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Adsorption Performance of Activated-Carbon-Loaded Nonwoven Filters Used in Filtering Facepiece Respirators

Author

Listed:
  • Małgorzata Okrasa

    (Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection, National Research Institute, Wierzbowa 48, 90-133 Łódź, Poland)

  • Jörn Hitz

    (Sub-Division 3.3 “Personal protective equipment against Chemical and Biological Substances”, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Alte Heerstraße 111, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany)

  • Aleksandra Nowak

    (Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection, National Research Institute, Wierzbowa 48, 90-133 Łódź, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Brochocka

    (Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection, National Research Institute, Wierzbowa 48, 90-133 Łódź, Poland)

  • Christoph Thelen

    (Sub-Division 3.3 “Personal protective equipment against Chemical and Biological Substances”, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Alte Heerstraße 111, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany)

  • Zbigniew Walczak

    (Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Lodz, Pomorska 149/153, 90-236 Łódź, Poland)

Abstract

Filtering nonwovens loaded with activated carbon are among the most popular materials used in the construction of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) with anti-odour properties that can be used for respiratory protection at workplaces where the occupational exposure limits of harmful substances are not exceeded. Such FFRs, in addition to a polymer filter material of varying effectiveness, also contain a layer of activated-carbon-loaded nonwoven filter, which limits the quantity of chemical compounds entering the breathing zone. The aim of this work was to analyse the influence of challenge concentration (20–120 ppm), relative humidity (2–70%), flow rate (20–55 L/min), and flow pattern (steady-state and pulsating) on the breakthrough of polymer/carbon nonwovens. A commercial activated-carbon-loaded nonwoven filter was used in this study. Its morphology and textural parameters were determined using optical microscopy, image processing, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements at 77 K. Breakthrough experiments were carried out using cyclohexane vapours to assess adsorption characteristics of polymer/carbon media. The results showed that the breakthrough times decreased with increasing challenge concentration (up to 30%), relative humidity (up to 73%), and flow rate (up to 72%). The pulsating flow pattern was found to be more favourable in terms of odour reduction efficiency (up to 30%). The results indicate that all of these factors should be considered during selection and performance assessment of respirators used for odour relief.

Suggested Citation

  • Małgorzata Okrasa & Jörn Hitz & Aleksandra Nowak & Agnieszka Brochocka & Christoph Thelen & Zbigniew Walczak, 2019. "Adsorption Performance of Activated-Carbon-Loaded Nonwoven Filters Used in Filtering Facepiece Respirators," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:11:p:1973-:d:236981
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katarzyna Majchrzycka & Małgorzata Okrasa & Justyna Skóra & Beata Gutarowska, 2016. "Evaluation of the Survivability of Microorganisms Deposited on Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices under Varying Conditions of Humidity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jung Hee Jang & Gi Bo Han, 2020. "Effect of Surface Treatment by O 3 and Chemical Activation by Alkali Metal on the Performance of ACFs on Adsorption and Desorption of BTX Gases," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-12, July.
    2. Małgorzata Okrasa & Justyna Szulc & Agnieszka Brochocka & Beata Gutarowska, 2021. "Application of Olfactometry to Assess the Anti-Odor Properties of Filtering Facepiece Respirators Containing Activated Carbon Nonwovens," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-12, August.

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