Hopkalite cartridge: device, application

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

A variety of personal protective equipment is currently being produced. One of the most famous is the gas mask. Some models of this PPE can be equipped with hopcalite cartridges (DP-1). Consider further the features of this device.

Design and purpose of the hopkalite cartridge

This element protects the respiratory organs from the penetration of carbon monoxide into them, released during combustion.

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 desiccant and, in fact, hopkalite. The desiccant is a mixture of silica gel and calcium chloride. Hopcalite is a compound of copper oxide, manganese dioxide, particles of cob alt and silver.

Specifics

Hopcalite acts as a catalyst for the oxidation of carbon, making it a less toxic compound. The hopcalite cartridge is designed for use in an atmosphere containing no more than 2% carbon.

The dehumidifier ensures the absorption of moisture vapor from the air. They prevent the transformation of hopcalite into hydrates of copper and manganese oxides. As the temperature approachesair to the zero mark, the efficiency of the connection is reduced. Fully protective action stops at t -10-15 deg.

A hopcalite 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 figure 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 vapors will appear and a characteristic smell will be felt.

There is also an additional (indirect) indicator 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 hopkalite cartridge.

Risks

It should be said that the hopcalite cartridge is effective for an hour at an ammonia content of 5 mg / l and a temperature not higher than 20 degrees. This heats up the cartridge.

Heating, accompanied by burning, swelling of paint, the influx of air heated to 65-70 degrees, when inhaled, causes burns of the mucous respiratory organs. This situation occurs when the content of carbon monoxide in the air is high.

The duration of the protective effect of a hopcalite cartridge depends on several factors. It is determined by the service life of the dryer, the levelconcentration of carbon monoxide in the air, temperature, as well as 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, you should:

• Unscrew the cap, unscrew the cork.
• 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 onto the cartridge, put it in the bag.

After that you can take a deep breath and open your eyes.

If you need protection solely from carbon monoxide, the cartridge can not be screwed to 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 intended to contain the front of the PPE. When doing this, make sure that the material does not block the chuck inlet.

External inspection

When examining a cartridge, special attention should be paid to:

• Presence of marking.
• Condition of seams and welds.
• Full tightening of cork and cap.
• No rust or bruising.
• Weight change.

Marking

It is applied to hopcalitecartridge with indelible mastic. The marking is located on the cylindrical part of the body.

The first line contains the name of the product, the second - the symbol of the manufacturer. Then there are the month and the last 2 digits of the year of issue, the batch number. The third line contains the series and number of the cartridge itself, the fourth - the weight to the nearest gram.

Safety

Not allowed when using hopcalite cartridge:

• Change the order of connecting to the handset.
• Removing the plug before putting the product into working condition.
• Using impersonal cartridges with caps removed.
• Installing a plug on waste products.
• Store used and new cartridges together.
• Put used items in a bag.

When using a cartridge, it is also necessary to exclude any risk of liquid getting into it.

Extra

It is worth saying that the hopkalite cartridge can be connected to the GP-5 gas mask. Accordingly, the following modification of PPE can be used: DP-1, GP-5, one or two connecting tubes.

Hopcalite cartridges issued for use should be stored with tightly wrapped stoppers and caps in a dry, specially designated place for them. They need to be inspected periodically.

Hopkalite cartridge is a one-time use tool. It must be replaced even if its protection time has not yet expired.

Used products are returned to the warehouse. After that, they are subject to write-off and destruction. Disposal is made in the order established for filtering gas masks.