Various personal protective equipment is currently available. One of the most famous is a gas mask. Some models of this PPE can be equipped with hopcalite cartridges (DP-1) . Let us further consider the features of this device.
The device and purpose of the hopcalite cartridge
This element protects the respiratory system from the ingress of carbon monoxide released during combustion.
The hopkalite cartridge, the photo of which is presented in the article, is made in the form of a cylindrical tin box. It is equipped with a dehumidifier and, in fact, hopcalite. Desiccant - a mixture of silica gel and calcium chloride. Hopcalite is a compound of copper oxide, manganese dioxide, cobalt particles and silver.
Specificity
Hopcalite acts as a catalyst for carbon oxidation, ensuring its conversion to a less toxic compound. The hopcalite cartridge is intended for use in an atmosphere containing not more than 2% carbon.
A dehumidifier absorbs moisture vapor from the air. They prevent the conversion of hopcalite into hydrates of copper and manganese oxides. When the air temperature approaches zero, the efficiency of the connection decreases. Fully protective effect stops at t -10-15 degrees.
The hopkalite cartridge will be considered used if it has been in operation for about 80-90 minutes or if its weight has increased by 20 g compared to the indicator indicated on the box.
Indicators
Iodine pentoxide acts as one of them in the hopcalite cartridge . If carbon monoxide ceases to linger, they will interact. As a result, iodine will be released. In the space under the mask its pairs will appear and a characteristic smell will be felt.
An additional (indirect) indicator is also present in the hopcalite cartridge . It is calcium carbide. In the process of its interaction with water vapor, acetylene begins to be released, which is accompanied by a characteristic odor. This also indicates the unsuitability for further use of the hopcalite cartridge .
The risks
It should be said that the hopcalite cartridge is effective for an hour with an ammonia content of 5 mg / l and a temperature of no higher than 20 degrees. In this case, the cartridge is heated.
Warming up, accompanied by burning, swelling of paint, the arrival of air preheated to 65-70 degrees, entails burns of the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs when inhaled. This situation arises with a high content of carbon monoxide in the air.
The duration of the protective effect of the hopcalite cartridge depends on several factors. It is determined by the life of the desiccant, the level of concentration of carbon monoxide in the air, temperature, as well as the physical activity of a person using PPE.
Preparation for use
There are two necks on the lids of the box. The first - internal - is used to connect to the gas mask box, the external - to the front of the PPE.
When preparing a cartridge for use should:
- Unscrew cap, unscrew cap.
- Remove the gas mask box from the bag.
- Close your eyes, hold your breath, unscrew the connecting tube from the gas mask box, screw the union nut onto the outer neck of the hopcalite cartridge.
- Screw the gas mask box to the cartridge, put it in the bag.
After that, you can take a deep breath and open your eyes.
If protection solely against carbon monoxide is necessary, the cartridge can not be screwed onto the box. In this case, it (in the form attached to the front of the gas mask) is put into the part of the bag designed to contain the front of the PPE. It must be ensured that the material does not overlap the inlet of the cartridge.
Visual inspection
When examining a cartridge, special attention should be paid to:
- The presence of marking.
- Condition of sunset and welds.
- Full tightening of the cork and cap.
- Lack of rust and bruising.
- Weight change.
Marking
It is applied to the hopcalite cartridge with indelible mastic. Marking is located on the cylindrical part of the housing.
The first line indicates the name of the product, and the second indicates the manufacturer’s symbol. Then there are the month and 2 last digits of the year of release, the batch number. The third line shows the series and number of the cartridge itself, and the fourth shows the weight accurate to a gram.
Safety precautions
When using a hopcalite cartridge it is not allowed:
- Change the sequence of connection to the handset.
- Removing the plug before putting the product into working condition.
- Use of impersonal cartridges with plugs removed.
- Installing plugs on waste products.
- Keep used and new cartridges together.
- Fold waste products into a bag.
When using a cartridge, it is also necessary to exclude any risk of liquid getting into it.
Additionally
It is worth saying that the hopcalite cartridge can be connected to the GP-5 gas mask. Accordingly, you can use the following modification of PPE: DP-1, GP-5, one or two connecting tubes.
Hopcalite cartridges issued for use should be stored with tightly wrapped corks and caps in a dry, specially designated place. Periodically it is necessary to conduct their inspection.
Hopcalite cartridge is a one-time use. It must be replaced even if the time of its protective action has not yet expired.
Used products are delivered to the warehouse. After that, they are subject to decommissioning and destruction. Disposal is made in the manner prescribed for filter masks.