Device for detecting clogged particle filters
The AIRTime device objectively measures differential air pressure to detect filter clogging in full-face respirators, addressing the subjectivity of existing methods and ensuring timely filter replacements.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DIÉGUEZ ROJAS RODRIGO AUGUSTO
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-04
AI Technical Summary
The existing methods for determining the clogging of particulate filters in full-face respirators are subjective and unreliable, relying on user sensitivity to inhalation resistance, which hinders effective scheduling of filter changes and lacks objective, measurable criteria.
A device, AIRTime, is developed to measure differential air pressure inside a full-face respirator using a microprocessor and pressure microsensor, activating a warning light when the inhalation resistance limit is reached, indicating filter clogging and requiring replacement.
Provides an objective and measurable method to detect filter clogging, ensuring timely filter changes and improving compliance with regulatory standards by using a differential pressure measurement system.
Smart Images
Figure CL2025050135_04062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This description defines a device for constantly measuring differential air pressure inside a full-face respirator to determine the compatibility of the particle filters used within it. When the power (ON) button is pressed, the AIRTime device activates a microprocessor contained in the LED PCB, which sends a signal to a pressure microsensor, also contained in the LED PCB, which then activates the pressure differential measurement.
[0003] AIRTime will be configured to generate a light signal when it reaches the regulatory inhalation resistance limit for P3-type high-efficiency particulate filters. This value is 1.2 mbar at 30 LPM, but this is equivalent to a normal inhalation rate of 5 to 6 LPM. As soon as the pressure difference measurement detects this situation, which is equivalent to the clogging of a particulate filter mounted on the full-face respirator, AIRTime activates a red warning light reflected by the diffuser. Upon reaching this limit, it is recommended to replace the particulate filters with a new pair.
[0004] This entire system is powered by a lithium battery with a 12-hour charge autonomy (USB port), easily enough to cover an 8-hour workday.
[0005] The device is shaped like a small box that attaches to the part of the full-face respirator that covers the front of the face, so it does not affect the standard field of vision and does not use cables inside the full-face respirator.
[0006] DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM
[0007] FIELD OF INVENTION
[0008] The present invention aims to provide a system for detecting clogging in particle filters used in full-face respirators. The overall objective of this work is to develop a new device for respiratory masks that, through a quantitative and objective indicator, detects clogging of the particle filters used, while also providing a warning that is easily recognizable to users. This is because currently, clogging is measured primarily subjectively, based on the respirator user's sensitivity to the inhalation resistance that develops due to the use of the filters.
[0009] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Regarding filter masks: From Pliny's first filters, various systems for attaching fabrics and hides to the face were developed to filter the mine environment. By the 16th century, masks had been developed in which the filter fabrics could be replaced without changing the frame. The first patent for a firefighter's mask dates from 1847; the Haslett mask, which filtered both incoming and outgoing air through two separate valves to prevent contamination. In 1854, it was discovered that activated carbon could be used as a filtration medium for various vapors and was incorporated into the masks and filters of many miners. Examples of carbon filtration equipment include the John Stenhouse Mask, the Loeb Respirator, and the Barton Respirator. However, the use of activated carbon remains a serious problem.
[0011] Currently, various systems provide respiratory protection with highly effective filters to combat the contaminants encountered in industrial work. However, calculating the lifespan of particulate filters used in respiratory protection remains an unresolved issue. Over time, these filters accumulate particles that obstruct airflow, causing resistance (differential pressure) to increase. The most common method for detecting the clogging level of a particulate filter (and therefore verifying compliance with the standard) is based on the user's sensitivity to inhalation resistance. In this respect, the so-called negative pressure test is highly subjective, as it relies solely on the individual user's sensitivity.This obviously prevents scheduling filter changes and, basically, any planning or statistical analysis with objective and measurable backing. Currently, there are various solutions that attempt to address this problem, but they only measure the respirator's seal level against the outside, which could be affected by factors other than the filter itself, thus failing to truly solve the problem.
Claims
CLAIMS 1.- A device for detecting clogging of particle filters by means of constant differential pressure measurement (Figure 2), which has an integrated FULLFACE respirator (8) CHARACTERIZED in that the microprocessor (5) activates and translates the data obtained by a differential pressure microsensor and that upon detecting the normative value it turns on a light signal in the LED diffuser (6) that warns the user, that the system is made easy and removable from the respirator thanks to a fitting adjustment of the main body (2) (3), and that the internal battery (4) is charged by means of a USB port (1) so that the device is able to function for up to 12 hours.