GB190408865A - Improvements in the Process of and Apparatus for Regenerating Breathed Out Air for Respiration Purposes. - Google Patents

Abstract

8865. Bamberger, M., B÷ck, F., and Wanz, F. April 18. Miners' personal equipments.-In a process and apparatus for regenerating exhaled air, the air is exhaled through an alkaline peroxide, s u c h as potassium tetroxide, sodium bioxide, potassium-sodium peroxide, or a suitable mixture of these, which combines with the carbonic acid and water vapour in the air to form oxygen and alkaline carbonate and hydrate. As the amount of oxygen evolved may be greater or less than that present in the absorbed gas and vapour according to the peroxides used, a mixture of peroxides may be made up to produce a quantity of oxygen equal to that combined in the absorbed gas &c. In some cases sodium peroxide is used, the proportion of oxygen in the regenerated air being made up by oxygen supplied from a separate source. In the apparatus shown, which is suitable for miners' use, this extra oxygen is obtained from an alkaline peroxide in an annular vessel B by the action of water contained in the central tube D. When the apparatus is to be used, a rod 9 is depressed to perforate a lead &c. partition 1 between the vessel A and the chamber F<1> in connection with the breathing-tube F, and at the same time to depress other rods 10, 11, 12 and so to perforate other partitions 2, 3, 4. Air can then be exhaled through the tube F, partition 1, glasswool &c. filters E<1>, E<2>, and the alkaline peroxide C into a central space M, from which it is returned along the same path on the succeeding inspiration of the wearer. The water in the tube D passes through the partition 3 and connection J to the chamber B, and the space M, chamber B, and gas bag H are in communication through the open space L, a pipe K, the perforated partition 4, and the connecting-pipe G. A cap 13 is pushed down on to the top of the tube D to break direct communication between the space M and the chamber F<1> through the tube D when the partitions are perforated. The vessel A is intended to be replaced by a fresh one when the charge of peroxide is exhausted. If desired, the chamber B may be dispensed with, and the bag H supplied with oxygen from a separate source, or the bag H may also be dispensed with, the charge C being then suitable for producing all the necessary oxygen. In another modification, the regenerated air may be led back from the space M to the tube F through a separate pipe, suitable valves being provided as necessary.