Accession Number:

ADA235439

Title:

Effect of Particle Size on Respirator Faceseal Leakage

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Jun 1986-Jan 1990

Corporate Author:

WEST VIRGINIA UNIV MORGANTOWN DEPT OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Personal Author(s):

• Myers, Warren R.
• Kim, Hyunwook
• Kadrichu, Nani

Report Date:

1990-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

36.0

Abstract:

The objective of this research was to study the effect of aerosol size on measurement of respirator faceseal leakage. Penetration of aerosols through fixed diameter capillaries, positioned at the respirator-face junction to simulate faceseal leakage, were measured on a dynamic laboratory test system as a function of challenge aerosol size and breathing tidal volume. Four sizes of polystyrene latex PSL spheres were used to generate the challenge aerosols. In addition to PSL aerosols, acetone vapor was used as a challenge agent. Penetration measurements made using the vapor challenge agents resulted, in all instances, in higher values than measurements made using aerosols. Vapor penetration was found to be a function of tidal volume. Higher capillary penetration by both vapor and aerosol occurred with the 1,500-ml tidal volume as compared to the 600-ml tidal volume.

Descriptors:

• *DIAMETERS
• PARTICLE SIZE
• VOLUME
• LABORATORY TESTS
• AEROSOLS
• SIZES(DIMENSIONS)
• VAPORS
• POLYSTYRENE
• SPHERES
• PENETRATION
• RESPIRATION
• ACETONES
• CAPILLARITY
• DYNAMIC TESTS
• LATEX
• TIDES
• RESPIRATORS
• CAPILLARIES(ANATOMY)

Subject Categories:

• Protective Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE