INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE METHODS FOR TESTING GAS FILTERS

An investigation and literature search was made of activated charcoal, mercaptans and the use of odors in testing gas penetration of carbon filters. Tests were performed on the detection of mercaptans, especially N-amyl mercaptan. This work was done in connection with the development of a test procedure and kit for proof testing installed CBR filter systems, and is discussed in this technical note. It was found that the idea of using an odor to test filters may have merit, but mercaptans appear to hazardous for this purpose. There are, however, other sources of odor that can be investigated. Using human sense of smell for detecting gas leaks may be practical, but it is not as easy to do as it might appear. Most of the more quantitative methods that are being used at the present time lack sensitivity, but gas chromatography is worthy of further consideration.