filter cartridge 240 (shown in Figure 2) must be compatible. Optionally, another input mechanism other than the slide bar 308 is used to enter the flexibility of use parameter. For example, a window similar to windows 216 to 222 can be used.

Figure 4 is a flow chart for a method 400 for determining at least one of an effluent concentration profile, a rupture time and a filter cartridge recommendation. In block 402, one or more input parameters are received. For example, one or more usage condition parameters, site condition parameters, and cartridge selection parameters are entered by a user in user interface 106 and communicated as input 104 to processor module 102. In block 404 , one or more of the input parameters are used to determine one or more of the effluent concentration profile, rupture time and filter cartridge recommendation. For example, the Ding model described above can be used to calculate the effluent concentration profile 204 (shown in Figure 2) and the rupture time 206 (shown in Figure 2) as described above. In block 406, one or more of the effluent concentration profile, break time and filter cartridge recommendation are shown to the user. For example, an image of filter cartridge recommendation 240 (shown in Figure 2) can be shown to the user in the output device 108. In block 408, a decision is made as to whether any of the parameters received in block 402 they have been updated and / or as to whether additional parameters have been received. If one or more parameters have been updated or one or more additional parameters have been received, method 400 advances between block 408 and block 410. If the parameters have not been updated or no more parameters have been received, method 400 terminates . In block 410, an effluent concentration profile, rupture time and / or updated filter cartridge recommendation is determined. For example, a change or update of one or more parameters, or the addition of more parameters, may affect the effluent concentration profile, the rupture time and / or the filter cartridge recommendation determined in block 404. The updated parameter (s) and / or additional (s) are taken into account and used to determine the effluent concentration profile, rupture time and / or updated filter cartridge recommendation in block 410. In block 412, the effluent concentration profile, rupture time and / or updated filter cartridge recommendation is shown. For example, an updated plot of the effluent concentration profile and / or break time can be shown in the output device 108. Method 400 advances between block 412 and block 408.

Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of examples of ways in which one or more embodiments described herein can be stored, distributed and installed in a computer-readable medium. In Figure 5, the "application" represents one or more of the process methods and operations discussed above. For example, the application may represent the process carried out in relation to FIG. 4 as discussed above.

As shown in Figure 5, the application is initially generated and stored as source code 502 in a computer-readable source medium 504. The source code 502 is then transmitted on route 506 and processed by a compiler 508 to produce the object code 510. The object code 510 is transmitted on route 512 and is stored as one or more master applications in a master medium 514 readable by computer. The object code 510 is then copied numerous times, as indicated by route 516, to produce copies 518 of the production application that are stored in a separate computer-readable production medium 520. The computer-readable production medium 520 is then transmitted, as indicated by route 522, to various systems, devices, terminals and the like. In the example of Figure 5, a user terminal 524, a device 526 and a system 528 are shown as examples of hardware components, in which computer readable production medium 520 is installed as applications (as indicated by 530, 532, 534).

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The source code can be written as scripts, or in any high level or low level language. Examples of source 502, 514 and 520 computer-readable source, master, and production media include, but are not limited to, CDROM, RAM, Rom, Flash memory, RAID discs, computer memory and the like. Examples of routes 506, 512, 516, and 522 include, but are not limited to, network routes, internet, Bluetooth, GSM, infrared wireless LAN, HYPERLAN, 3G, satellite, and the like. Routes 506, 512, 516 and 522 may also represent public or private bearer services that carry one or more physical copies of source, master or computer readable media 502, 514 or 520 between two geographic locations. Routes 506, 512, 516, and 522 may represent threads carried out by one or more processors in parallel. For example, a computer can contain source code 502, compiler 508 and object code 510. Multiple computers can run in parallel to produce copies 518 of the production application. Routes 506, 512, 516, and 522 can be intra-state, interstate, within the country, between countries, intra-continental, intercontinental and the like.

The operations indicated in Figure 5 can be performed in a widely distributed way around the world with only a part of them performed in the United States. For example, the source code 502 of the application may be written in the United States and stored on a computer-readable source medium 504 in the United States, but transported to another country (corresponding to route 506) before compilation, copy and installation Alternatively, the source code 502 of the application may be written in or outside the United States, compiled in a compiler 508 located in the United States and stored in a 514 computer-readable master medium in the United States, but the object code 510 transported to another country (corresponding to route 516) before copying and installation. Alternatively, source code 502 and object code 510 of the application may be produced in or outside the United States, but copies 518 of the production application produced in or transmitted to the United States (for example, as part of a step operation) before copies 518 of the production application are installed in user terminals 524, devices 526, and / or systems 528 located inside or outside the United States as applications 530, 532, 534.

As used throughout the specification and claims, the phrases "computer readable medium" and "instructions configured for" shall refer to any or all of i) computer readable source medium 504 and source code 502, ii) the computer readable master medium and the object code 510, iii) the computer readable production medium 520 and copies 518 of the production application and / or iv) the applications 530, 532, 534 stored in memory in the terminal 524, device 526, and system 528.

Claims (6)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 1. A method for determining an effluent concentration profile (204), the method comprising: receive at least one input parameter; determine the effluent concentration profile (204) based on at least one input parameter and at least one mathematical model applied to the input parameter by one of calculate a position of a front of the rupture wave of the chemical species through the filter bed (606), the position being a function of at least one of an evolution velocity in which the front of the rupture wave evolves from the filter bed (606) and the time raised to a power of an acceleration factor, the acceleration factor being less than one for rupture wave fronts having a deceleration evolution velocity and being greater than one for wave fronts of rupture that have an accelerated rate of evolution; Y - _ r calculate a position of the chemical species through the filter bed (606) according to í - 5 * 7, where Z is the position, t is a time within the period of time, and í is an acceleration factor, the acceleration factor being less than one for rupture wave fronts that have a deceleration evolution velocity and being greater than one for fronts of breaking wave that have an accelerated rate of evolution; Y graphically show the effluent concentration profile as a plot of a concentration of a chemical species over a period of time through a filter bed (606) of a filter cartridge (600). 2. A method of claim 1, wherein the determination step comprises obtaining one or more additional input parameters, the additional input parameters comprising at least one parameter not received in the receiving step but necessary to determine the effluent concentration profile (204). 3. A method of claim 1, further comprising: receive at least one of an update of at least one input parameter and one new input parameter; update the effluent concentration profile (204) to determine an updated effluent concentration profile (204) based on at least one of the update of the at least one input parameter or the new input parameter; and display the updated effluent concentration profile (204). 4. A system for determining an effluent concentration profile (204), the system comprising: a user interface (106) configured to enter at least one input parameter; a processor module (102) communicatively coupled to the user interface (106) and receiving the at least one input parameter, the processor module (102) determining the effluent concentration profile (204) based on at least an input parameter and at least one mathematical model applied to the input parameter by one of calculating a position of a front of the rupture wave of the chemical species through the filter bed (606), the position being a function of at least one of a speed of evolution in which the front of the rupture wave evolves from the filter bed (606) and the time raised to a power of an acceleration factor, the acceleration factor being less than one for wave fronts of rupture that have a deceleration evolution velocity and being greater than one for rupture wave fronts that have an accelerated evolution velocity; Y - _ r calculate a position of the chemical species through the filter bed (606) according to í - T, where Z is the position, t is a time within the period of time, and í is an acceleration factor, the acceleration factor being less than one for rupture wave fronts that have a deceleration evolution velocity and being greater than one for fronts of breaking wave that have an accelerated rate of evolution; Y an output device (108) communicatively coupled to the processor module, the output device (108) graphically showing the effluent concentration profile (204) as a plot of a concentration of a chemical species over a period of time through of a filter bed (606) of a filter cartridge (600). 5. A system of claim 4, wherein the processor module (102) is configured to receive at least one of an update of at least one input parameter or a new input parameter and update the profile (204) of effluent concentration to determine an updated effluent concentration profile (204) based on at least one of the update of the at least one input parameter or the new input parameter, wherein the output device (108) is configured to display the updated effluent concentration profile (204). A system of claim 4, further comprising a sensor (116) communicatively coupled to the processor module (102), the sensor configured to communicate the at least one input parameter to the processor module (102).