RU2532801C2 - Determination of profile of output flow concentration and service term of cartridges of air-purifying respirators - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: chemistry.

SUBSTANCE: method of determining, at least, one of a profile of the output flow concentration, the time of breakthrough and a recommendation with respect to a filtering cartridge, consists in the fact that, at least, one input parameter is accepted; at least, one of the profile of the output flow concentration, the time of breakthrough and the recommendation with respect to the filtering cartridge is determined on the basis of the input parameter; and, at least, one of the profile of the output flow concentration, the time of breakthrough and the recommendation with respect to the filtering cartridge is graphically represented. The profile of the output flow concentration contains a graph of the concentration of chemical substances for the period of time, the time of breakthrough contains the time, during which a predetermined concentration of the chemical substances passes through the filtering cartridge. The invention also relates to a machine-readable data carrier, containing commands for the implementation of the method and systems for the determination of, at least, one of the profile of the output flow concentration, the time of breakthrough and the recommendation with respect to the filtering cartridge. The system contains the user's interface for entering input parameters, a processing unit, determining, at least, one of the profile of the output flow concentration, the time of breakthrough and the recommendation with respect to the filtering cartridge on the basis of the input parameter; and an output device, connected to the processing unit, which represents, at least, one of the profile of the output flow concentration, the time of breakthrough and the recommendation with respect to the filtering cartridge. The profile of the output flow concentration contains the graph of the concentration of the chemical substances for the period of time, the time of breakthrough contains the time, during which the predetermined concentration of the chemical substances passes through the filtering cartridge.

EFFECT: method improvement.

13 cl, 6 dwg

Description

Cross reference to related applications

This application claims priority over the pending provisional application for US patent serial No. 61/057522 ("application ^' 522"). Application '522 was registered on May 30, 2008 and is entitled "Determination of profiles of the concentration of the output stream and the service life of the cartridges of air-purifying respirators." (Determining Effluent Concentration Profiles and Service Lives of Air Purifying Respirator Cartridges). The description of the application ^' 522 is fully incorporated into this description by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to systems and methods for determining the life of air filters, and more specifically, to a system and method for calculating the life of cartridges for air cleaning respirators.

Determining the life of the filter cartridges or filter layers in the filter cartridges of air cleaning respirators is a mandatory requirement in the United States. Moreover, many users of air purifying respirators wish to have replacement data and / or an estimate of their expected life. These replacements may include, for example, a plan for when the cartridges in air purifying respirators should be replaced or replaced with new cartridges. The calculation of the expected life may include determining how long the cartridges should be used in the air respirator. Both replacement data and the calculation of the expected life can be based in whole or in part on entering the conditions in which the cartridges and respirators are used.

Known methods and systems used to determine replacement data or service life calculations for air cleaning respirator cartridges have some drawbacks. For example, known systems and methods do not provide graphical output of the concentration profile of the effluent, breakthrough time, or filter cartridge service life. Also, these systems and methods do not provide a dynamic calculation of the profile of the concentration of the output stream, breakthrough time or service life based on dynamically changing inputs from the user. Moreover, to the extent that these systems and methods determine the breakthrough time or service life, the mathematical models on which the breakthrough time or service life are based do not accurately determine the breakout time or service life for many pollutants, including many pollutants, having relatively low molecular weights and / or low boiling points.

Thus, there is a need for a system and method for determining replacement data and service life calculations for air cleaning respirator cartridges, which provide a graphical derivation of the concentration profile of the effluent, allow dynamic service life calculations, and are based on more accurate models.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the method for determining at least one of the outlet concentration profile, breakthrough time, and recommendations regarding the filter cartridge includes the steps of receiving at least one input parameter, determining at least one of the outlet flow concentration profile, breakthrough time and recommendations for a filter cartridge based on an input parameter and graphic display of at least one of the concentration profile of the output stream, breakthrough time as well as recommendations for a filter cartridge. The concentration profile of the effluent includes an image of the concentration of chemicals over a period of time. Breakthrough time includes the time during which a predetermined concentration of chemicals passes through the filter cartridge.

In another embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium includes one or more sets of instructions for determining at least one of an outlet stream concentration profile, breakthrough time, and recommendations regarding a filter cartridge, the instruction sets including instructions for receiving at least one input parameter, commands for determining at least one of the concentration profile of the output stream, breakthrough time, and recommendations regarding the filter cartridge based on the input parameters s and instructions for graphically displaying at least one of the concentration profile of the effluent, the breakthrough time and recommendations for the filter cartridge. The concentration profile of the outlet stream includes a graph of the concentration of chemicals over a period of time. Breakthrough time includes the time during which a predetermined concentration of chemicals passes through the filter cartridge.

In another embodiment, the system for determining at least one of the concentration profile of the effluent, breakthrough time, and recommendations regarding the filter cartridge includes a user interface, a processing unit, and an output device. The user interface is configured to enter at least one input parameter. The processing unit is communicatively connected to the user interface and accepts an input parameter. The processing unit determines at least one of the concentration profile of the outlet stream, breakthrough time, and recommendations regarding the filter cartridge based on the input parameter. The output device is communicatively connected to the processing unit and graphically displays at least one of the concentration profile of the output stream, breakthrough time, and recommendations regarding the filter cartridge. The concentration profile of the outlet stream includes a graph of the concentration of chemicals over a period of time. Breakthrough time includes the time taken for a given concentration of chemicals to pass through a filter cartridge.

The technical result of the claimed invention is to prevent exceeding the concentration of harmful substances passing through the filter, and improving the accuracy of determining the service life of the filter cartridge.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for calculating the concentration of the effluent according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 is an illustration of a graphical user interface used to input one or more parameters into the system shown in Figure 1, and to display 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 into the system shown in figure 1 according to one embodiment.

Figure 4 is a flowchart for a method for determining at least one of a concentration profile of an effluent, a breakthrough time, and recommendations for a filter cartridge.

Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of exemplary methods by which one or more of the embodiments described herein can be stored, distributed, and mounted on a computer-readable medium.

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

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 functional block diagrams of various embodiments, functional blocks do not necessarily indicate separation between hardware circuits. Thus, for example, one or more functional blocks (e.g., processors or memory devices) can be implemented as a single piece of hardware (e.g., a general purpose signal processor or random access memory, hard disk, or the like). Similarly, programs can be single programs, can be included as routines in an operating system, can be functions in installed software packages, and the like. It should be understood that various embodiments are not limited to the circuits and means shown in the drawings.

As used in the materials of this application, the element or step set forth in the singular should be understood as not excluding the plurality of the above elements or steps, unless such an exception is explicitly stated. Moreover, references to the “one embodiment” of the present invention should not be interpreted as precluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the foregoing features. Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments of “comprising” or “including” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may additionally include such elements not having this property.

It should be noted that although one or more embodiments may be described in connection with a filter cartridge for an air cleaning respirator, the embodiments described herein are not limited to air cleaning respirators. In particular, one or more embodiments may be implemented in connection with various types of filtration systems, including, for example, air filtration systems for buildings. Moreover, while one or more embodiments may be described as being implemented using one or more computer devices or systems, the embodiments described herein are not limited to computer-based systems and methods. In particular, one or more embodiments may be implemented in connection with devices and methods that are not based on computers. For example, while one embodiment includes calculating a breakthrough time or a filter cartridge's service life based on one or more parameters entered by a user in a computer-based system, a breakthrough time or a service life can be calculated using a slide rule or a disk calculator. A slide rule or disk calculator can provide breakthrough time or a lifetime based on various known inputs.

Exemplary embodiments 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 the concentration profile of the effluent stream, breakthrough time, and recommendations regarding the filter cartridge is provided. The technical result of one or more embodiments described herein includes at least one of a graphical display of the breakthrough time and / or the concentration profile of the effluent based on one or more parameters entered by the user, dynamically adjusting the breakthrough time and / or the concentration profile the output stream based on the changed user inputs, and dynamically changing the recommended filter cartridge based on the changed user inputs.

6 is an exploded view of a filter cartridge 600 according to an exemplary embodiment. The filter cartridge 600 includes upper and lower portions 602, 604 that comprise a filter layer 606. The filter layer 606 may include, for example, activated carbon impregnated with one or more chemicals. Many additional filter layers 608, 610 may each include additional layers of activated carbon. The retaining elements 612, 614 can fix the filter layers 608, 610 inside the filter cartridge 600. The screen 616 mechanically filters the aerosol particles passing through the filter cartridge 600. A sealing element 618 and a binder 620 are provided to isolate the filter cartridge 600 in the assembled state. In operation, air passes through inlet 622 at the bottom 604 and passes through filter layers 608, 610 and filter layer 606. As air passes through filter layers 608, 610 and filter layer 606, one or more chemical pollutants may be filtered or absorbed by the material in the filter layers 608, 610 and / or the filter layer 606. The filtered air continues to move through the filter cartridge 600 and exits the filter cartridge 600 through the opening 624 in the upper part 602. Filtered in zduh may then be transmitted to the user through one or more pipes or tubes, for example. The effectiveness of the filter layer 606 may decrease with prolonged use. For example, as more and more polluted air passes through the filter layer 606 and / or as higher concentrations of chemical pollutants pass through the filter layer 606, the filter layer 606 becomes less effective in filtering chemical pollutants. As a result, the concentration of chemical contaminants passing through the filter layer 606 may exceed the maximum allowable concentration. The time during which this occurs can be referenced as the breakthrough time or the life of the filter cartridge 600. Once the breakthrough time or the life of the filter cartridge 600 has expired, the filter cartridge 600 can no longer be used to protect the user from chemical contaminants.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 for calculating the concentration of the effluent according to one embodiment. System 100 includes a processing unit 102 that receives, among other things, input 104 from the user on the user interface 106 and determines at least one of the concentration profile 204 of the output stream (shown in FIG. 2), breakthrough time 206 (shown in FIG. 2), and recommendations 240 with respect to the filter cartridge (shown in FIG. 2) The exit concentration profile 204 includes a graphical representation of the concentration of one or more chemicals that pass through the filter layer of the filter cartridge for some ing period of time. In one embodiment, the effluent concentration profile 204 is the concentration of one or more chemicals at one end of the filter layer 606 (shown in FIG. 6) versus time. For example, the effluent concentration profile 204 is the concentration of chemicals at the end of the filter layer 606, which is closest to the hole 624 (shown in FIG. 6) in the upper portion 602 (shown in FIG. 6) of the filter cartridge 600 (shown in FIG. 6). In such an example, the effluent concentration profile 204 represents the approximate concentration of chemicals that pass through the filter cartridge 600 to the user of the filter cartridge 600. Breakout time 206 includes the time for which a predetermined concentration of one or more chemicals breaks through the filter cartridge from the environment and reaches the filter cartridge user. Recommendation 240 regarding a filter cartridge includes one or more filter cartridges recommended to the user based on a criteria formulated by the user.

In another embodiment, processing unit 102 receives input 104 from a user on user interface 106 and determines a layer profile. Layer profile is a graphical representation of the concentration of one or more chemicals in the filter layer 606 (shown in FIG. 6) depending on the location in the filter layer 606. For example, the layer profile can graphically illustrate the concentration of chemicals in the filter layer 606 depending on various locations in thicker filter layer 606 at a given time. Processing unit 102 determines a layer profile for a plurality of points in time in one embodiment. The movement of chemicals through the filter layer 606 can in this case be visualized by comparing the plurality of layer profiles generated by the processing unit 102 at increasing time intervals.

The processing unit 102 and the user interface 106 are communicatively connected to each other directly or indirectly through one or more wired, wireless or network (such as local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet or intranet) connections. The user interface 106 includes a mechanism, system, or device configured to report one or more input parameters and message the input parameters as input 104 to processing unit 102. For example, the user interface 106 may include one or more keyboards, mice, stylus, touch screens, microphones, and the like. In another example, the user interface 106 includes a stand-alone computing device, such as a PC, laptop, smartphone, and the like. In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 and the user interface 106 communicate with each other via one or more network connections (including the Internet). For example, system 100 may be an Internet technology based system that uses a web browser as a user interface 106.

In the illustrated embodiment, the processing unit 102 is communicatively coupled to a computer-readable storage medium 110. A computer-readable storage medium 110 may include one or more computer-readable memory devices configured to store data, such as a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, compact discs (CD) ), digital video discs (DVDs) and the like. The computer-readable storage medium 110 may communicate directly or indirectly with the processing unit 102 via one or more wired, wireless or network (such as wide area network, regional network, Internet or intranet) connections. In another embodiment, a plurality of computer-readable storage media is communicatively coupled to processing unit 102. For example, an additional computer-readable storage medium 112 may be communicatively coupled to the processing unit 102. The computer-readable storage medium 112 may include a database 114 that stores one or more parameters that the processing unit 102 can use to determine at least one of the outflow concentration profile 204 (shown in FIG. 2), breakthrough time 206 (shown in the FIG. 2) and recommendation 240 for a filter cartridge (shown in FIG. 2).

The processing unit 102 is communicatively connected to the output device 108. The output device 108 includes a mechanism, system, or device configured to receive an exit flow concentration profile 204, a breakthrough time 206, and recommendations 240 regarding a filter cartridge, a layer profile and / or data representing an exit flow concentration profile 204, a breakthrough time 206, a recommendation 240 in relation to a filter cartridge and / or layer profile and providing the same to the user. For example, the output device 108 may include a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a printer, a mobile display device such as a Palm Pilot, a mobile phone, Blackberry and the like, computer memory, a liquid crystal diode (LCD) screen etc. In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 and the output device 108 communicate with each other via one or more network connections (including the Internet). For example, system 100 may be an Internet technology based system that uses a web browser as an output device 108. Processing unit 102 reports an outlet flow concentration profile 204, breakout time 206, and recommendation 240 regarding the filter cartridge and / or data representing the same as output 120 to output device 108. A plurality of processing unit 102, user interface 106, and output device 108 are physically separate components of system 100 in one embodiment. Alternatively, the plurality of processing unit 102, user interface 106 and output device 108 are combined into a single component. For example, processing unit 102 and output device 108 may be provided as one or more microprocessors and an LCD screen placed inside an air respirator.

In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 is communicatively coupled to the active sensor 116. The active sensor 116 includes an energized device configured to read or measure data related to one or more parameters. Data or parameters may be used by processing unit 102 to determine at least one of the outlet concentration profile 204, breakthrough time 206, and recommendation 240 regarding the filter cartridge. The processing unit 102 and the active sensor 116 may be connected to each other directly or indirectly via one or more wired, wireless or network (such as a local area network, wide area network, Internet or intranet) connections. Active sensor 116 may actively provide measured or read data to processing unit 102 as input 122. For example, active sensor 116 may be an energized sensor configured to communicate parameters to processing unit 102 as input 122.

 In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 is communicatively coupled to the passive sensor 118. The passive sensor 118 includes a non-powered device configured to read data related to one or more parameters. Data or parameters may be used by processing unit 102 to determine at least one of the outlet concentration profile 204, breakthrough time 206, and recommendation 240 regarding the filter cartridge. The processing unit 102 and the passive sensor 118 can be connected to each other directly or indirectly via one or more wired, wireless or network (such as a local area network, wide area network, Internet or intranet) connections. Processing unit 102 may measure data or parameters from passive sensor 118 as input 124.

Processing unit 102 includes a plurality of submodules, including a subblock 126 of a recommended filter cartridge, an outlet flow concentration profile submodule 128, a breakthrough time submodule 130, and an output submodule 132. The processing unit 102 is conceptually illustrated as a collection of submodules 126 to 132, but can be implemented using any combination of specialized hardware boards, digital signal processors (DSPs), processors, and so on. Alternatively, the processing unit 102 and / or submodules 126 to 132 can be implemented by using an available PC with one processor or multiple processors, with functional operations distributed between the processors. As an additional option, submodules 126 to 132 can be implemented using a hybrid configuration in which certain functions of the modules are performed by specialized hardware, while the remaining modular functions are performed by using an available PC and the like. Submodules 126 through 132 can also be implemented as software modules within a processing unit.

Operations 126 to 132 may be controlled by processing unit 102. Submodules 126 through 132 may, for example, perform intermediate processing operations. The sub-module 126 of the recommended filter cartridge accepts one or more input parameters (described below), accesses any list, table, database and the like of the available filter cartridges and recommends one or more filter cartridges in the list based on the input parameters. For example, a user may enter several criteria for a filter cartridge as one or more of the input parameters described below. Submodule 126 of the recommended filter cartridge accepts these criteria and shortens the list of all potential filter cartridges. Based on these criteria and the remaining filter cartridges, the recommended filter cartridge submodule 126 selects one or more filter cartridges for recommendation to the user. An initial list of possible filter cartridges may be stored on one or more computer readable media 110, 112.

The sub-module 128 of the exit flow concentration profile ("ECP") takes one or more input parameters (described below) and calculates the exit flow concentration profile or curve 204 (shown in FIG. 2) and / or the layer profile. For example, a user may enter several parameters to calculate the concentration profile of the exit stream for a filter cartridge in an environment with one or more chemical pollutants with one or more concentrations. The ECP submodule 128 accepts these parameters and calculates an exit flow concentration profile 204 based on the parameters and one or more mathematical models to calculate the exit flow concentration profile 204 based on the parameters. In one embodiment, the ECP submodule 128 accepts one or more default values for any parameters or variables required by the mathematical model used to calculate the output concentration profile 204, but which are not entered by the user. For example, ECP submodule 128 may take default values for any variables not entered by the user from one or more computer-readable storage media 110, 112.

The breakthrough time sub-module 130 takes one or more input parameters (described below) and calculates the breakthrough time 206 (shown in FIG. 2). For example, a user may enter several parameters to calculate the life of a filter cartridge in an environment with one or more chemical pollutants with one or more concentrations. The breakthrough time sub-module 130 takes these parameters and calculates the breakthrough time 206 based on the parameters and one or more mathematical models for calculating the breakthrough time 206 based on the parameters. In one embodiment, the breakthrough time submodule 130 takes one or more default values for any parameters or variables required by the mathematical model used to calculate the breakthrough time 206, but which are not entered by the user. For example, the breakthrough time submodule 130 may take default values for any variables not entered by the user from one or more computer-readable data carriers 110, 112.

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

In operation, the processing unit 102 receives one or more parameters and uses the parameters to form an exit stream concentration profile 204, a breakout time 206, a layer profile at one or more time points and / or a recommendation 240 for a filter cartridge. In the first mode of operation, referred to as the mode of calculating the service life, the processing unit 102 receives or receives one or more parameters to determine one or more of the concentration profile of the output stream, profile 204 and breakthrough time 206. In a second operation mode, referred to as a cartridge selection mode, the processing unit 102 receives or receives one or more parameters to determine a recommended filter cartridge. Processing unit 102 may operate both in the mode of calculating the service life and in the mode of selecting a cartridge simultaneously or separately.

In the service life calculation mode, the outlet flow concentration profile 204 or breakthrough time 206 can be used to represent the life of the filter cartridge based on the parameters. For example, based on the input parameters, the processing unit 102 can determine how long the filter cartridge can be used before one or more chemical contaminants break through the cartridge at a dangerous level and reach the user. The input parameters used by the processing unit 102 in the mode of calculating the service life include, but are not limited to, one or more parameters of the conditions of use. The conditions of use parameters include data or information related to the manner in which the filter cartridge is used or will be used. For example, conditions of use may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of cartridges, chemical contaminant, chemical concentration, occupational exposure limit and site condition.

Cartridge Type — The type of filter cartridge that is being used or which is desired to be used. For example, the type of cartridge that the user would like to include in the air respirator can be entered by the user on the user interface 106 and communicated to the processing unit 102 as input 104. In another example, the active sensor 116 can determine which filter cartridge is used by the user and report the type cartridge to processing unit, 102 as input 122. In another example, the type of cartridge can be determined by processing unit 102 based on user preference for a particular type of respirator and / or level of protection against specific astits. The type of respirator may include the type and / or model of the air respirator in which the filter cartridge is used or will be used. The particle protection level may include the amount of chemical particles that the user considers acceptable for passing through the filter cartridge to the user. The type of respirator and / or level of protection against particles can be entered by the user via the user interface 106 and communicated as input 104. Alternatively, the type of respirator can be detected by one or more active or passive sensors 116, 118 and communicated to processing unit 102, in as input 122, 124. Based on the type of respirator and / or level of protection against particles, the processing unit 102 may shorten the list of all potential filter cartridges available to the user. The list of available filter cartridges may be stored on one or more computer readable media 110, 112. Processing unit 102 can access the list and eliminate those filter cartridges that do not meet the criteria defined by the type of respirator and / or level of protection against particles. For example, some filter cartridges in the list may not work in the type of respirator introduced in processing unit 102. Based on an abbreviated list of potential filtering cartridges, the processing unit 102 may determine an outlet flow concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206 for one or more filtering cartridges in an abbreviated list. Alternatively, processing unit 102 may present an abbreviated list of filter cartridges to a user on output device 108. The user can then select one or more filter cartridges from the list using the user interface 106.

Chemical contaminant is one or more chemicals that must be filtered by a filter cartridge. Chemical pollutants may include those chemicals that are detected by passive and / or active sensors 118, 116 and communicated to processing unit 102 as input 124, 122. Alternatively, chemical pollutants may include chemicals entered by the user through an interface 106 users and reported as input 104.

Chemical concentration - the concentration of one or more chemical pollutants in the environment where the filter cartridge is used or will be used. For example, the chemical concentration may be gaseous, liquid and / or aerosol concentration. The chemical concentration may include concentrations that are detected by the passive and / or active sensors 118, 116 and communicated to the processing unit 102 as input 124, 122. Alternatively, the chemical concentration may include concentrations of chemicals entered by the user through the user interface 106 and communicated, as input 104. In another embodiment, a chemical concentration is a limit concentration of one or more chemical pollutants that pass or break through a filter cartridge. This limit concentration may be referred to as a breakthrough concentration. Processing unit 102 may obtain a default value for the chemical concentration parameter. For example, processing unit 102 may obtain a default value for a chemical concentration of a chemical pollutant input by a user from one or more computer-readable storage media 110, 112. The default value for the chemical concentration parameter may be associated with one or more other parameters entered by the user. For example, the default value used for chemical concentration may be different for different chemical contaminants and / or types of cartridges that are entered by the user. The relationship between different default values for one or more chemical concentration parameters and input from a user may be stored in a table, database, or other memory structure in at least one of the computer-readable media 110, 112.

The exposure limit includes one or more restrictions on the amount or concentration of one or more chemical pollutants in the environment in which the filter cartridge is to be used. For example, the occupational exposure limit may be a statutory restriction on the amount or concentration of a chemical pollutant to which a person may be exposed for a specific time period. The production limit can be entered by the user on the user interface 106 and communicated as input 104. Alternatively, the production limit can be stored on a computer-readable medium 110 and / or 112 and received from the same processing unit 102. Processing unit 102 may take a default value for a production limit parameter. For example, processing unit 102 may obtain a default value for a production limit from one or more computer-readable media 110, 112. The default value for the occupational exposure limit parameter may be associated with one or more other parameters entered by the user. For example, the default value used for the exposure limit may be different for different chemical contaminants and / or types of cartridges that are entered by the user. The relationship between the various default values for the production limit parameter and one or more other input parameters from the user can be stored in a table, database or other memory structure in at least one of the computer-readable storage media 110, 112.

The site condition parameter includes one or more parameters related to the environment in which the filter cartridge is or will be used. For example, external pressure, temperature, and / or relative humidity may be communicated to processing unit 102 as a parameter of the site condition. In one embodiment, the respiratory rate is reported to processing unit 102 as a parameter of the location condition. Respiratory rate is the respiratory rate desired by the user, or is the measured respiratory rate of the user currently using the particular filter cartridge. One or more location conditions can be entered by the user on the user interface 106 and communicated to processing unit 102 as input 104. In one embodiment, active and / or passive sensors 116, 118 measure or read one or more location conditions, and location conditions received by processing unit 102, as input 122 and / or 124. Processing unit 102 may receive default values for one or more location conditions parameters. For example, processing unit 102 may obtain a default value for external pressure, temperature, and / or relative humidity and / or respiratory rate from one or more computer-readable storage media 110, 112. The default value for the location condition parameter may be associated with one or more other parameters entered by the user. Different default values for one or more site conditions parameters may be associated with different chemical contaminants and / or types of cartridges entered by the user. For example, the default value used for respiratory rate may be different for different chemical contaminants and / or types of cartridges that are entered by the user. The relationship between the various default values for one or more parameters of the conditions of the place and the input parameters from the user can be stored in a table, database or other memory structure in at least one of the computer-readable media 110, 112 data.

In one embodiment, a user enters a significance level that is associated with one or more parameters. For example, a user may enter a significance level of 5% for one or more values of external pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, relative humidity, chemical concentration, and the like. Other levels of significance may be entered by the user. In general, a greater significance level indicates that the user has less confidence in the numerical value of the input parameter. For example, a 5% significance level for an input temperature parameter of 80 degrees Fahrenheit indicates that the user believes that the temperature parameter is between 76 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. In comparison, a significance level of 10% for a temperature parameter of 80 degrees Fahrenheit indicates that the user believes that the temperature parameter is between 72 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the mode of calculating the service life, the processing unit 102 receives one or more parameters of the conditions of use, and, based on the parameters and one or more mathematical models applied to the parameters, generates an exit flow concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206. Either of the two or both of the effluent concentration profile 204 and the breakthrough time 206 can be used to determine how long a particular cartridge can be used by the user in the environment and method of use described by the parameters of the conditions of use. For example, with a given type of filter cartridge that should be used in an environment with specific chemical contaminants at predetermined concentrations, an exit profile 204 and / or breakout time 206 can be used to determine how long the cartridge can be used in the medium before as one or more chemical pollutants burst through the filter cartridge and are reached by the user.

In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 does not determine the outlet concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206 until the minimum number or number of parameters of the conditions of use has been accepted by the processing unit 102. For example, processing unit 102 cannot determine the outlet concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206 until the cartridge type, chemical contaminant (a), and chemical concentration (s) are accepted by processing unit 102. In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 obtains default values for any other parameters or variables that are required to form an exit stream concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206. These default values may be obtained from one or more computer-readable media 110, 112 of data.

Processing unit 102 reports the layer profile, outlet concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206 (or data representing them) to the output device 108 as output 120. The output device 108 provides the exit flow concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206 to the user . For example, output device 108 may display an outlet flow concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206 plotted on a graph. Alternatively, the output device 108 may display an outlet flow concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206 as a table report provided to a user. In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 determines an exit flow concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206, and the output device 108 presents them to the user. Then, the user can configure, modify, or add parameters input to the processing unit 102. Then, the processing unit 102 determines an updated version of the outlet concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206, and the output device 108 presents them to the user. For example, the user can change the parameters entered in the processing unit 102, and the processing unit 102 in response to this dynamically changes or updates the outgoing concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206. By updating the exit flow concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206, the user can then visually see the effect of changing one or more parameters on the exit flow concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206.

In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 determines at least one of a layer profile, an exit stream concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206 (or data representing any of a layer profile, an exit stream concentration profile 204 and / or time 206 breakthrough) for each of a plurality of chemicals or pollutants and reports them to the output device 108 as output 120. The output device 108 displays a plurality of layer profiles, outlet concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough times 206. For example, a plurality of effluent concentration profile 204 may be displayed on one graph in which each effluent concentration profile 204 represents a concentration of a different chemical or pollutant. Alternatively, the processing unit 102 determines, and the output device 108 displays at least one layer profile, an outlet stream concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206 for each of a plurality of different parameter scenarios. The parameter script includes a set of parameters entered by the user. Different parameter scenarios may include different permutations of potential input parameters that are entered by the user. For example, different parameter scenarios may include one or more different chemical pollutants, different sets of chemical pollutants, different filter cartridges, and the like. The user can then easily visually compare the profiles of the layer, the profiles 204 of the concentration of the effluent and / or time points 206 breakthrough for different chemical pollutants and / or parameter scenarios at the same time.

A plurality of parameter scripts are stored and stored on one or more computer-readable storage media, and is available to the processor 102 in one embodiment. For example, some parameter scenarios may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 110. A user may select one or more parameter scripts to report to processing unit 102. Parameters from the parameter script may be communicated to the output device 108 and presented to the user. Processing unit 102 may then use one or more parameters in a parameter script selected by the user to determine a layer profile, an outlet stream concentration profile 204, and / or breakthrough time 206. In one embodiment, the user selects a parameter script previously entered and saved by another user, and then changes one or more parameters in the parameter script, enters additional parameters into the parameter script, and / or removes one or more parameters from the parameter script. Processing unit 102 may then determine an exit flow concentration profile 204, for example, based on this modified parameter scenario.

In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 determines at least one of a layer profile, an exit stream concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough time 206 (or data representing any of a layer profile, an exit stream concentration profile 204 and / or breakthrough times 206 ) for one or more values of the input parameter, while the values are within the range of values that satisfy the significance level for this input parameter. For example, if the user enters a temperature parameter equal to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a significance level of 5%, then the processing unit 102 can determine a lot of layer profiles, profiles 204 of the concentration of the output stream and / or time points 206 breakthrough for a set of values that fall into 5 % of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These multiple layer profiles, exit concentration profiles 204 and / or breakthrough times 206 can be displayed simultaneously on the output device 108. Alternatively, the processing unit 102 determines a layer profile, an exit flow concentration profile 204 and / or a breakout time 206 for a parameter value within a significance level that provides the safest or most conservative of the various layer profiles, exit flow concentration profile 204 and / or times 206 breakthroughs. For example, processing unit 102 may determine that for a temperature parameter of 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a significance level of 5%, or from 76 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, the shortest breakout time 206 for a variety of temperatures between 76 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit takes place at a temperature setting of 84 degrees Fahrenheit. In such an example, the processing unit 102 reports the shortest breakthrough times 206 to the output device 108 for presentation to the user. The processing unit 102 may thus determine, and the output device 108 may represent a stable layer profile, an exit stream concentration profile 204 and / or a breakthrough time 206 as a safety restriction based on a user entered significance level.

The outlet concentration profile 204, the breakout time 206, and / or one or more layer profiles at a plurality of points in time can be calculated using any of a number of mathematical models that use one or more of the input parameters described above to determine the outlet concentration profile 204 , breakout time 206 and / or layer profiles. For example, in one embodiment, a new model is used to determine the concentration profile 204 of the effluent. This model, referred to as the Ding model by reference, includes two hypotheses about the adsorption process: (a) for a developed, constantly supported adsorption process, the dimensionless chemical potential can change exponentially with the location of the layer and (b) the speed of the concentration wave accelerates with time when the wave leaves layer. The Ding model can correspond to experimental data on a wide range of concentrations of several orders of magnitude. The Ding model can be used as a prediction tool if the adsorption equilibrium and sensitivity of two parameters to certain operating modes are specified. The Ding model can also be applied to both adsorption and reactive processes for air purification processes. The Ding model can be applied to overcome some of the shortcomings in existing models. For example, the Ding model can be used to calculate the service life at different levels of toxicity, at different feed concentrations and at different residual life. The Ding model can be used to reverse evaluate the adsorption profile of the layer at different points in time to assist in the development of filters. The Ding model can more accurately calculate the concentration profiles of the effluent and / or breakthrough times of chemical pollutants having relatively small molecular weights and / or boiling points.

 In one embodiment, the mathematical model that is used to calculate the profile of the outlet stream concentration and / or breakthrough time is based on a combination of user input (as described above) and the physical properties of the chemical pollutants that need to be filtered. Chemical contaminants can be entered by the user as described above. The physical properties of chemical contaminants can be taken from a computer-readable storage medium, such as one or more computer-readable storage media 110, 112. For example, computer-readable storage medium 112 may include a database that stores important physical properties of chemical pollutants entered by a user. The database may also include data on the physical properties of other important chemicals and compounds. For example, a database may store data on the physical properties of water and atmospheric air. The physical property database may be one or more publicly available databases, private databases, and special databases. For a publicly accessible database, the database may be a publicly accessible database accessible via the Internet. A private database may be a database that can be accessed by a limited number of users. For example, a private database may be a database that is accessible through an intranet, access to which is available only to those users who are authorized through the procedures for entering a login name and password. A special database may be a database that receives data on physical properties from a public and / or private database, but which, for example, organizes and / or filters data in a special way.

For example, a database may include one or more properties for each chemical pollutant that can be selected by the user. These properties include, but are not limited to, one or more chemical abstract service number ("CAS") registration numbers, chemical formula, molecular weight, liquid density (in grams per cubic centimeter, for example), molar polarity (in Pe, for example) , solubility in water, steam model (model 0 or model 1, for example), one or more steam models A, B and C, chemical name, short name or alternative name, limit to immediate health and life threat ("IDLH") (in parts per million, for example), the recommended limit m Impact ( "REL") (in parts per million, for example) the permissible exposure limit ( "PEL") (in parts per million, for example), the threshold limit value ( "TLV") (in parts per million, for example), and a comment. The commentary may include any additional important information. In one embodiment, the model 0 model of the steam model may be a steam model of the Antoine format and is described by the following equation:

$${\log }_{10}P,bar=A-\frac{B}{C+T,K}$$

$$$$

(Ур. 15) $$$$

$${\log }_{10}P,bar=A-\frac{B}{C+T,K}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 15)

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

$$$$

(Ур. 16) $$\ln P,torr=A-\frac{B}{C+T,K}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 16)

Chemical properties may be entered by system administrator 100. In one embodiment, one or more chemical properties is obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) web book, available at http://webbook.nist.gov/. One or more chemical properties can be obtained from the guide or web page of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) IDLH, available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/intridl4.html. If a specific 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.

The Ding model determines the chemical potential difference of a chemical pollutant that needs to be filtered by a filter cartridge, as:

$$$$

(Ур. 1) $$\Phi =\frac{\varphi -{\varphi }_f}{{\varphi }_0-{\varphi }_f}\equiv \frac{\ln C^{\ast }}{\ln {\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="0"\; label="C"\; filenames="00000058.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">C</figure-callout>}}_0^{\ast }}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 1)

- разность между локальным химическим потенциалом химического загрязняющего вещества в фильтрующем слое фильтрующего патрона и химическим потенциалом химического загрязняющего вещества в концентрации подачи, или концентрации в среде, в которой используется фильтрующий патрон; $$\varphi$$

- химический потенциал химического загрязняющего вещества в заданном расположении в фильтрующем слое; $${\varphi }_f$$

- химический потенциал химического загрязняющего вещества в концентрации подачи; $${\varphi }_0$$

- химический потенциал химического загрязняющего вещества на фронте волны, или фронте кривой прорыва, химического загрязняющего вещества по мере того, как химическое загрязняющее вещество проходит через фильтрующий слой. $$C_0$$

определяется как концентрация химического загрязняющего вещества на фронте кривой прорыва. $$C^{\ast }$$

и $$C_0^{\ast }$$

определяются как безразмерные переменные, указываемые ссылкой как существенно постоянная или постоянная концентрация ( $$C_{\text{f}}$$

) подачи. Химический потенциал ( $$\varphi$$

) может быть определен следующим образом:Where $$\Phi$$

- the difference between the local chemical potential of the chemical contaminant in the filter layer of the filter cartridge and the chemical potential of the chemical contaminant in the feed concentration, or concentration in the medium in which the filter cartridge is used; $$\varphi$$

- chemical potential of a chemical pollutant in a predetermined location in the filter layer; $${\varphi }_f$$

- the chemical potential of the chemical contaminant in the feed concentration; $${\varphi }_0$$

- the chemical potential of the chemical pollutant at the wave front, or the front of the breakthrough curve, of the chemical pollutant as the chemical pollutant passes through the filter layer. $${\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="0"\; label="C"\; filenames="00000058.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">C</figure-callout>}}_0$$

defined as the concentration of chemical contaminant at the front of the breakout curve. $$C^{\ast }$$

and $${\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="0"\; label="C"\; filenames="00000058.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">C</figure-callout>}}_0^{\ast }$$

are defined as dimensionless variables indicated by reference as a substantially constant or constant concentration ( $$C_{\text{f}}$$

) filing. Chemical potential ( $$\varphi$$

) can be defined as follows:

$$$$

(Ур. 2) $$\varphi =RT\ln C$$

$$$$

(Lv. 2)

) химического загрязняющего вещества и безразмерное время ( $$\tau$$

), связанные с конкретным местоположением химического загрязняющего вещества в фильтрующем слое, могут быть определены следующим образом:In one embodiment, the front of the breakthrough curve can be arbitrarily determined to effectively eliminate the effect of any clean areas of the filter layer, or areas where there is essentially no concentration of chemical contaminant. In such an embodiment, the dimensionless location ( $$\zeta$$

) chemical pollutant and dimensionless time ( $$\tau$$

) associated with the specific location of the chemical contaminant in the filter layer can be determined as follows:

$$$$

(Ур. 3) $$\zeta =\frac{z-z_0}{z_{ref}-z_0}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 3)

$$$$

(Ур. 4) $$\tau =\frac{t-t_0}{t_{ref}-t_0}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 4)

- местоположение, или расположение, в фильтрующем слое, выраженное в метрах; $$z_0$$

- местоположение фронта кривой прорыва в фильтрующем слое, выраженное в метрах; $$z_{ref}$$

- начальное местоположение в фильтрующем слое, выраженное в метрах; $$t$$

- время, выраженное в секундах; $$t_0$$

- время в секундах, в которое фронт кривой прорыва находится в положении $$z_0$$

в фильтрующем слое; и $$t_{ref}$$

- начальный момент времени, выраженный в секундах. В одном из вариантов осуществления на фронте волны прорыва как значение $$\zeta$$

кобры, так и время $$\tau$$

равны нулю, а концентрация ( $$C$$

) химического загрязняющего вещества на фронте волны прорыва составляет $$C_0$$

, как описано выше. В этом варианте осуществления, в начальной точке как положение ( $$\zeta$$

), так и время ( $$\tau$$

) составляют 1, а концентрация ( $$C$$

) представляет начальную концентрацию ( $$C_{ref}$$

). По мере того, как время ( $$\tau$$

) увеличивается и стремится к бесконечности ( $$\infty$$

), концентрация ( $$C$$

) равняется начальной концентрации ( $$C_{ref}$$

).Where $$z$$

- location, or location, in the filter layer, expressed in meters; $$z_0$$

- location of the front of the breakthrough curve in the filter layer, expressed in meters; $$z_{ref}$$

- the initial location in the filter layer, expressed in meters; $$t$$

- time expressed in seconds; $$t_0$$

- time in seconds at which the front of the breakout curve is in position $$z_{}$$$${}_0$$

in the filter layer; and $$t_{ref}$$

- the initial point in time, expressed in seconds. In one embodiment, at the front of the breakout wave as a value $$\zeta$$

cobras and time $$\tau$$

are equal to zero, and the concentration ( $$C$$

) chemical contaminant at the front of the breakthrough wave is $${\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="0"\; label="C"\; filenames="00000058.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">C</figure-callout>}}_0$$

as described above. In this embodiment, at the starting point as a position ( $$\zeta$$

) and time ( $$\tau$$

) are 1, and the concentration ( $$C$$

) represents the initial concentration ( $$C_{ref}$$

) As time ( $$\tau$$

) increases and tends to infinity ( $$\infty$$

), concentration ( $$C$$

) equals the initial concentration ( $$C_{ref}$$

)

, или разность между локальным химическим потенциалом химического загрязняющего вещества в фильтрующем слое фильтрующего патрона и химическим потенциалом химического загрязняющего вещества в концентрации подачи, изменяется с местоположением в фильтрующем слое. Изменение в $$\Phi$$

может быть представлено следующим образом:If the filter cartridge remains in an environment that contains a chemical pollutant, or as the continuous supply of chemical pollutant continues, $$\Phi$$

, or the difference between the local chemical potential of a chemical pollutant in the filter layer of the filter cartridge and the chemical potential of a chemical pollutant in the feed concentration, varies with the location in the filter layer. Change in $$\Phi$$

can be represented as follows:

$$$$

(Ур. 5) $$\ln \Phi =\zeta \ln {\Phi }_{ref}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 5)

- разность между химическим потенциалом химического загрязняющего вещества в фильтрующем слое в начальном положении и химическим потенциалом химического загрязняющего вещества в концентрации подачи.Where $${\Phi }_{ref}$$

- the difference between the chemical potential of the chemical pollutant in the filter layer in the initial position and the chemical potential of the chemical pollutant in the feed concentration.

When a wave of chemical contaminant leaves the filter layer in the filter cartridge, the location of the wave may accelerate with time. The speed with which the wave leaves the filter layer may vary with time according to:

$$$$

(Ур. 6) $${\nu }^{\ast }={\tau }^{(\varsigma -\mathrm{one})}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 6)

- скорость, а дзета ( $$\varsigma$$

) - коэффициент ускорения, указанный ссылкой, как "значение кобры". Дзета ( $$\varsigma$$

) указана ссылкой как значение кобры из-за похожей на кобру формы профиля 204 концентрации выходящего потока (показано на фигуре 2) для многих химических загрязняющих веществ. В одном из вариантов осуществления волны химических загрязняющих веществ, которые выходят из фильтрующего слоя на существенно постоянной или замедленной скорости ( $${\nu }^{\ast }$$

), имеют значения кобры ( $$\varsigma$$

), меньшие 1, в то время как волны, которые выходят из фильтрующего слоя с увеличенными скоростями ( $${\nu }^{\ast }$$

), имеют значения кобры ( $$\varsigma$$

), большие 1. Одно или более значений кобры ( $$\varsigma$$

) могут быть определены эмпирически из данных или введены пользователем. Например, список значений кобры ( $$\varsigma$$

) может быть определен из экспериментальных данных и хранится на одном или более машиночитаемых носителях 110, 112 данных, чтобы быть доступным для блока 102 обработки.Where $${\nu }^{\ast }$$

- speed, and zeta ( $$\varsigma$$

) is the acceleration coefficient indicated by the link as "cobra value". Zeta ( $$\varsigma$$

) is indicated by reference as the cobra value due to the cobra-like profile shape 204 of the concentration of the effluent (shown in figure 2) for many chemical pollutants. In one embodiment, the implementation of the wave of chemical pollutants that exit the filter layer at a substantially constant or slowed speed ( $${\nu }^{\ast }$$

), mean cobra ( $$\varsigma$$

) less than 1, while waves that exit the filter layer with increased speeds ( $${\nu }^{\ast }$$

), mean cobra ( $$\varsigma$$

), large 1. One or more cobra values ( $$\varsigma$$

) can be determined empirically from the data or entered by the user. For example, a list of cobra values ( $$\varsigma$$

) can be determined from experimental data and stored on one or more computer-readable media 110, 112 to be available for processing unit 102.

) химического загрязняющего вещества может быть представлено следующим образом:Accordingly, the location ( $$\zeta$$

) a chemical pollutant can be represented as follows:

$$$$

(Ур. 7) $$\zeta ={\nu }^{\ast }\tau ={\tau }^{\varsigma }$$

$$$$

(Lv. 7)

Substituting equation 6 into equation 4, we obtain the following relationship:

$$$$

(Ур. 8) $$\ln \Phi ={\tau }^{\varsigma }\ln {\Phi }_{ref}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 8)

Equation 7 is used with the Ding model to represent the general shape of the layer profile and can be used alone or in combination with one or more other equations described in the materials of this application to form the concentration profile of the effluent. For example, the concentration of chemical contaminants at the end of the filter layer 606 (shown in FIG. 6), which is closest to the hole 624 (shown in FIG. 6) of the filter cartridge 600 (shown in FIG. 6), can be calculated using the Ding model for multiple moments of time. The concentration of chemical pollutants at the end of the filter layer 606 can then be plotted against time to illustrate the concentration of chemical pollutants that break through the filter layer 606.

The stoichiometric time (t _s ) of the Ding model can be determined as follows:

$$$$

(Ур. 9) $$t_s={\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="0"\; label="t"\; filenames="00000058.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">t</figure-callout>}}_0+{\displaystyle \underset{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="0"\; label="t"\; filenames="00000058.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">t</figure-callout>}}_0}{\overset{\infty }{\int }}(\mathrm{one}-C^{\ast })dt=}{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="0"\; label="t"\; filenames="00000058.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">t</figure-callout>}}_0+{\displaystyle \underset{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="0"\; label="t"\; filenames="00000058.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">t</figure-callout>}}_0}{\overset{\infty }{\int }}(\mathrm{one}-{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="0"\; label="C"\; filenames="00000058.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">C</figure-callout>}}_0^{\ast ({\Phi }_{ref}^{(r^{\varsigma })})})dt}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 9)

 In one embodiment, the starting point used for equation 7 is determined arbitrarily. For example, for an arbitrary point 1 in the concentration profile of the effluent, similar to the profile 204 of the concentration of the effluent, equation 8 becomes:

$$$$

(Ур. 10) $$\ln {\Phi }_{\mathrm{one}}={\tau }_{\mathrm{one}}^{\varsigma }\ln {\Phi }_{ref}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 10)

Using equation 8, the starting point can be represented as follows:

$$$$

(Ур. 11) $$\ln \Phi =\frac{{\tau }^{\varsigma }}{{\tau }_{\mathrm{one}}^{\varsigma }}\ln {\Phi }_{\mathrm{one}}={\left(\frac{t-t_0}{t_{\mathrm{one}}-t_0}\right)}^{\varsigma }\ln {\Phi }_{\mathrm{one}}={{\tau }^{\prime }}^{\varsigma }\ln {{\Phi }^{\prime }}_{ref}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 11)

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

In one embodiment, the Ding model can be used to determine the breakout time 206 by determining the outlet concentration profile 204 and comparing the outlet concentration profile 204 with the breakout concentration entered by the user. For example, as soon as the exit flow concentration profile 204 is created by the processing unit 102, the point in time at which a breakout concentration occurs in the exit flow concentration profile 204 may be a breakout time 206. Alternatively, the Ding model can be used to directly calculate the breakout time 206. For example, the starting point described above can be set equal to the stoichiometric center defined in equation 9, so that the breakout time 206 can be defined as:

$$$$

(Ур. 12) $$t_s=\frac{q{\rho }_{b}V}{F{C}_f}\equiv t_r\Lambda$$

$$$$

(Lv. 12)

представляет собой поступление химического загрязняющего вещества(тв) в фильтрующий слой или адсорбционное равновесие, выраженное в молях на килограмм; $${\rho }_b$$

представляет собой плотность фильтрующих частиц в фильтрующем слое, выраженную в килограммах на кубический метр; $$V$$

представляет собой объем фильтрующего слоя, выраженный в кубических метрах; $$F$$

представляет собой скорость потока химического загрязняющего вещества(тв) через фильтрующий слой, выраженный в кубических метрах в секунду; $$t_r$$

представляет собой время 206 прорыва или время пребывания; и $$\Lambda$$

представляет собой коэффициент разделения, который рассчитывается при концентрации подачи $$C_f$$

. Значение адсорбционного равновесия ( $$q$$

) может быть рассчитано из экспериментальных данных, имитационных изотермических моделей или введено пользователем. Из уравнения 12 коэффициент разделения ( $$\Lambda$$

) и время 206 прорыва ( $$t_r$$

) могут быть определены, используя следующие уравнения:Where $$q$$

represents the entry of a chemical pollutant (TV) into the filter layer or adsorption equilibrium, expressed in moles per kilogram; $${\rho }_b$$

represents the density of the filter particles in the filter layer, expressed in kilograms per cubic meter; $$V$$

represents the volume of the filter layer, expressed in cubic meters; $$F$$

represents the flow rate of a chemical pollutant (TV) through the filter layer, expressed in cubic meters per second; $$t_r$$

represents breakout time 206 or dwell time; and $$\Lambda$$

represents the separation coefficient calculated at the feed concentration $$C_f$$

. The value of adsorption equilibrium ( $$q$$

) can be calculated from experimental data, simulated isothermal models, or entered by the user. From equation 12, the separation coefficient ( $$\Lambda$$

) and breakout time 206 ( $$t_r$$

) can be determined using the following equations:

$$$$

(Ур. 13) $$\Lambda =\frac{q{\rho }_b}{C_f}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 13)

$$$$

(Ур. 14) $$t_r=\frac{V}{F}$$

$$$$

(Lv. 14)

Alternatively, one or more other mathematical models, other than the Ding model described above, may be used to determine one or more of the layer profile, exit concentration profile 204, and breakthrough time 206. For example, one or more of the models described in Wood may be used. Gerry O., Estimating Service Lives of Organic Vapor Cartridges, American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal (January 1994), pp. 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 “Wood's Model”).

 In one embodiment, one or more of the variables described above in connection with equations 1 to 14 may be input to a user processing unit 102 on a user interface 106. Alternatively, one or more of these variables may be obtained by processing unit 102 from one or both of the computer-readable media 110, 112. For example, the default value for a variable can be obtained from a computer-readable medium 110, as described above. In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 may obtain chemical contaminant data from a public, private, and / or special database instead of requiring the user to enter this data as described above.

In cartridge selection mode, the processing unit 102 receives or receives one or more parameters to determine a recommended filter cartridge. In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 may determine one or more of the exit concentration concentration profile 204 and the breakthrough time 206, as described above. Recommended Filter Cartridge - A filter cartridge that is recommended to the user for use based on input parameters. The input parameters used by the processing unit 102 in the cartridge selection mode include, but are not limited to, one or more cartridge selection parameters. One or more parameters of the conditions of use can also be used as input parameters. Cartridge selection parameters include data or information related to the suitability or usefulness of the filter cartridge for the user. For example, cartridge selection parameters may include, but are not limited to, one or more minimum service lives, comfort indicator, price, empirical result, stock, regional requirement, decommissioning indication, commissioning indication, and usage flexibility parameter.

The minimum life parameter includes the minimum life of the filter cartridge that you want to use. For example, the user may enter the minimum life that the user requires for any filter cartridge that would be recommended by processing unit 102. Processing unit 102 may use a minimum life to exclude one or more filter cartridges from the list of all possible filter cartridges. For example, based on the minimum life and one or more parameters of the conditions of use, the processing unit 102 may determine that the breakout time 206 for several filter cartridges does not satisfy or exceeds the minimum service life entered by the user. These filter cartridges are excluded from the list of possible cartridges for user recommendation. The minimum service life can be entered as an amount of time or as a range of acceptable service lives. A minimum life can be entered using the user interface 106 and communicated to the processing unit 102 as input 104.

The comfort indicator includes information related to the ease of use of the filter cartridge. For example, a comfort indicator may be expressed as the weight of the filter cartridge and / or the breathing resistance of the filter cartridge. The user can enter a comfort indicator as the maximum weight and / or maximum breathing resistance of the filter cartridge, which will be recommended by the processing unit 102. Processing unit 102 may use comfort indicator (s) to exclude one or more filter cartridges from the list of all possible filter cartridges. For example, based on the maximum weight and / or maximum breathing resistance, the processing unit 102 may exclude some filter cartridges from the list of possible cartridges for recommendation to the user. Excluded filter cartridges may have a weight that exceeds the maximum filter weight and / or respiratory resistance that exceeds the maximum respiratory resistance. A comfort indicator may be entered using the user interface 106 and communicated to the processing unit 102 as input 104.

The price parameter includes the cost of the filter cartridge for the user. For example, the price may be the current market value of the acquisition of the filter cartridge. The user can enter the price as the maximum cost of the filter cartridge, which will be recommended by the processing unit 102. Processing unit 102 may use the price to exclude one or more filter cartridges from the list of all possible filter cartridges. For example, based on the maximum cost entered by the user, the processing unit 102 may exclude some filter cartridges from the list of possible cartridges for recommendation to the user. Excluded filter cartridges may have a cost that exceeds the maximum cost entered by the user. A price may be entered using the user interface 106 and communicated to processing unit 102 as input 104.

The empirical result includes a recommendation for a filter cartridge to a user based on a previous recommendation for a filter cartridge based on one or more common input parameters. Many of the empirical results from the previous recommendations regarding the filter cartridge based on the corresponding input parameters can be stored on a computer-readable medium 110 and / or 112 as a database or table, for example. Processing unit 102 may query a database or table to determine if one or more cartridge selection parameters entered by a user matches cartridge parameters previously entered by another user. If a sufficient number of cartridge selection parameters from the previous recommendation regarding the filter cartridge are substantially similar to the cartridge selection parameters currently entered by the user, processing unit 102 may recommend the same filter cartridge as previously recommended. In one embodiment, the number of general cartridge selection parameters that are required before the filter cartridge is recommended based on an empirical result can be changed by the user.

The stock parameter includes the number of filter cartridges available. For example, one or more filter cartridges that could be recommended to the user by processing unit 102 may not be available or may not be available for another reason. The processing unit 102 may take into account the stock of available filter cartridges and remove filter cartridges that are not available from the list of all filter cartridges for recommendation to the user. Thus, the processing unit 102 avoids recommending the inaccessible filter cartridge to the user. Processing unit 102 may have access to a supply of available filter cartridges from a database or a list of available filter cartridges stored on one or more computer-readable media 110, 112.

The regional requirement parameter includes the regional filter cartridge requirement. For example, different governments and / or jurisdictions may have different minimum requirements for filter cartridges. These minimum requirements may be stored on one or more computer readable media 110, 112 and be available to processing unit 102. Processing unit 102 may have access to important regional requirements to exclude one or more filter cartridges from the set of available filter cartridges. For example, one or more filter cartridges may not meet or exceed the requirements of a particular jurisdiction. Processing unit 102 may exclude these filter cartridges from the list of possible filter cartridges for recommendation to the user. In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 may determine regional requirements for the user by obtaining the Internet Protocol ("IP") address of the user. For example, the processing unit 102 may receive the IP address of the user interface 106 used by the user to enter cartridge selection parameters. Based on this IP address, the processing unit 102 can determine which regional requirements may apply to the user and exclude any filter cartridges that do not meet or exceed these regional requirements.

The retirement indication includes an indication that one or more filters are in the process of being removed from the market. For example, a filter cartridge may be associated with data that indicates that the filter cartridge is no longer being produced and the existing supply of filter cartridge is the remaining supply of the filter cartridge. Decommissioning indications for filter cartridges may be stored in a list, table, or database stored on one or more computer-readable media 110, 112. Processing unit 102 may take into account the decommissioning of available filter cartridges and remove filter cartridges that are withdrawn from service from the list of all filter cartridges for recommendation to the user. Thus, the processing unit 102 avoids recommending to the user a filter cartridge that is withdrawn from service.

Indication of commissioning 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 that indicates that the filter cartridge is relatively new and is being commissioned to be used in a particular market or industry. The commissioning indications for filter cartridges may be stored in a list, table or database stored on one or more computer-readable media 110, 112. Processing unit 102 may take into account the commissioning of filter cartridges and recommend only filter cartridges that are commissioned.

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

In cartridge selection mode, the processing unit 102 receives one or more cartridge selection parameters and, based on the parameters, recommends one or more filter cartridges to the user. For example, processing unit 102 may have access to a filter cartridge list from computer-readable medium 110 and / or 112 data. Based on the cartridge selection parameters entered by the user and / or to which the processing unit 102 has access, the processing unit 102 excludes one or more filter cartridges from the list of filter cartridges. Processing unit 102 may recommend one or more filter cartridges that remain on the list after excluding those filter cartridges that do not match the parameters entered by the user. In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 also receives one or more parameters of the conditions of use. Processing unit 102 may use the terms of use to determine the breakout time 206 of one or more filters in the list. Processing unit 102 may recommend only those filter cartridges that satisfy the criteria set forth in the cartridge selection parameters and have a sufficiently long breakout time 206. A sufficiently large breakout time 206 may be the minimum breakout time, for example.

 In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 does not recommend a filter cartridge until the minimum number or magnitude of cartridge selection parameters and / or conditions of use are accepted by processing unit 102. For example, processing unit 102 cannot determine the recommended filter cartridge until at least one cartridge selection parameter, cartridge type, chemical contaminant (a) and chemical concentration (s) are available and / or received by processing unit 102.

Processing unit 102 reports the recommended filter cartridge (s) (or data representing the recommended filter cartridge (s)) to the output device 108 as an output 120. The output device 108 provides the recommended filter cartridge (s) to the user. For example, output device 108 may display an image of a recommended filter cartridge to a user. In one embodiment, the processing unit 102 determines the recommended filter cartridge, and the output device 108 presents them to the user. Then, the user can configure, modify, or add parameters input to the processing unit 102. Processing unit 102 then determines if the recommended filter cartridge needs to be updated. If necessary, the processing unit 102 provides a recommendation for an updated filter cartridge, and the output device 108 presents them to the user. For example, the user can change the parameters entered in the processing unit 102, and the processing unit 102 dynamically changes or updates the recommended filter cartridge in response to this.

Figure 2 is an illustration of a graphical user interface 200 used to input one or more parameters into the system 100 shown in Figure 1, and to display output 120 (shown in Figure 1) to a user according to one embodiment. A graphical user interface 200 may be displayed to a user on an output device 108 (shown in FIG. 1). The user uses the input device on the user interface device 106 (shown in FIG. 1) to control one or more buttons, sliders, menus, lists, and the like in the graphical user interface 200. While FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a graphical user interface for presenting input 104 (shown in FIG. 1) to processing unit 102, other embodiments of graphical user interfaces with different locations and graphical representations are possible.

The graphical user interface 200 includes a graph window 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the graph window 202 displays the exit concentration profile 204 and the breakthrough time 206. The concentration profile 204 of the outlet stream can be represented as a data image on a graph defined by the time axis 208 and concentration axis 210. Breakout time 206 can be represented on the same chart. The data used to form the concentration profile 204 of the output stream can be created by the processing unit 102 (shown in FIG. 1) based on a mathematical model and one or more parameters entered by the user, as described above. The breakthrough time 206 can be determined by processing unit 102 by calculating the breakthrough concentration 212 and determining the point in time at which the outlet flow concentration profile 204 exceeds the breakthrough concentration 212. A breakthrough concentration 212 may be entered by the user or obtained from one or more computer-readable data carriers 110, 112 (shown in FIG. 1). For example, a breakthrough concentration 212 may be based on, or substantially similar to, the manufacturing exposure limit and / or particle protection level entered by the user as described above.

The summary window 214 provides a summary of the parameters entered by the user and / or the breakout time 206 calculated by the processing unit 102 in one embodiment. For example, summary window 214 may list breakout time 206, a chemical contaminant input by a user, and a chemical concentration input by a user.

A user may enter one or more of the parameters described above into a plurality of parameter windows 216, 218, 220, 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can enter external pressure into the parameter window 216, respiratory rate into the parameter window 218, external temperature into the parameter window 220, and relative humidity into the parameter window 222. The user can use the keyboard, stylus and the like for text input of parameters in the windows 216, 218, 220, 222 parameters and / or select a value for the parameter from the drop-down menu. For example, a parameter window 218 may provide a drop-down menu for a user to select a respiration rate. The user can select the deviation of one or more parameters entered by the user in the parameter window 216, 218, 220, 222 into one or more deviation windows 224, 226, 228, 230. For example, a user may enter a percentage in one or more deviation windows 224, 226, 228, 230 to indicate a tolerance for a parameter in the corresponding parameter window 216, 218, 220, 222. In one embodiment, the significance level associated with the corresponding input parameter is entered by the user through the use of deviation windows 224, 226, 228, 230. For example, the user can enter a significance level of 5% in the deviation window 224 for the external pressure parameter that is entered in the parameter window 216, a significance level of 10% in the deviation window 226 for the respiration rate parameter that is entered in the parameter window 218, the significance level is 10% in a deviation window 228 for the temperature parameter that is input to the parameter window 220 and a 5% significance level to the deviation window 230 for the humidity parameter that is input to the parameter window 222, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. One or more sliders 232, 234, 236, 238 can be moved or controlled by the user to change the corresponding parameter value, which is entered into the parameter windows 216, 218, 220, 222.

Recommendation 240 regarding a filter cartridge is presented to a user on a graphical user interface 200 in one embodiment. As described above, filter cartridge recommendation 240 includes a recommended filter cartridge selected by processing unit 102 (shown in FIG. 102) based on one or more input parameters from a user. In one embodiment, recommendation 240 for a filter cartridge may be presented as an image of a 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. The filter cartridge label 242 may be displayed on a graphical user interface 200 in one embodiment. For example, an image of a filter cartridge label 242 that complies with recommendation 240 regarding a filter cartridge can be displayed on a graphical user interface 200. Alternatively, the filter cartridge label 242 may include one or more images of one or more filter cartridge tags selected by the user.

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

The pollutant list window 246 provides a list of chemical pollutants that can be selected by the user in one embodiment. The user can select one or more chemical pollutants from the pollutant list window 246. For example, a user may enter a chemical pollutant parameter described above by selecting one or more chemical pollutants provided in the pollutant list box 246.

In one embodiment, the pollutant search window 248 allows the user to enter one or more chemical pollutants so that the processing unit 102 searches for the corresponding chemical pollutant. For example, instead of viewing the list of chemical pollutants provided in the pollutant list box 246, a user can enter the name of the chemical pollutant in the pollutant search box 248 to enter a chemical pollutant parameter into the processing unit 102.

The chemical concentration window 250 allows the user to enter the chemical concentration parameter described above. The user can enter the tolerance for the chemical concentration parameter using the variance window 254. In one embodiment, the user enters a significance level into the deviation window 254, similar to that described above with respect to the deviation windows 224, 226, 228, 230. For example, the user can enter a significance level of 0% in the deviation window 254, which corresponds to the chemical concentration parameter that is entered in the chemical concentration window 250. The breakthrough concentration window 252 allows the user to enter the breakthrough concentration parameter 212 described above. One or both of the chemical concentration and breakout concentration parameters 212 can be adjusted by the user by moving one or both of the sliders 256, 258.

As described above, once the processing unit 102 (shown in FIG. 1) has determined the outlet concentration profile 204, the breakout time 206 and / or the recommended filter cartridge 240 based on input parameters from the user, the processing unit 102 may dynamically update one or more of the profile 204 outlet concentration, breakout time 206, and recommended filter cartridge 240 if the user changes or updates one or more input parameters. For example, if the user changes the parameter of the chemical pollutant by selecting another chemical pollutant in the pollutant list window 246, the processing unit 102 receives the updated parameter of the chemical pollutant and, if necessary, updates the profile 204 of the concentration of the effluent, breakout time 206 and / or recommended filter cartridge 240 based on an updated chemical pollutant parameter.

Figure 3 is an illustration of a graphical user interface 300 used to enter one or more parameters into the system 100 shown in figure 1, according to one embodiment. Like the graphical user interface 200 (shown in FIG. 2), the graphical user interface 300 can be displayed to the user on the output device 108 (shown in FIG. 1). The user uses the input device on the user interface 106 (shown in FIG. 1) to control one or more buttons, and sliders, and the like on the graphical user interface 300. While FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a graphical user interface for presenting input 104 (shown in FIG. 1) to processing unit 102, other embodiments of graphical user interfaces with other configurations and graphical representations are possible.

The graphical user interface 300 includes a plurality of sliders 302, 304, 306, 308 that are controlled by the user to enter one or more of the parameters described above. For example, a user can use an input device, such as a mouse, on a user interface 106 (shown in FIG. 1) to move one or more sliders 302, 304, 306, 308 to a position that corresponds to one or more input parameters. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can move the slider 302 to enter the minimum life parameter described above. For example, the user can move the slider 302 to the right on the graphical user interface 300 to indicate that the minimum life, or breakthrough time, of the filter cartridge, which should be recommended by the processing unit 102, is relatively important to the user. Alternatively, the user can move the slider 302 to the left to indicate that the minimum life, or breakthrough time, of the filter cartridge, which should be recommended by the processing unit 102, is relatively unimportant for the user. The movement of the slider 302 is reported to the processing unit 102 as input 104. The processing unit 102 accepts a minimum life parameter introduced by using the slider 302 and may limit the list of filter cartridges that should be recommended to the user as a recommended filter cartridge 240 (shown in FIG. 2 ) in response to this. For example, if the user uses the slider 302 to indicate that the minimum life of the filter cartridge is relatively important, then processing unit 102 may limit the possible filter cartridges, which may be recommended, to those filter cartridges that have a relatively long service life. On the other hand, if the user uses the slider 302 to indicate that the minimum life of the filter cartridge is relatively unimportant, then the processing unit 102 may not limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended based on the life of the filter cartridges. Alternatively, instead of indicating the relative importance of the life of the filter cartridge using the slider 302, the slider 302 can be used to enter the minimum life. For example, the slider 302 may be controlled by the user to enter a minimum life in minutes, hours or days. Optionally, a mechanism other than slider 302 is used to enter the minimum life parameter. For example, a window similar to windows 216 through 222 may be used.

Slider 304 may be used to enter the comfort indicator described above. For example, the user can move the slider 304 to the right on the graphical user interface 300 to indicate that the comfort indicator of the filter cartridge, which should be recommended by the processing unit 102, is relatively important to the user. Conversely, the user can move the slider 304 to the left to indicate that the comfort indicator of the filter cartridge, which should be recommended by the processing unit 102, is relatively unimportant to the user. In one embodiment, the indicator may be expressed as one or more weights and breathing resistances of the filter cartridge. The movement of the slider 304 is reported to the processing unit 102 as input 104. The processing unit 102 receives a comfort indicator entered by using the slider 304 and may limit the list of filter cartridges that should be recommended to the user as the recommended filter cartridge 240 (shown in FIG. 2) in response to that. For example, if the user uses the slider 304 to indicate that the comfort indicator of the filter cartridge is relatively important, then the processing unit 102 may limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended to those filter cartridges that have relatively low weight and / or low breathing resistance . On the other hand, if the user uses the slider 304 to indicate that the comfort indicator of the filter cartridge is relatively unimportant, then the processing unit 102 may not limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended based on the weight and / or breathing resistance of the filter cartridges. Alternatively, instead of indicating the relative importance of the comfort indicator of the filter cartridge using the slider 304, the slider 304 can be used to enter the comfort indicator. For example, the slider 304 may be controlled by the user to enter the maximum weight and / or respiratory resistance of the filter cartridge. Optionally, a mechanism other than slider 304 is used to enter the minimum life parameter. For example, a window similar to windows 216 to 222 may be used.

Slider 306 can be used to enter the price parameter described above. For example, the user can move the slider 306 to the right on the graphical user interface 300 to indicate that the price of the filter cartridge, which should be recommended by the processing unit 102, is relatively important to the user. Conversely, the user can move the slider 306 to the left to indicate that the price of the filter cartridge, which should be recommended by the processing unit 102, is relatively unimportant for the user. The movement of the slider 306 is reported to the processing unit 102 as input 104. The processing unit 102 accepts a price parameter introduced by using the slider 306 and may limit the list of filter cartridges that should be recommended to the user as a recommended filter cartridge 240 (shown in FIG. 2) to the answer to that. For example, if the user uses the slider 306 to indicate that the price of the filter cartridge is relatively important, then the processing unit 102 may limit the possible filter cartridges that may be recommended to those filter cartridges that have a relatively low price. On the other hand, if the user uses the slider 306 to indicate that the price of the filter cartridge is relatively unimportant, then the processing unit 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 the filter cartridge using the slider 306, the slider 306 can be used to enter the price in the amount of money. For example, the slider 306 can be controlled by the user to enter the maximum price of the filter cartridge. Optionally, a mechanism other than slider 306 is used to enter the price parameter. For example, a window similar to windows 216 to 222 may be used.

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

Figure 4 is a flowchart for a method 400 for determining at least one of an outlet flow concentration profile, transit time, and recommendations regarding a filter cartridge. At block 402, one or more input parameters are received. For example, one or more parameters of the conditions of use, parameters of the conditions of the place and the parameters of the choice of the cartridge are entered by the user into the user interface 106 and communicated, as input 104, to the processing unit 102. In block 404, one or more input parameters are used to determine one or more of the outflow concentration profile, breakthrough time, and recommendations for the filter cartridge. For example, the Ding model described above can be used to calculate an outlet flow concentration profile 204 (shown in FIG. 2) and a breakout time 206 (shown in FIG. 2) as described above. In block 406, the user is displayed one or more of an outlet flow concentration profile, a breakthrough time, and recommendations regarding a filter cartridge. For example, an image of recommendation 240 regarding a filter cartridge (shown in FIG. 2) may be displayed to a user on an output device 108. At block 408, a decision is made as to whether any of the parameters received at block 402 have been updated and / or whether any additional parameters have been received. If one or more parameters have been updated or one or more additional parameters have been accepted, method 400 continues between block 408 and block 410. If no parameters have been updated or more parameters have been received, method 400 ends. In block 410, an updated outlet concentration profile, breakthrough time, and / or recommendation for a filter cartridge is determined. For example, changing or updating one or more parameters, or adding new parameters may affect the outlet concentration profile, breakthrough time and / or filter cartridge recommendation, which is defined in block 404. The updated and / or additional parameter (s) are taken into account when calculation and are used to determine the updated concentration profile of the outlet stream, the breakthrough time and / or the recommendation for the filter cartridge in block 410. In block 412, the updated concentration profile is displayed effluent, breakthrough time and / or recommendation for filter cartridge. For example, an updated profile of the concentration profile of the outlet stream and / or breakthrough time may be displayed on the output device 108. Method 400 continues between block 412 and block 408.

Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of exemplary methods by which one or more of the embodiments described herein can be stored, distributed, and mounted on a computer-readable medium. In Figure 5, an “application” is one or more of the processing methods and operations discussed above. For example, an application may represent a process performed in connection with Figure 4, as discussed above.

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

The source code can be written as scripts, or in any high or low level language. Examples of source, main, and production computer-readable media 502, 514, and 520 include, but are not limited to, compact disc (CDROM), RAM, ROM, flash memory, RAID drives, computer system memory, and the like. Examples of paths 506, 512, 516, and 522 include, but are not limited to, network paths, Internet, Bluetooth, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), infrared wireless local area networks, high-performance local area network (HIPERLAN), third generation wireless ( 3G), satellite and the like. Paths 506, 512, 516, and 522 may also be public or private communications services that transmit one or more physical copies of source, master, or production computer-readable media 502, 514, or 520 between two geographical locations. Paths 506, 512, 516, and 522 may be threads executed by one or more processors in parallel. For example, one computer may contain source code 502, compiling program 508 and object code 510. Numerous computers may function in parallel to create production copies 518 of the application. Routes 506, 512, 516, and 522 may be intrastate, interstate, intrastate, interstate, intracontinental, intercontinental, and the like.

The operations indicated in FIG. 5 can be performed in a widespread manner throughout the world, and only part of them will be performed in the United States. For example, the application source code 502 can be written in the United States and stored on a computer-readable medium 504 in the United States, but transferred to another country (corresponding to path 506) before compilation, copying, and installation. Alternatively, application source code 502 can be written to or outside the United States, compiled on compilation software 508 located in the United States, and stored on host computer readable medium 514 in the United States, but object code 510 is transferred to another country (corresponding path 516) before copying and installing. Alternatively, application source code 502 and object code 510 may be produced in or outside the United States, but production copies of 518 applications produced in or transferred to the United States (for example, as part of a pre-production operation) before installing production copies of 518 applications to user terminals 524, devices 526, and / or systems 528 located in or outside the United States, as applications 530, 532, 534.

As used throughout the description of the invention and the claims, the phrases “computer-readable medium” and “commands configured to” will refer to any or all of i) the source computer-readable medium 504 and the object code 502, ii) the main computer-readable medium and the object code 510, iii) a production computer-readable medium 520 and production copies 518 of the application and / or iv) applications 530, 532, 534 stored in memory in terminal 524, device 526, and system 528.

It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the ideas of the invention without departing from its scope. While the sizes and types of materials described in the materials of this application are intended to determine the parameters of the invention, they are by no means restrictive and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art as they review the above description. The scope of the invention should, for this reason, be determined with reference to the attached claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims give the right. In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “in which” are used as simple English equivalents of the corresponding terms “comprising” and “in which”. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” and so on, are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Additionally, the limitations of the following claims are not written in the “tool plus function” format and are not intended to be interpreted in accordance with Section 35 of the US Code of Laws (USC) § 112, sixth paragraph, if and only if such limitations of the claims will use the phrase “intended for”, followed by the wording of the invalidity of the function of the additional structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including the manufacture and use of any devices or systems, and the implementation of any methods included. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that come to mind specialists in this field. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal wording of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with slight differences from the literal formulations of the claims.

Claims (13)

1. A method for determining the service life of a filter cartridge, comprising stages in which:
measure with a sensor or receive at least one input parameter from a user interface;
determining, using a processing unit communicatively connected to the sensor or user interface, at least one of the concentration profile of the output stream or breakthrough time based on at least one input parameter; and
determine, using the processing unit, the service life of the filter cartridge based on at least one of the concentration profile of the effluent or breakthrough time;
output on the output device, communicatively connected with the processing unit, the service life of the filter cartridge and at least one of the concentration profile of the output stream or breakthrough time;
measuring with a sensor or receiving from the user interface at least one of an update of an input parameter or a newly entered parameter;
dynamically updating at least one of the profile of the outlet stream concentration or breakthrough time for determining, using the processing unit, at least one of the updated profile of the outlet stream concentration or the updated breakthrough time and for determining the updated filter cartridge service life, based on at least one of the updated outflow concentration profile or the updated breakthrough time; and
output on the output device the updated service life of the filter cartridge and at least one of the updated concentration profile of the output stream or the updated breakthrough time. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving step comprises receiving one or more of external pressure, external temperature, relative humidity, respiratory rate, chemical contaminant, chemical concentration, exposure limit, user selectable cartridge, or cartridge selection parameter . 3. The method according to claim 2, in which the receiving step comprises the steps of:
accept at least one of the types of respirators or levels of protection against particles; and
define a cartridge selected by the user based on at least one of the type of respirator or level of protection against particles. 4. The method according to claim 2, in which the cartridge selection parameter comprises at least one of a minimum service life, a comfort indicator, a price, an empirical result from at least one previous recommended filter cartridge based on at least one common input parameter, current stocks of the filter cartridge, regional requirements for the filter cartridge, indications of the removal from service of the filter cartridge, or indications of the commissioning of the filter cartridge. 5. The method according to claim 4, in which the comfort indicator includes at least one of a filter weight or breathing resistance. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining step comprises determining at least one of the concentration profile of the effluent, the breakthrough time, or the recommended filter cartridge, only when the minimum level of input parameters is adopted at the receiving stage. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining step comprises receiving one or more additional input parameters, the additional input parameters comprising at least one parameter not adopted at the receiving stage, but necessary to determine at least one of the concentration profile of the output flow, breakthrough time or recommended filter cartridge. 8. The method according to claim 1, in which determining the concentration profile of the effluent includes calculating the location of the wavefront of the breakthrough of chemicals through the filter layer, the location being a function of at least one of the release rates at which the breakthrough wavefront leaves the filter layer, or time elevated to the power of the acceleration coefficient, and the acceleration coefficient is less than the acceleration coefficient for breakthrough wave fronts having a decelerating release velocity and more than the acceleration coefficient for breakthrough wave fronts having an accelerated release velocity. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the concentration profile of the effluent comprises calculating the location of the chemicals in the filter layer according to ζ = τ ^ς , where ζ is the location, τ is the time within the time period, and ς is the acceleration coefficient, and acceleration is less than the acceleration coefficient for the fronts of the breakthrough waves having a decelerating release velocity, and more than the acceleration coefficient for the fronts of the breakthrough waves having an accelerated release velocity. 10. A computer-readable storage medium containing one or more sets of instructions that, when executed by a computer, instructs the computer to determine the life of the filter cartridge in accordance with the method of paragraphs 1-9. 11. A system for determining the life of a filter cartridge, comprising:
a user interface configured to input at least one input parameter;
a sensor configured to measure at least one input parameter;
a processing unit communicatively connected to a user interface and a sensor, configured to receive an input parameter, configured to determine at least one of the concentration profile of the output stream or breakthrough time based on at least one input parameter, and configured to determine a service life a filter cartridge based on at least one of an outlet flow concentration profile or breakthrough time; and
an output device communicatively connected to the processing unit, configured to output at least one of the concentration profile of the output stream, breakthrough time, filter cartridge service life,
moreover, the processing unit is made with the additional possibility of dynamically updating at least one of the concentration profile of the output stream or breakthrough time, based on updating at least one input parameter or a newly introduced parameter, and with the possibility of outputting, by the output device, the updated filter cartridge service life determined based on at least one of the updated outflow concentration profile or breakthrough time. 12. The system according to claim 11, in which the input parameter contains one or more of external pressure, external temperature, relative humidity, respiratory rate, chemical contaminant, chemical concentration, exposure limit, user-selectable cartridge, minimum life, comfort indicator , price, empirical result from at least one previous recommended filter cartridge based on at least one common input parameter, current filter cartridge stocks cartridge, regional requirements for a filter cartridge, indications of the removal of a filter cartridge from service, or an indication of the commissioning of a filter cartridge. 13. The system according to claim 11, in which the processing unit is configured to determine the concentration profile of the effluent by calculating the location of the wavefront of the breakthrough of chemicals through the filter layer, the location being a function of at least one of the rate of release at which the breakthrough wave front exits from the filter layer, or time elevated to the power of the acceleration coefficient, and the acceleration coefficient is less than the acceleration coefficient for breakthrough wave fronts having a slowing speed lasing, and a larger acceleration coefficient for breakthrough wave fronts having an accelerated release velocity.

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