Research on Filter Boxes Designs Efficiency

Background. Filtering respirators are widely used in various industries to protect workers from dust, so studies aimed at improving ergonomic parameters of personal respiratory protection are relevant. Objective. The aim of the paper is the filter box design influence on respirator breathing resistance. Methods. The distribution of the air flow rate and the pressure drop across the filter was determined in accordance with the requirements of the DSTU EN 143: 2002. To do this, in the back wall of the filter box housing 5 mm holes were drilled, in which every 10 mm a Pitot tube was installed, connected to an electronic manometer Testo 512. Results. It is established that the designs of filter boxes affect the pressure drop of the respirator, due to the failure to use a significant surface of the filters (the formation of dead zones in which air does not move) what affects the efficiency of their performance. Conclusions. The designs of filter boxes for modern respirators require appropriate modification to reduce the resistance to breathing, to increase the duration of protection and dust load, due to uniform flow around the filter surface by air flow throughout the area.