EP0488880A1 - Protective isolation suit - Google Patents

Protective isolation suit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0488880A1
EP0488880A1 EP91403195A EP91403195A EP0488880A1 EP 0488880 A1 EP0488880 A1 EP 0488880A1 EP 91403195 A EP91403195 A EP 91403195A EP 91403195 A EP91403195 A EP 91403195A EP 0488880 A1 EP0488880 A1 EP 0488880A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit
respiratory
helmet
garment
gas
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP91403195A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0488880B1 (en
Inventor
Raymond Beaussant
Jacques Société Matisec Frison
Robert Schegerin
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Safran Aerosystems SAS
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Intertechnique SA
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Publication of EP0488880A1 publication Critical patent/EP0488880A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B17/00—Protective clothing affording protection against heat or harmful chemical agents or for use at high altitudes
    • A62B17/005—Active or passive body temperature control

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to personal protective equipment in a hostile atmosphere, in particular in an atmosphere containing toxic or corrosive products, comprising a diving suit provided with an autonomous supply of respiratory gas and means of ventilation of the diving suit.
  • Equipment of this type is already known having a spacesuit consisting of a flexible and waterproof garment and a helmet with transparent visor, connectable to a gas reserve constituted by a supply cylinder of compressed respiratory gas.
  • the protective equipment During interventions in such an atmosphere, the protective equipment must supply respiratory gas in quantity and appropriate quality and also ventilate the body to evacuate the heat and to avoid condensation.
  • the gas coming from the bottle feeds an ejector intended to suck in air coming from the spacesuit and to put it in circulation for ventilation.
  • the atmosphere breathed by the wearer of the suit is made up of a mixture of the supplied breathing gas and the suit's gas.
  • the supply of gas from the bottle is compensated by an exhaust through valves fitted to the spacesuit.
  • the ventilation circuit can be considered to be open, which results in wasted respiratory gas.
  • Such equipment consequently has only a reduced autonomy, owing to the fact that the volume and the weight of the compressed gas cylinders used for respiration and ventilation must remain within acceptable limits.
  • the invention aims to solve the problem of the protection of personnel having to intervene on the scene of accidents and for this to have equipment which allows physical activity, therefore a high metabolism, for a long period without dangerous increase in the content.
  • CO2 inspired gases
  • the invention proposes in particular individual protective equipment in which the reserve of respiratory gas consists of a tank of liquefied gas (liquid air, liquid oxygen or liquefied mixture containing helium and / or hydrogen in addition to oxygen and nitrogen) feeding a respiratory circuit opening into the helmet, generally through a regulating valve, which can be of conventional constitution;
  • the equipment is characterized in that the respiratory circuit is supplied by the reservoir through the primary circuit of a heat exchanger and a pneumatic motor interposed between the heat exchanger and the respiratory circuit and is coupled to a circulation fan ventilation air of the garment in a closed circuit passing through the exchanger.
  • the ventilation gas is cooled and dried before feeding the spacesuit.
  • the return of the ventilation gas to the spacesuit can be carried out by distribution pipes opening out at the ends of the members, according to an already known arrangement, for example that described in document EP-A-0 317 415.
  • the ventilation circuit can be closed or simply semi-closed, with evacuation of a gas flow, in the case of equipment intended to be used in the atmosphere.
  • the face is separated from the atmosphere around the body by a seal (facial seal or more frequently neck seal) and the helmet is provided with an exhalation valve.
  • a seal facial seal or more frequently neck seal
  • the helmet is provided with an exhalation valve.
  • only a fraction of the flow of respiratory gas coming from the primary circuit of the exchanger is sent to the pneumatic motor, the rest of the flow of gas supplying the helmet or a respiratory mask by the through an on-demand regulator.
  • an economizer bag which may have a constitution and a function similar to that of the bags provided on the emergency oxygen masks intended for passengers on commercial aircraft, may be interposed between the outlet of the pneumatic engine and the intake into helmet.
  • the invention makes it possible to use not only the breathable nature of the reserve gas but also its physical state, the liquefied gas constituting a source of frigories and the pressure of the vaporized gas. providing the energy needed for ventilation.
  • the respiratory equipment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1 comprises a suit having a garment 10 and a helmet 12 provided with a transparent visor 14.
  • the helmet is provided with an exhalation valve 15 provided to maintain an overpressure of a few around the head. millibars compared to the ambient atmosphere.
  • a neck seal 16 which is applied against the skin separates the space surrounding the head from the space surrounding the rest of the body. This neck seal 16 can be replaced by a facial seal or an oro-nasal mask.
  • the garment is equipped with a network of pipes to organize the circulation of ventilation gas along the limbs and torso.
  • this network of pipes includes a distributor 18 between pipes 20 for supplying gas to the ends of the members, the return being effected by circulation along the members towards the space surrounding the torso.
  • the garment is equipped with a calibrated valve or more, 22 maintaining an overpressure in the spacesuit. This overpressure will often be around 2 millibars in the case of use of the spacesuit in an atmosphere under normal atmospheric pressure. It is sufficient to prevent the flooding of the suit with toxic or corrosive products from outside.
  • a reserve of respiratory gas constituted by a reservoir 24 of liquefied breathable gas.
  • This tank belongs to a converter whose general constitution is similar to that of the converters currently used in military aircraft to supply the crew with respiratory gas. It is fitted with a conventional pressure regulator, at 5 bars for example (not shown), and supplies the coil 26 constituting the primary circuit of a heat exchanger 28.
  • the output of the coil 26 feeds a rotary pneumatic motor 30, the output of which is connected to a pipe 32 which opens into the helmet 12.
  • An economizer bag 46 (in dashes in FIG. 1) can be connected to line 12.
  • the respiratory gas which reaches the helmet cannot therefore in any case mix with the gas occupying the interior of the garment.
  • the motor 30 is coupled to a fan 34 intended to take gas from the garment 10 and to circulate it in the exchanger 28, where this withdrawn gas cools and dries out.
  • the heat exchanger 28 may comprise a casing 36 for guiding the gas, provided at its base with means for discharging the condensates, which can be reduced to a tube 38 of small section.
  • the upper part of the envelope 36 can be simply opened widely above the fan 34, so as to collect gas in the garment 10.
  • the lower part of the envelope 36 feeds a sheath 40 which opens into the distributor 18.
  • the collected gas passes through the fan 34, scans the coil 26, passes through the distributor 18 and from there is sent to the ends of the members.
  • FIG. 2 shows a motor 30 constituted by a turbine whose output shaft carries a fan propeller 34.
  • the diameter of the turbine can be much smaller than that of the fan propeller, since the flow rate passing through the turbine is much lower than that which must pass through the secondary circuit of the exchanger. For example, for a flow of 8 to 15 l / min through the turbine, the flow of the fan will generally be between 150 and 200 l / min.
  • the supply pressure of the motor can be several bars while a few millibars are enough to overcome the pressure losses of the ventilation circuit.
  • the air supply to the fan can therefore take place through an annular space formed around the turbine.
  • the supply of respiratory gas to the turbine and the departure of gas can be carried out by small diameter pipes.
  • the motor 30 can have other constitutions: in particular, it can be constituted not by an expansion turbine, but by a volumetric machine, such as for example the pneumatic vane motor shown in FIG. 3.
  • the rotor 42 which carries the pallets 44 is still coupled to the fan 34.
  • the output of the coil of the exchanger 28 is connected to two circuits opening into the helmet.
  • the first circuit is similar to that which is mounted in FIG. 1, but comprises a flexible economiser bag 46, contained in the garment and having a volume of the order of a liter when it is inflated.
  • This bag 46 placed upstream of the outlet in the helmet 12 and downstream of the motor 30, adapts the continuous flow of the pneumatic motor 30 at the alternating flow of respiration, without increasing consumption.
  • the second circuit includes a demand regulator 48 having a reference pressure tap in the helmet to control the flow. It feeds a diffuser 50 for demisting the visor 14, opening into the helmet.
  • the variant embodiment shown in FIG. 5 differs from the previous one by selection means making it possible to supply the secondary circuit of the exchanger 28 either through the fan 34 (normal operation) or through a suction ejector 58 air in the garment.
  • These selection means comprise a three-way valve 60, with manual control or with automatic control in the event of a malfunction of the motor-vacuum cleaner assembly.
  • the valve 60 In a first position, the valve 60 sends a fraction of the gas leaving the primary circuit of the exchanger to the pneumatic motor 30. In its second position, it sends this fraction of the gas to the ejector 58.
  • a non-return valve 62 is interposed on the air intake to the fan.
  • Another valve 64 is interposed on the inlet to the ejector.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

The equipment, which can be used for combating fires, comprises an isolation suit consisting of a flexible and sealed garment (10) and of a helmet (12) having a transparent visor, fitted with a tank of liquefied respiratory gas supplying a respiratory circuit which emerges into the helmet. The respiratory circuit is supplied by the tank via the primary circuit of a heat exchanger. A compressed-air motor is interposed between the heat exchanger (28) and the respiratory circuit and is attached to a fan (34) for circulating air for cooling the garment (10) in a closed circuit passing via the exchanger (28). <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un équipement de protection individuelle en ambiance hostile, notamment en atmosphère contenant des produits toxiques ou corrosifs, comprenant un scaphandre muni d'une alimentation autonome en gaz respiratoire et de moyens de ventilation du scaphandre.The present invention relates to personal protective equipment in a hostile atmosphere, in particular in an atmosphere containing toxic or corrosive products, comprising a diving suit provided with an autonomous supply of respiratory gas and means of ventilation of the diving suit.

On connait déjà des équipements de ce genre ayant un scaphandre constitué d'un vêtement souple et étanche et d'un casque à visière transparente, raccordable à une réserve de gaz constituée par une bouteille d'alimentation en gaz respiratoire comprimé.Equipment of this type is already known having a spacesuit consisting of a flexible and waterproof garment and a helmet with transparent visor, connectable to a gas reserve constituted by a supply cylinder of compressed respiratory gas.

Au cours d'interventions dans une telle atmosphère, l'équipement de protection doit fournir du gaz respiratoire en quantité et qualité appropriée et aussi ventiler le corps pour évacuer la chaleur et éviter les condensations.During interventions in such an atmosphere, the protective equipment must supply respiratory gas in quantity and appropriate quality and also ventilate the body to evacuate the heat and to avoid condensation.

En général le gaz provenant de la bouteille alimente un éjecteur destiné à aspirer de l'air provenant du scaphandre et à le mettre en circulation pour assurer la ventilation. L'atmosphère respirée par le porteur du scaphandre est constituée par un mélange du gaz respiratoire fourni et du gaz du scaphandre. L'apport de gaz à partir de la bouteille est compensé par un échappement à travers des clapets équipant le scaphandre.In general, the gas coming from the bottle feeds an ejector intended to suck in air coming from the spacesuit and to put it in circulation for ventilation. The atmosphere breathed by the wearer of the suit is made up of a mixture of the supplied breathing gas and the suit's gas. The supply of gas from the bottle is compensated by an exhaust through valves fitted to the spacesuit.

Ces équipements connus ont un certain nombre d'inconvénients. Le circuit de ventilation peut être considéré comme ouvert, ce qui se traduit par un gaspillage de gaz respiratoire. Les gaz expirés venant se diluer dans l'ensemble de l'atmosphère du scaphandre, la teneur en CO₂ de ces gaz augmente rapidement et peut arriver à une valeur dangereuse.These known devices have a number of drawbacks. The ventilation circuit can be considered to be open, which results in wasted respiratory gas. The exhaled gases coming to dilute in the whole atmosphere of the spacesuit, the CO₂ content of these gases increases quickly and can reach a dangerous value.

De tels équipements n'ont en conséquence qu'une autonomie réduite, du fait que le volume et le poids des bouteilles de gaz comprimé servant à la respiration et à la ventilation doivent rester dans des limites acceptables.Such equipment consequently has only a reduced autonomy, owing to the fact that the volume and the weight of the compressed gas cylinders used for respiration and ventilation must remain within acceptable limits.

La substitution pure et simple d'un réservoir de gaz liquifié à une bouteille d'alimentation en gaz respiratoire comprimé laisse subsister la majeure partie des inconvénients ci-dessus.The pure and simple substitution of a tank of liquid gas for a supply cylinder of compressed respiratory gas leaves most of the above drawbacks to remain.

L'invention vise à résoudre le problème de la protection de personnel devant intervenir sur les lieux d'accidents et pour cela disposer d'un équipement qui autorise une activité physique, donc un métabolisme élevé, pendant une durée longue sans augmentation dangereuse de la teneur en CO₂ des gaz inspirés.The invention aims to solve the problem of the protection of personnel having to intervene on the scene of accidents and for this to have equipment which allows physical activity, therefore a high metabolism, for a long period without dangerous increase in the content. CO₂ inspired gases.

Pour résoudre ce problème, l'invention propose notamment un équipement individuel de protection dans lequel la réserve de gaz respiratoire est constituée par un réservoir de gaz liquéfié (air liquide, oxygène liquide ou mélange liquéfié contenant de l'hélium et/ou de l'hydrogène en plus de l'oxygène et de l'azote) alimentant un circuit respiratoire débouchant dans le casque, généralement à travers une valve de régulation, qui peut être de constitution classique ; l'équipement est caractérisé en ce que le circuit respiratoire est alimenté par le réservoir à travers le circuit primaire d'un échangeur de chaleur et un moteur pneumatique interposé entre l'échangeur de chaleur et le circuit respiratoire et est attelé à un ventilateur de circulation d'air de ventilation du vêtement en circuit fermé passant par l'échangeur. Dans l'échangeur, le gaz de ventilation est refroidi et asséché avant d'alimenter le scaphandre.To solve this problem, the invention proposes in particular individual protective equipment in which the reserve of respiratory gas consists of a tank of liquefied gas (liquid air, liquid oxygen or liquefied mixture containing helium and / or hydrogen in addition to oxygen and nitrogen) feeding a respiratory circuit opening into the helmet, generally through a regulating valve, which can be of conventional constitution; the equipment is characterized in that the respiratory circuit is supplied by the reservoir through the primary circuit of a heat exchanger and a pneumatic motor interposed between the heat exchanger and the respiratory circuit and is coupled to a circulation fan ventilation air of the garment in a closed circuit passing through the exchanger. In the exchanger, the ventilation gas is cooled and dried before feeding the spacesuit.

Le retour du gaz de ventilation au scaphandre peut s'effectuer par des tubulures de répartition débouchant aux extrémités des membres, suivant une disposition déjà connue, par exemple celle décrite dans le document EP-A-0 317 415. Le circuit de ventilation peut être fermé ou simplement semi-fermé, avec évacuation d'un débit de gaz, dans le cas d'un équipement destiné à être utilisé dans l'atmosphère.The return of the ventilation gas to the spacesuit can be carried out by distribution pipes opening out at the ends of the members, according to an already known arrangement, for example that described in document EP-A-0 317 415. The ventilation circuit can be closed or simply semi-closed, with evacuation of a gas flow, in the case of equipment intended to be used in the atmosphere.

Dans un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention, la face est séparée de l'atmosphère autour du corps par un joint, (joint facial ou plus fréquemment joint de cou) et le casque est muni d'une soupape d'expiration. On réalise ainsi de façon simple la séparation entre un circuit respiratoire ouvert qui transite par le casque vers l'atmosphère et le circuit de ventilation fermé à travers le vêtement. L'expiration se fait directement hors du scaphandre et on évite de conserver la vapeur d'eau et le gaz carbonique expirés à l'intérieur du scaphandre.In a particular embodiment of the invention, the face is separated from the atmosphere around the body by a seal (facial seal or more frequently neck seal) and the helmet is provided with an exhalation valve. This creates a simple separation between an open respiratory circuit which passes through the helmet to the atmosphere and the closed ventilation circuit through the garment. The expiration takes place directly outside the spacesuit and it avoids keeping the expired water vapor and carbon dioxide inside the spacesuit.

Dans un autre mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention, une fraction seulement du débit de gaz respiratoire provenant du circuit primaire de l'échangeur est envoyée vers le moteur pneumatique, le reste du débit de gaz alimentant le casque ou un masque respiratoire par l'intermédiaire d'un régulateur à la demande.In another particular embodiment of the invention, only a fraction of the flow of respiratory gas coming from the primary circuit of the exchanger is sent to the pneumatic motor, the rest of the flow of gas supplying the helmet or a respiratory mask by the through an on-demand regulator.

Dans tous les cas, un sac économiseur, pouvant avoir une constitution et une fonction similaires à celle des sacs prévus sur les masques à oxygène de secours destinés aux passagers des avions commerciaux, peut être interposé entre la sortie du moteur pneumatique et l'admission dans le casque.In all cases, an economizer bag, which may have a constitution and a function similar to that of the bags provided on the emergency oxygen masks intended for passengers on commercial aircraft, may be interposed between the outlet of the pneumatic engine and the intake into helmet.

Quel que soit celui de ces modes de réalisation qui est adopté, l'invention permet d'utiliser non seulement le caractère respirable du gaz de la réserve mais aussi son état physique, le gaz liquéfié constituant une source de frigories et la pression du gaz vaporisé fournissant l'énergie nécessaire à la ventilation.Whichever of these embodiments is adopted, the invention makes it possible to use not only the breathable nature of the reserve gas but also its physical state, the liquefied gas constituting a source of frigories and the pressure of the vaporized gas. providing the energy needed for ventilation.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui suit de modes particuliers de réalisation, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs. La description se réfère aux dessins qui l'accompagnent, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 montre schématiquement la constitution générale d'un équipement individuel de protection suivant un mode particulier de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, particulièrement simple ;
  • la figure 2 montre une constitution possible de l'ensemble turbine-ventilateur incorporé dans l'équipement de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe schématique d'un moteur pneumatique à palettes pouvant constituer le moteur de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4, similaire à une fraction de la figure 1, montre une variante de réalisation ;
  • la figure 5, similaire à une fraction de la figure 1, montre une autre variante encore de réalisation, permettant un fonctionnement en secours, en cas de défaillance du moteur.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of nonlimiting examples. The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 schematically shows the general constitution of an individual protective equipment according to a particular mode of implementation of the invention, particularly simple;
  • Figure 2 shows a possible constitution of the turbine-fan assembly incorporated in the equipment of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a pneumatic vane motor which can constitute the motor of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4, similar to a fraction of Figure 1, shows an alternative embodiment;
  • Figure 5, similar to a fraction of Figure 1, shows yet another alternative embodiment, allowing emergency operation in the event of engine failure.

L'équipement respiratoire montré schématiquement sur la figure 1 comporte un scaphandre ayant un vêtement 10 et un casque 12 muni d'une visière transparente 14. Le casque est muni d'une soupape expiratoire 15 prévue pour maintenir autour de la tête une surpression de quelques millibars par rapport à l'atmosphère ambiante. Un joint de cou 16 venant s'appliquer contre la peau sépare l'espace entourant la tête, de l'espace entourant le reste du corps. Ce joint de cou 16 peut être remplacé par un joint facial ou un masque oro-nasal. Le vêtement est équipé d'un réseau de canalisations permettant d'organiser la circulation de gaz de ventilation le long des membres et du torse. Dans le mode de réalisation donné à titre de simple exemple, ce réseau de canalisations comporte un répartiteur 18 entre des conduites 20 d'amenée de gaz vers les extrémités des membres, le retour s'effectuant par circulation le long des membres vers l'espace entourant le torse. Le vêtement est équipé d'une soupape 22 tarée ou de plusieurs, de maintien d'une surpression dans le scaphandre. Cette surpression sera souvent d'environ 2 millibars dans le cas d'une utilisation du scaphandre en atmosphère sous pression atmosphérique normale. Elle est suffisante pour éviter l'envahissement du scaphandre par des produits toxiques ou corrosifs en provenance de l'extérieur.The respiratory equipment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1 comprises a suit having a garment 10 and a helmet 12 provided with a transparent visor 14. The helmet is provided with an exhalation valve 15 provided to maintain an overpressure of a few around the head. millibars compared to the ambient atmosphere. A neck seal 16 which is applied against the skin separates the space surrounding the head from the space surrounding the rest of the body. This neck seal 16 can be replaced by a facial seal or an oro-nasal mask. The garment is equipped with a network of pipes to organize the circulation of ventilation gas along the limbs and torso. In the embodiment given by way of simple example, this network of pipes includes a distributor 18 between pipes 20 for supplying gas to the ends of the members, the return being effected by circulation along the members towards the space surrounding the torso. The garment is equipped with a calibrated valve or more, 22 maintaining an overpressure in the spacesuit. This overpressure will often be around 2 millibars in the case of use of the spacesuit in an atmosphere under normal atmospheric pressure. It is sufficient to prevent the flooding of the suit with toxic or corrosive products from outside.

Dans une poche attenant au vêtement 10, ou à l'intérieur même de ce vêtement, est placée une réserve de gaz respiratoire constituée par un réservoir 24 de gaz respirable liquéfie. Ce réservoir appartient à un convertisseur dont la constitution générale est similaire à celle des convertisseurs utilisés à l'heure actuelle dans les avions militaires pour alimenter l'équipage en gaz respiratoire. Il est muni d'un détendeur classique de régulation de pression, à 5 bars par exemple (non représenté), et alimente le serpentin 26 constituant le circuit primaire d'un échangeur de chaleur 28.In a pocket adjacent to the garment 10, or even inside this garment, is placed a reserve of respiratory gas constituted by a reservoir 24 of liquefied breathable gas. This tank belongs to a converter whose general constitution is similar to that of the converters currently used in military aircraft to supply the crew with respiratory gas. It is fitted with a conventional pressure regulator, at 5 bars for example (not shown), and supplies the coil 26 constituting the primary circuit of a heat exchanger 28.

Dans le mode de réalisation montré en figure 1, la sortie du serpentin 26 alimente un moteur pneumatique rotatif 30 dont la sortie est reliée à une conduite 32 qui débouche dans le casque 12. Un sac économiseur 46 (en tirets sur la figure 1) peut être relié à la conduite 12. Le gaz respiratoire qui parvient au casque ne peut donc en aucun cas se mélanger au gaz occupant l'intérieur du vêtement. Le moteur 30 est attelé à un ventilateur 34 destiné à prélever du gaz dans le vêtement 10 et à le faire circuler dans l'échangeur 28, où ce gaz prélevé se refroidit et se dessèche. Pour cela l'échangeur de chaleur 28 peut comporter une enveloppe 36 de guidage du gaz, munie à sa base de moyens d'évacuation des condensats, qui peuvent se réduire à un tube 38 de faible section.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the output of the coil 26 feeds a rotary pneumatic motor 30, the output of which is connected to a pipe 32 which opens into the helmet 12. An economizer bag 46 (in dashes in FIG. 1) can be connected to line 12. The respiratory gas which reaches the helmet cannot therefore in any case mix with the gas occupying the interior of the garment. The motor 30 is coupled to a fan 34 intended to take gas from the garment 10 and to circulate it in the exchanger 28, where this withdrawn gas cools and dries out. For this, the heat exchanger 28 may comprise a casing 36 for guiding the gas, provided at its base with means for discharging the condensates, which can be reduced to a tube 38 of small section.

Dans ce cas la partie haute de l'enveloppe 36 peut être simplement ouverte largement au-dessus du ventilateur 34, de façon à collecter du gaz dans le vêtement 10. La partie basse de l'enveloppe 36 alimente une gaine 40 qui débouche dans le répartiteur 18. Le gaz collecté traverse le ventilateur 34, balaye le serpentin 26, passe dans le répartiteur 18 et de là est envoyé aux extrémités des membres.In this case, the upper part of the envelope 36 can be simply opened widely above the fan 34, so as to collect gas in the garment 10. The lower part of the envelope 36 feeds a sheath 40 which opens into the distributor 18. The collected gas passes through the fan 34, scans the coil 26, passes through the distributor 18 and from there is sent to the ends of the members.

Le moteur 30 et le ventilateur 34 peuvent avoir des constitutions très diverses. La figure 2 montre un moteur 30 constitué par une turbine dont l'arbre de sortie porte une hélice de ventilateur 34. Le diamètre de la turbine peut être très inférieur à celui de l'hélice du ventilateur, car le débit traversant la turbine est beaucoup plus faible que celui qui doit traverser le circuit secondaire de l'échangeur. Par exemple pour un débit de 8 à 15 l/mn à travers la turbine, le débit du ventilateur sera généralement compris entre 150 et 200 l/mn. En revanche, la pression d'alimentation du moteur peut être de plusieurs bars alors qu'il suffit de quelques millibars pour vaincre les pertes de charge du circuit de ventilation. L'alimentation en air du ventilateur peut en conséquence s'effectuer par un espace annulaire ménagé autour de la turbine. L'arrivée de gaz respiratoire à la turbine et le départ de gaz peuvent s'effectuer par des conduites de petit diamètre.The motor 30 and the fan 34 can have very diverse constitutions. FIG. 2 shows a motor 30 constituted by a turbine whose output shaft carries a fan propeller 34. The diameter of the turbine can be much smaller than that of the fan propeller, since the flow rate passing through the turbine is much lower than that which must pass through the secondary circuit of the exchanger. For example, for a flow of 8 to 15 l / min through the turbine, the flow of the fan will generally be between 150 and 200 l / min. On the other hand, the supply pressure of the motor can be several bars while a few millibars are enough to overcome the pressure losses of the ventilation circuit. The air supply to the fan can therefore take place through an annular space formed around the turbine. The supply of respiratory gas to the turbine and the departure of gas can be carried out by small diameter pipes.

Le moteur 30 peut avoir d'autres constitutions : en particulier, il peut être constitué non par une turbine à détente, mais par une machine volumétrique, comme par exemple le moteur pneumatique à palettes montré en figure 3. Le rotor 42 qui porte les palettes 44 est encore accouplé au ventilateur 34.The motor 30 can have other constitutions: in particular, it can be constituted not by an expansion turbine, but by a volumetric machine, such as for example the pneumatic vane motor shown in FIG. 3. The rotor 42 which carries the pallets 44 is still coupled to the fan 34.

Dans la variante de réalisation montrée en figure 4 (où les organes déjà représentés en figure 1 sont désignés par le même numéro de référence) une fraction seulement du gaz respiratoire vaporisé dans le serpentin 26 de l'échangeur 28 traverse la turbine 30. Cette solution permet en particulier de faire traverser la turbine 30 par un débit qui varie peu ; les appels exceptionnels de débit respiratoire en cas d'effort passent par un régulateur à la demande, qui peut être classique, monté en dérivation.In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4 (where the members already represented in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference number) only a fraction of the respiratory gas vaporized in the coil 26 of the exchanger 28 passes through the turbine 30. This solution in particular allows the turbine 30 to pass through at a rate which varies little; the exceptional calls for respiratory flow in the event of effort pass through a demand regulator, which can be conventional, mounted in bypass.

De façon plus précise la sortie du serpentin de l'échangeur 28 est reliée à deux circuits débouchant dans le casque.More precisely, the output of the coil of the exchanger 28 is connected to two circuits opening into the helmet.

Le premier circuit est similaire à celui qui est monté en figure 1, mais comporte un sac économiseur souple 46, contenu dans le vêtement et ayant un volume de l'ordre du litre lorsqu'il est gonflé. Ce sac 46, placé en amont du débouché dans le casque 12 et en aval du moteur 30, adapte le débit continu du moteur pneumatique 30 au débit alterné de la respiration, sans augmenter la consommation.The first circuit is similar to that which is mounted in FIG. 1, but comprises a flexible economiser bag 46, contained in the garment and having a volume of the order of a liter when it is inflated. This bag 46, placed upstream of the outlet in the helmet 12 and downstream of the motor 30, adapts the continuous flow of the pneumatic motor 30 at the alternating flow of respiration, without increasing consumption.

Le second circuit comporte un régulateur à la demande 48 ayant une prise de pression de référence dans le casque pour commander le débit. Il alimente un diffuseur 50 de désembuage de la visière 14, débouchant dans le casque.The second circuit includes a demand regulator 48 having a reference pressure tap in the helmet to control the flow. It feeds a diffuser 50 for demisting the visor 14, opening into the helmet.

Grâce à cette disposition, l'expiration se fait normalement directement vers l'ambiance, hors du scaphandre, ce qui évite de conserver la vapeur d'eau et le gaz carbonique expirés.Thanks to this arrangement, the expiration is normally done directly towards the environment, out of the spacesuit, which avoids conserving the expired water vapor and carbon dioxide.

Des solutions intermédiaires, ne reprenant qu'une partie des dispositions montrées sur la figure 4, sont également possibles.Intermediate solutions, repeating only part of the arrangements shown in FIG. 4, are also possible.

La variante de réalisation montrée en figure 5 se différencie de la précédente par des moyens de sélection permettant d'alimenter le circuit secondaire de l'échangeur 28 soit à travers le ventilateur 34 (fonctionnement normal), soit à travers un éjecteur 58 d'aspiration d'air dans le vêtement.The variant embodiment shown in FIG. 5 differs from the previous one by selection means making it possible to supply the secondary circuit of the exchanger 28 either through the fan 34 (normal operation) or through a suction ejector 58 air in the garment.

Ces moyens de sélection comportent une vanne à trois voies 60, à commande manuelle ou à commande automatique en cas de défaut de fonctionnement de l'ensemble moteur-aspirateur. Dans une première position, la vanne 60 envoie une fraction du gaz sortant du circuit primaire de l'échangeur vers le moteur pneumatique 30. Dans sa seconde position, elle envoie cette fraction du gaz vers l'éjecteur 58.These selection means comprise a three-way valve 60, with manual control or with automatic control in the event of a malfunction of the motor-vacuum cleaner assembly. In a first position, the valve 60 sends a fraction of the gas leaving the primary circuit of the exchanger to the pneumatic motor 30. In its second position, it sends this fraction of the gas to the ejector 58.

Pour éviter que, dans le second cas, le mélange aspiré par l'éjecteur ne s'échappe à travers le ventilateur 34, un clapet anti-retour 62 est interposé sur l'admission d'air au ventilateur. Un autre clapet 64 est interposé sur l'admission à l'éjecteur.To avoid that, in the second case, the mixture sucked by the ejector does not escape through the fan 34, a non-return valve 62 is interposed on the air intake to the fan. Another valve 64 is interposed on the inlet to the ejector.

L'invention ne se limite pas aux modes particuliers de réalisation qui ont été représentés et décrits à titre d'exemples et il doit être entendu que la portée du présent brevet s'étend à toutes variantes restant dans le cadre des équivalences.The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments which have been shown and described by way of examples and it should be understood that the scope of the present patent extends to all variants remaining within the framework of equivalences.

Claims (6)

Equipement de protection individuel en ambiance hostile, comprenant un scaphandre constitué d'un vêtement (10) souple et étanche et d'un casque (12) à visière transparente, muni d'un réservoir de gaz respiratoire liquéfié alimentant un circuit respiratoire débouchant dans le casque, caractérisé en ce que le circuit respiratoire est alimenté par le réservoir à travers le circuit primaire d'un échangeur de chaleur et en ce qu'un moteur pneumatique est interposé entre l'échangeur de chaleur (28) et le circuit respiratoire et est attelé à un ventilateur (34) de circulation d'air de ventilation du vêtement (10) en circuit fermé passant par le circuit secondaire de l'échangeur (28).Personal protective equipment in a hostile atmosphere, comprising a spacesuit consisting of a flexible and waterproof garment (10) and a helmet (12) with transparent visor, provided with a tank of liquefied respiratory gas supplying a respiratory circuit opening into the helmet, characterized in that the respiratory circuit is supplied by the reservoir through the primary circuit of a heat exchanger and in that a pneumatic motor is interposed between the heat exchanger (28) and the respiratory circuit and is coupled to a garment ventilation air circulation fan (34) in a closed circuit passing through the secondary circuit of the exchanger (28). Equipement suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le casque (12) est muni de moyens pour isoler les voies respiratoires du porteur et est muni d'une soupape d'expiration (15) tarée pour maintenir une surpression dans la partie qui recouvre la face et reçoit le débouché du circuit respiratoire.Equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the helmet (12) is provided with means for isolating the respiratory tract from the wearer and is provided with an exhalation valve (15) calibrated to maintain an overpressure in the part which covers the face and receives the outlet of the respiratory circuit. Equipement selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens d'isolement sont constitués par un joint de cou, un joint facial ou un masque oro-nasal.Equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that said isolation means consist of a neck seal, a face seal or an oro-nasal mask. Equipement suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le casque est muni de moyens, tels qu'un joint de cou (16), pour isoler la face du porteur et en ce qu'une fraction seulement du débit de gaz respiratoire provenant du circuit primaire (26) de l'échangeur (28) passe dans le moteur pneumatique (30), le reste du débit de gaz alimentant la partie du casque (12) recouvrant la face ou un masque respiratoire par l'intermédiaire d'un régulateur à la demande (48) d'adaptation à la respiration du porteur.Equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the helmet is provided with means, such as a neck seal (16), for isolating the face of the wearer and in that only a fraction of the flow of respiratory gas coming from the circuit primary (26) of the exchanger (28) passes into the pneumatic motor (30), the rest of the gas flow supplying the part of the helmet (12) covering the face or a respiratory mask via a regulator the request (48) for adaptation to the wearer's breathing. Equipement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par un sac économiseur (46) placé dans le vêtement et interposé sur le circuit d'alimentation du casque en gaz respiratoire.Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an economiser bag (46) placed in the garment and interposed on the circuit supply of the helmet with respiratory gas. Equipement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par des moyens de sélection permettant d'alimenter le circuit secondaire de l'échangeur 28 soit à travers le ventilateur 34 (fonctionnement normal), soit à travers un éjecteur 58 d'aspiration d'air dans le vêtement.Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by selection means making it possible to supply the secondary circuit of the exchanger 28 either through the fan 34 (normal operation), or through an ejector 58 for suction from air in the garment.
EP91403195A 1990-11-27 1991-11-26 Protective isolation suit Expired - Lifetime EP0488880B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9014811 1990-11-27
FR9014811A FR2669541B1 (en) 1990-11-27 1990-11-27 PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR SCAPHANDRE.

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EP0488880A1 true EP0488880A1 (en) 1992-06-03
EP0488880B1 EP0488880B1 (en) 1995-10-11

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US (1) US5339806A (en)
EP (1) EP0488880B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH07554A (en)
CA (1) CA2056211C (en)
DE (1) DE69113757T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2079050T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2669541B1 (en)

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GB2281103A (en) * 1993-08-10 1995-02-22 Luo A Fa Fans driven by pneumatic motors
US5499623A (en) * 1992-02-22 1996-03-19 Dragerwerk Ag Gas mask and breathing equipment with liquefied respiration gas
WO1996032988A1 (en) * 1995-04-21 1996-10-24 Figgie International Inc. Apparatus for providing a conditioned airflow inside a microenvironment and method
CN105066504A (en) * 2015-08-06 2015-11-18 浙江省江山市浙安消防设备有限公司 Refrigeration device of cooling suit

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US6681589B2 (en) * 2002-02-01 2004-01-27 Honeywell International Inc. Space suit backpack using solid adsorbents for cryogenic oxygen storage, freezeout of carbon dioxide and moisture, and ice heat sink
US6823867B2 (en) 2002-04-12 2004-11-30 3M Innovative Properties Company Pouch for the blower unit of a powered air purifying respirator
US6796304B2 (en) 2002-04-12 2004-09-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Personal containment system with sealed passthrough
US6948191B2 (en) * 2002-04-12 2005-09-27 3M Innovative Properties Company Personal protective suit with partial flow restriction
US7124593B2 (en) * 2003-09-02 2006-10-24 Steve Feher Temperature conditioning apparatus for the trunk of a human body
JP4746042B2 (en) * 2004-07-23 2011-08-10 インタースピロー， インコーポレイテッド Apparatus and method for providing respiratory air and body protection in a contaminated environment
US8011027B2 (en) * 2004-11-17 2011-09-06 Interspiro, Inc. Protective seal mechanism
US7937775B2 (en) 2005-08-09 2011-05-10 Microtek Medical, Inc. Surgical protective head gear assembly including high volume air delivery system
JP2010523285A (en) * 2007-04-11 2010-07-15 ジョン， ジェイ． デイヴィス， Atraumatic introducer for nasal endotracheal tube and method of use thereof
JP5198311B2 (en) * 2008-02-18 2013-05-15 株式会社イハラ Protective equipment, isolation equipment and filters
CN104841069B (en) * 2015-05-27 2018-04-06 苏州经贸职业技术学院 Can cooling protection clothes
JP7506390B2 (en) * 2019-11-19 2024-06-26 興研株式会社 Respiratory protection equipment and fire-resistant clothing worn with respiratory protection equipment
CN116419780A (en) * 2020-10-19 2023-07-11 阿沃克斯***公司 Demisting system for a mask and related method
CN112999789A (en) * 2021-03-15 2021-06-22 恩平市超弦膜技术有限公司 Molecular membrane gas purification method applied to positive pressure respiratory system of closed protective clothing
CN114084317A (en) * 2021-11-22 2022-02-25 东台市兴盾船舶设备有限公司 Fire control dive buoyancy undershirt

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US5499623A (en) * 1992-02-22 1996-03-19 Dragerwerk Ag Gas mask and breathing equipment with liquefied respiration gas
WO1994028346A1 (en) * 1993-06-01 1994-12-08 Andonian Martin D All position cryogenic liquefied-gas container
GB2281103A (en) * 1993-08-10 1995-02-22 Luo A Fa Fans driven by pneumatic motors
WO1996032988A1 (en) * 1995-04-21 1996-10-24 Figgie International Inc. Apparatus for providing a conditioned airflow inside a microenvironment and method
CN105066504A (en) * 2015-08-06 2015-11-18 浙江省江山市浙安消防设备有限公司 Refrigeration device of cooling suit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH07554A (en) 1995-01-06
EP0488880B1 (en) 1995-10-11
US5339806A (en) 1994-08-23
DE69113757T2 (en) 1996-03-14
FR2669541B1 (en) 1993-02-19
ES2079050T3 (en) 1996-01-01
CA2056211C (en) 1998-09-29
CA2056211A1 (en) 1992-05-28
DE69113757D1 (en) 1995-11-16
FR2669541A1 (en) 1992-05-29

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